245 S pickups vs TCI S pickups vs. 85/15 S pickups

[IRG]

Can someone elaborate on the differences of these three pickups?

I have the 85/15 S pickups in my S2 CU24 - and I really like them a lot. I have the 85/15 USA versions in my CE24, and don't see much of a difference (outside the USA are brighter, could be also due to the maple, bolt on neck of the CE).

I'm looking at two possible new guitars, a SE Santana Singlecut trem, that has the TCI S pickups, versus a SE 245 singlecut, that has the 245 S pickups. I'm guessing the 245 are maybe a little lower output, more PAF like? Compared to my 85/15 not as hot? And the TCI has maybe more midrange but less low end perhaps? But I'm guessing.

If someone has experience with these different versions, it would be helpful to know how they differ.

I use a Roland Blues Cube Artist (80w) typically on the 15w setting for home use, and pedals for most of my gain. Cheers.

 

[CandidPicker]

Some double-cut S2 & SE guitars sport the 85/15 S uncovered pickups, which are brighter and slightly hotter than the covered 58/15S. Granted, the 2nd video is a 35th anniversary, but is a good representation of the TCI 85/15S. The first vid is a SE Cu24 vs SE Cu22. 3rd video is a CE24...

Am guessing here, but the SE 245 S pickups are similar to #7S pickups, in S2 Singlecuts, perhaps with tiny differences in wire turns, and pole magnetic strength. Most 7S pickups were covered, so the 245S uncovered pickups will be by default brighter and perhaps slightly hotter.

The TCI S pickups are tuned for the individual instrument, based on what config, weight, and construction the guitar is made with. Typically, the TCI pickups are designed to have a more vintage P90-type sound found on golden era LPs. Good imitations if not better than originals. Because individual guitars vary, it isn't as easy to describe how a guitar will exactly sound equipped with TCI S pickups, except better...although not sure if the TCI S pickups are covered or not, this will make a difference in how the tone response will be.

If it were me, I'd be all for the SE Santana Trem, just because of the pickups. My ears immediately liked the TCI Santana, as I'm sure yours will as well...though the SE 35th Anniversary was pretty awesome as well...it's be a toss up between these 2 to my ears.

I've already got the S2 Singlecut with 7S pickups...these sound very close to how the video represents...enjoy...

Of course, not to throw something else into the mix, but here ya go...

 

[IRG]

Thanks, very helpful. I didn’t know much about the TCI pups, I’ll obviously have to do a bit more homework. I am a big fan of the 85/15 pups. I had the #7 pups in an older S2 standard 22, they were ok as I recall. Having them uncovered might give them a bit more bite that I thought they lacked. But it sounds like the TCI are the ones to beat here. Cheers

 

[CandidPicker]

Thanks, very helpful. I didn’t know much about the TCI pups, I’ll obviously have to do a bit more homework. I am a big fan of the 85/15 pups. I had the #7 pups in an older S2 standard 22, they were ok as I recall. Having them uncovered might give them a bit more bite that I thought they lacked. But it sounds like the TCI are the ones to beat here. Cheers

The Santana Trem is a good choice for your wallet, the 35 Anniversary may see more moths flying...

If perhaps you chance upon a S2 SC Standard, give it a try as well. They're decent tone machines.

 

[IRG]

I gotta say, from a visual standpoint, I really like the looks of this SE 245. Greatly prefer the black/black pickups and not the zebra look. Updated bridge is nice (worth changing still over to a Mann?). The binding is nice too. The Santana SE Trem is nice, but it's so much gold. Sooo much, lol. Not sure if I would tire of that or not. But clearly, performance and tone are paramount, so it's a strong contender right now.

 

[CandidPicker]

I gotta say, fr. a visual standpoint, I really like the looks of this SE 245. Greatly prefer the black/black pickups and not the zebra look. Updated bridge is nice (worth changing still over to a Mann?). The binding is nice too. The Santana SE Trem is nice, but it's so much gold. Sooo much, lol. Not sure if I would tire of that or not. But clearly, performance and tone are paramount, so it's a strong contender right now.

Not as a naysayer, but looks to me come second to how the guitar sounds. I closed my eyes to listen to each of the videos and still liked the TCI S and 7S pickups by a wide margin. See if it makes a difference to you, because that's what you'll hear when you play the guitar you choose.

FTR, the S2 SC standard or S2 SC Custom has a variety of colors, not just the one in the video. Same with the 35th anniversary.

 

[IRG]

Not as a naysayer, but looks to me come second to how the guitar sounds. I closed my eyes to listen to each of the videos and still liked the TCI S and 7S pickups by a wide margin. See if it makes a difference to you, because that's what you'll hear when you play the guitar you choose.

