Upgrading my 2006 CE22 tuners and pick ups.

[tip]

Hi,
I have a fine 2006 CE 22 that I am looking for direct replacement higher ratio tuners. Please recommend.
Does not have to be from the expensive PRS family but no new holes. I like 18:1.

Also this one came with some nice McCarty pickups. But I am wondering about an upgrading recommendation from you folks. Looking for better single coil type articulation.
At home I have a PRS core set of SC-245. Would that be worth an install?
Or another PU that will give me some great in between strat sounds.

 

[gush]

Personally, I would leave the ph2 tuners alone.

5708s sound great split.

 

[bodia]

Personally, I would leave the ph2 tuners alone.

5708s sound great split.

Ditto!

 

[garrett]

It's hard to beat Phase II keys. There aren't many options for tuners with the same mounting tab. The Schaller M6 mini (which the PRS keys are based on) are 14:1. Hipshot has a 16:1 set that matches, or you could do their open back 18:1 with their universal mounting plate.

I have the 18:1 Hipshots on a guitar, but I don't have any issues with 14:1. I think the key is a smooth rotation. Just a little tweak of the screws that hold the tuner buttons on can change the feel remarkably.

I'm not sure the SC245 pups will differ enough to make it worth a swap for the McCarty pups. Maybe look for something low-medium output with A5 magnets and no covers for better articulation.

 

[tip]

Thanks for your INFO. I will adjust the tuner screws. I found the top E<A<D string tuner screws top be a little loose on the locking mechanism.
Better.
I also am using a new PRS trem arm other than the stock one that came with it.
I got it from my case candy of my fixed bridge CU22. It lowers the trem tip height a good 1/2". Way better.

I am selling my CU22 but I will miss those 57/08's. But not the W/T neck with the black, sticky finish, yuk.

I am wondering about getting some 57/08's for this bolt on 2006 CE22?
Will they sound different in this 7.5 lb bolt on maple neck and maybe it's not worth the effort?

 

[Snoopygore71]

Any of the 5x/xx pick ups are cool for split tones. I have a Cu22 with 53/10's but these are rare. My CE24 has a 57/08 and 59/09 and it is the go to guitar. Very articulate in HB and tapped modes. It is 93 so has an alder body. I have not really tried the newer 58/15 and 85/15 but believe the 85/15's have had the best reviews.

 

[gush]

My 97 ce24 has 5708s with splits on vol and tone pots..fabulous guitar. I play it a lot. I put 5310s in an all mahogany CE22 and they really sound good too. It has rotary switch.

I have another 97 ce22 with dragon 1s and rotary switch. It is a rock n roll love factory!

 

[tip]

Would anyone think switching my Quatro's too articulate 53/10's for 57/08's would ruin any resale on the Quatro?
I want to sell my CU22 just because at my old age I now need the .051" fret height.
I play mostly clean tones and the Quatro's pick ups are unforgiving to any miscues along the way.
Plus I love the 57/08's split tones!

 

[garrett]

I doubt it. 57/08's are well-liked.

 

[tip]

Thanks Garrett, I had a 95 CE22 that had the Dragons and it was one I wish I never sold.
I am going to give my TGP, Reverb and CL ads another week and then I am going to bust the move to 57/08's on my Quatro.
My 2006 CE22 will be fine with the USA McCarty's.
I really appreciate all the info.

I am still on the look out for an unfaded purple mid 90's Wide / Fat PRS.One color I love and never had.
I remember my old 1995, wide fat neck, was chunky perfection.

 

[Snoopygore71]

Tip, you find 53/10's very articulate? That stands to reason as they were designed to replicate the twangyness of a early Tele. I like them as I found D2's really dull compared to 53's. Each to his own

 

[tip]

I thought about that. I have a AC booster, and a few other low gain pedals that will warm up the sound. Maybe if should think of these pickups as a tele, bright, cut thru the mix, sound?
I have a Michael Tuttle tele that covers my tele sounds. I still haven't tried the 53/10's with distortion so maybe a boost, transparent OD pedal, which I have many, will help?
I would love to hear your all mahogany with them. I am getting kind of over the flamed maple tops at this point.

 

[gush]

I'll take your 5310s

 

[tip]

Which guitar would you put therm in?
Just curious...?

After I just wrote I decided to heed your advice and see what Paul and staff were trying to do emulating the crystalline bite of a tele.
I got out and approached the luxury liner (that's what I call my rosewood neck Quatro) and instead of the usual stuff I played some tele - prebend, double/triple stop, major penatonic . . . mayhem .....and it was really fun!
Gush, you inspired me and now I might sell my Tuttle. But this fancy PRS sure doesn't look like a tele : )
Anyway there's a small chance I might sell the 53/10's, which I will PM you with later.
They do not have the warmth for my indie, delay modulation stuff that the 57/08's have.
When you play my two PRS'es in sequence the CU22 (57/08's) sounds so much more lush. Guess my ear favors the darker humbucking setup from my ex LP days?

 

[Snoopygore71]

Must admit I want a 57/08's for my Tremonti.

 

[gush]

Which guitar would you put therm in?
Just curious...?

After I just wrote I decided to heed your advice and see what Paul and staff were trying to do emulating the crystalline bite of a tele.
I got out and approached the luxury liner (that's what I call my rosewood neck Quatro) and instead of the usual stuff I played some tele - prebend, double/triple stop, major penatonic . . . mayhem .....and it was really fun!
Gush, you inspired me and now I might sell my Tuttle. But this fancy PRS sure doesn't look like a tele : )
Anyway there's a small chance I might sell the 53/10's, which I will PM you with later.
They do not have the warmth for my indie, delay modulation stuff that the 57/08's have.
When you play my two PRS'es in sequence the CU22 (57/08's) sounds so much more lush. Guess my ear favors the darker humbucking setup from my ex LP days?

I could possibly put them in my McCarty. OR my next prs. The possibilities are endless!