Hello - new to PRS and this forum. While I was researching SE 245/Bernies I got a lot of helpful info here so I thought I'd give back with my experience with some replacement parts. I used to own a 2001 Gibson Historic 57 reissue but sold it to pay my kids community college tuition. Wanting an affordable LP type replacement I finally picked up a mint 2011 SE 245 black. Beautifully crafted by World Musical Instruments.
I had a set of Dimarzio 36th Anniversary covered humbuckers on hand for just such an occasion. This SE had black pickup rings and double black exposed coils, so I wanted to put cream rings and switch tip on also. There seems to be questions about what rings will fit, but I went ahead and ordered the following from Allparts and they fit fine. Screws lined up and height was fine. Cream color is nice and matches the switch tip.
PC-0743-028 PC-0743-028 Humbucking Pickup Rings Flat Slanted Cream
SK-0643-028 SK-0643-028 Cream Switch Tips for Import Guitars
Something that surprised me was the stock pickups had "Santana" labels on the bottom. They sounded good but I was looking for something more vintage sounding. Also, the screws on the bridge pickup aren't lining up exactly on the treble strings, so I may investigate an F-spaced 36th.
But damn if this under-$600 rig isn't replacing a $2000 LP quite well.
Before and after pictures below. Now to start playing again.
I had a set of Dimarzio 36th Anniversary covered humbuckers on hand for just such an occasion. This SE had black pickup rings and double black exposed coils, so I wanted to put cream rings and switch tip on also. There seems to be questions about what rings will fit, but I went ahead and ordered the following from Allparts and they fit fine. Screws lined up and height was fine. Cream color is nice and matches the switch tip.
PC-0743-028 PC-0743-028 Humbucking Pickup Rings Flat Slanted Cream
SK-0643-028 SK-0643-028 Cream Switch Tips for Import Guitars
Something that surprised me was the stock pickups had "Santana" labels on the bottom. They sounded good but I was looking for something more vintage sounding. Also, the screws on the bridge pickup aren't lining up exactly on the treble strings, so I may investigate an F-spaced 36th.
But damn if this under-$600 rig isn't replacing a $2000 LP quite well.
Before and after pictures below. Now to start playing again.
