SE pickups: 58/15s vs DS-02s

[Dallasindallas]

I’ve explored these forums for a while, posting for first time.

I have an SE HBII and a SE Starla, and swapped the factory pickups between the two. Sharing my observations, and hoping others with experience with other pickups will weigh in.

DS-02 seems wider frequency spectrum, clearer treble attack, bigger & looser low end (not sloppy), but subdued mids. 58/15s is way more mid forward, plenty of bark, but limited frequency spectrum - lows and high highs are rolled off compared to the DS-02s.

There’s things I like about both, in both guitars. Love the mid articulation of the 58/15s, but also love the bandwidth and dynamics of the DS-02s.

Is there a middle ground out there in PRS pickups? 58/15 LT? Apologies, I know I’m champagne taste on a beer budget - but curious what insights y’all have…

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

what is “middle ground”? Are you referring to price?

57/08 neck with 59/09 treble is a great combo.

I was wildly disappointed with the DS-02’s after dealing with the real deal Starlas. But that’s my personal experience.

 

[Dallasindallas]

sorry, middle ground Tonally - something with the broader frequency spectrum and top end clarity of ds-02, but with the midrange punch of 58/15.

Doesn’t have to be super hot - seems to me that hotter pickups often loose clarity in high frequencies.

 

[dogrocketp]

I'm in the 57/08- 59/09 camp for a lot of different styles. The 57/08's are my favorite humbuckers of all time.

 

[bodia]

I'm in the 57/08- 59/09 camp for a lot of different styles. The 57/08's are my favorite humbuckers of all time.

I’ll second this.

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

sorry, middle ground Tonally - something with the broader frequency spectrum and top end clarity of ds-02, but with the midrange punch of 58/15.

Doesn’t have to be super hot - seems to me that hotter pickups often loose clarity in high frequencies.

57/08 neck with 59/09 treble will for sure get you there.

 

[Dallasindallas]

Awesome - thanks y’all!