FTR, the S2 SC standard or S2 SC Custom has a variety of colors, not just the one in the video. Same with the 35th anniversary.

I hear ya, and don't disagree. Although you can change the tone if necessary via pickups. Can't change the looks easily.
I've been looking at S2's, as well. Not that easy to find at the moment, maybe with the 594 coming out, they're trying to produce more of them. Used ones by and large not much cheaper than used, not counting the SC Standard which I'm not as fond of.

Waiting on SW to get some of the SE Santana Singlecut Trems in before deciding anything. Also got to sell of something locally first, which could take a while.

 

[bodia]

I gotta say, from a visual standpoint, I really like the looks of this SE 245. Greatly prefer the black/black pickups and not the zebra look. Updated bridge is nice (worth changing still over to a Mann?). The binding is nice too. The Santana SE Trem is nice, but it's so much gold. Sooo much, lol. Not sure if I would tire of that or not. But clearly, performance and tone are paramount, so it's a strong contender right now.

That is killer looking!

 

[IRG]

One other thing I wanted to know, are the types of construction for these pickups. I don’t see them listed on the PRS site; alnico II or V or maybe ceramic?

 

[CandidPicker]

One other thing I wanted to know, are the types of construction for these pickups. I don’t see them listed on the PRS site; alnico II or V or maybe ceramic?

That's something beyond my knowledge. The electronic tech folks can help you, or perhaps an email to [email protected] can assist you...

Some pickups may be proprietary knowledge, so don't be disappointed if customer service may not be willing to share...but please let us know if perhaps you do find out...

 

[Wakester]

I find my 85/15S pickups to be clean and bright, but can venture into the gainy side when pushed. The 245S pickups are already on the high gain side and can produce some crushing metal riffs.

 

[IRG]

I find my 85/15S pickups to be clean and bright, but can venture into the gainy side when pushed. The 245S pickups are already on the high gain side and can produce some crushing metal riffs.

I find that true of my 85/15 as well. Very clean, bright, articulate, no muddy at all. But some good high gain pedals or amps, they do respond very well. Good to hear the 245 S are already on the higher gain side. Must be alnico V mags then I would think.

 

[IRG]

The Santana Trem is a good choice for your wallet, the 35 Anniversary may see more moths flying...

If perhaps you chance upon a S2 SC Standard, give it a try as well. They're decent tone machines.

Made the decision today, went with the SE Santana Trem - got a good deal on a demo from SW. Plus they're putting in a set of SE locking tuners on it too (half price). I'm calling it my Covid Goldtop. Although that's really not very catchy...

I think the TCI pickups (that demo did help) helped put it over the SE245. It was a tough call though, things about both I like. I don't forsee doing many mods on this guitar though, especially with the tuners being done. Maybe the nut if it won't stay in tune, lampshade knobs but nothing else. Psyched to get it.

 

[Straight_six]

I second the lampshades; I know it's just aesthetic but they look a lot better IMO.

 

[bodia]

Made the decision today, went with the SE Santana Trem - got a good deal on a demo from SW. Plus they're putting in a set of SE locking tuners on it too (half price). I'm calling it my Covid Goldtop. Although that's really not very catchy...

I think the TCI pickups (that demo did help) helped put it over the SE245. It was a tough call though, things about both I like. I don't forsee doing many mods on this guitar though, especially with the tuners being done. Maybe the nut if it won't stay in tune, lampshade knobs but nothing else. Psyched to get it.

Nice!

 

[Straight_six]

Great choice - I've been seriously thinking about picking up one of those recently.

 

[IRG]

Great choice - I've been seriously thinking about picking up one of those recently.

Sweetwater just got 3 in. Pretty back ordered from what I hear.

 

[CandidPicker]

Made the decision today, went with the SE Santana Trem - got a good deal on a demo from SW. Plus they're putting in a set of SE locking tuners on it too (half price). I'm calling it my Covid Goldtop. Although that's really not very catchy...

I think the TCI pickups (that demo did help) helped put it over the SE245. It was a tough call though, things about both I like. I don't forsee doing many mods on this guitar though, especially with the tuners being done. Maybe the nut if it won't stay in tune, lampshade knobs but nothing else. Psyched to get it.

Congratulations! The TCI S pickups IMHO were the selling point. That, plus all the extra guitar-specific things that are part of the Santana Trem.

 

[Michael Miller]

I only have experience with the TCI pickups. Been playing and pickup swapping for over 25 yrs, To sum it up, they are great pickups. Low gain which is actually perfect fed into a high gain amp...play mine through a Marshall DSL40CR and a Blackstar HT5 with various overdrives. Very articulate and quiet. Harmonics are great. Controlled feedback is easy to get. Single coil sound is bright and snappy.