I'm a man who's got very specific taste

[hord1080]

I am on the hunt for a new/used Custom 24, but not just any Custom 24, and what I am looking for seems to be pretty rare these days. On the prowl on Reverb and my favorite shop's pages, I will often see a guitar that strikes my fancy. Ooo...look at that Wood Library super flame-y or quilt-y top...DANG! then I flip to the back and...it's black. Sorry, I am strictly a natural back kind of guy. Or, the most common scenario - this one ticks all the boxes (nice top, right color (nothing too bland), natty back (ideally not too light like some swamp ash that's very popular now - i need that contrast between the top, natural binding, and back, and lower horn carve - so tasty!!), satin flame maple/roasted maple or rosewood neck (not glossy), pattern thin) but then...58/15 LTs. whomp whomp! I really like the 85/15's which you can't buy, they tick all the boxes for me. Would it be a mistake to take one that ticks all the boxes but not the 85/15s? I feel like the LTs might be too far outside my musical tastes - I suppose I could try them and swap to 57/08 or \m/ in the bridge. What is a man to do? Here is one near me that I love except the low output pickups:

https://reverb.com/item/34560654-pr...om-24-fatback-quilted-maple-10-top-river-blue

 

[bodia]

I snagged one of these from Jack’s WL run back in June. Just push the button. You will not regret it!

https://forums.prsguitars.com/threads/ngd-something-roasted-this-way-comes.43812/

 

[Davey]

I suppose I could try them and swap to 57/08 or \m/ in the bridge. What is a man to do? Here is one near me that I love except the low output pickups:

https://reverb.com/item/34560654-pr...om-24-fatback-quilted-maple-10-top-river-blue

This^
You can always swap pickups although I dont know how often 85/15's come available. But the \m/ pickups are quite nice or the 57/08's and they are readily available.

 

[Stephen J.]

https://www.peachguitars.com/prs-wo...-red-to-grey-black-roasted-maple-ziricote.htm

This says it had 35/20 pickups. I haven’t heard of those before.

 

[dogrocketp]

35/20...........WTF?

 

[Muybien04]

Do it! Blue quilt and a natural back are awesome.

 

[WA Paul]

https://www.peachguitars.com/prs-wo...-red-to-grey-black-roasted-maple-ziricote.htm

This says it had 35/20 pickups. I haven’t heard of those before.

I think I remember Shawn saying they were going to release a new set called 35/20 but canceled it in favor of TCI?
35th anniversary, 2020 = 35/20

 

[Malloc]

Not to be an enabler, but I say do it. 85/15’s are the most common “unavailable” PRS pickup to show up on auction sites (hint hint there is even a decently priced pair right now as of 9/8 listed on one that doesn’t start with R...)

 

[GuitarJammin]

Not to be an enabler, but I say do it. 85/15’s are the most common “unavailable” PRS pickup to show up on auction sites (hint hint there is even a decently priced pair right now as of 9/8 listed on one that doesn’t start with R...)

Yup went fishing on the bay and found them right away. 275 n and b.

 

[Jazzedout]

Buy the guitar you like with the LT's. If you think they are weak sounding, add a clean boost pedal...
I use a tc spark to level my sound between high output and low output pickups these days...

 

[hord1080]

thanks all. i need to move some guitars first and convince the wife, but should lady luck shine on me I will let you all know.

 

[bodia]

35/20...........WTF?

I think I remember Shawn saying they were going to release a new set called 35/20 but canceled it in favor of TCI?
35th anniversary, 2020 = 35/20

Paul, you remember correctly.

 

[21Hemispheres12]

If I didn’t already have my 24-08 I’d be all over one of these two.

https://reverb.com/item/35706477-pr...rary-custom-24-guitar-ebony-satin-purple-mist
[URL]https://reverb.com/item/35705151-prs-paul-reed-smith-wood-library-custom-24-guitar-satin-jade-smokeburst-braziian[/URL]

 

[hord1080]

wow those are amazing. I am actually not a huge swamp ash fan, I like the color of traditional mahogany, but those have some mean vibes! Love smoked hardware.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Paul, you remember correctly.

I’m holding out for the 70/55’s!

 

[Tahlee]

The guitar is your foundation. You can change the pickups and the choices are almost unlimited. Then, just sell the original set to offset the cost.

 

[hord1080]

I found a used Cu24 that is more in my price range, it's satin. I know that satin can/will gloss up over time, but any difference in the feel in a satin hog neck vs. satin flame maple? I am mainly in love with that "raw wood" feel that I had playing my buddy's maple neck Cu24. I know the tone might be a little different, but beggars can't be choosers - I just don't know I would be happy with a glossy neck after feeling that slick woody neck goodness.

 

[bodia]

I found a used Cu24 that is more in my price range, it's satin. I know that satin can/will gloss up over time, but any difference in the feel in a satin hog neck vs. satin flame maple? I am mainly in love with that "raw wood" feel that I had playing my buddy's maple neck Cu24. I know the tone might be a little different, but beggars can't be choosers - I just don't know I would be happy with a glossy neck after feeling that slick woody neck goodness.

Nope, same feeling as the naked maple. I had the PTC refinish a Cu22 a few years ago. I asked about leaving the neck bare, but they wouldn’t do it. They were willing to give it the same satin black finish that they use on the Holcomb. I love how it turned out, and how it feels. Since then, I sent a Santana in to have the back refinished in white. I had them do the same thing on that neck. White satin feel.

 

[VHTStark]

Not to be an enabler, but I say do it. 85/15’s are the most common “unavailable” PRS pickup to show up on auction sites (hint hint there is even a decently priced pair right now as of 9/8 listed on one that doesn’t start with R...)

Beat me to it, but yes, 85/15's actually pop up quite a bit! I think they are killer pickups and have snagged a couple sets at very reasonable prices. I have not seen many 58/15's of any variation very often.

So ya, definitely don't let the fact that it doesn't have 85/15's in there stop you, as you will be able to find some used ones. As has also been mentioned, 57/08's and 59/09's can be had both used and new and are also some of the best out there!!