I'm not saying the HFS/VB have anything in common with the Metal pickups from an EQ perspective. I much prefer the Metal pickups over the HFS myself. But besides the Tremonti, which is a bit different than both (its Alnico and Ceramic), the Metal pickup is closer to what PRS was trying to do with the original Custom 24s with a hot ceramic pickup in a Custom 24. The Metal pickup is the only other ceramic pickup that PRS offers, so it can be seen as a successor to the HFS in way.
I used to have the Tremonti bridge pickup (and the set of 59/09 before that) in my Standard 24 guitar before I switched to the Metals. The difference between them is quite significant. Some people say that the bridge Metal pickup is essentially a Tremonti with a twist in the magnet composition, but tonally they are very different. When I installed the Tremonti pickup, the signal and lows was too strong for me. I tried lowering the pickup, but as I screwed it down, I ran out of thread and the pickup dropped into the cavity. This actually improved the tone.
But I just couldn't go like that.
I agree that the Metals could also be seen as a well-designed successor of HFS/VB, which is why I think it's what I would like the Custom 24 pickups to be. I currently have the Custom with 85/15 pickups and the Standard with a set of Metals, and I'm finding it difficult to choose my favorite PRS pickup set between the two. I like them both a lot, but for different reasons. The 85/15 is great at everything, just like the Metal set, but in a wider spectrum. I see the splits in the 85/15 as more of a different EQ rather than the guitar simulating a stratocaster, while the middle position of the Metals pickup is seriously to die for. If I had to choose only one guitar, I would probably put the Metals in my Custom 24-08. Again, I like both sets equally, but the Metal neck is a touch more articulated than the 85/15, which I prefer.
And people hate on PRS to just hate on PRS and use the pickups as an excuse. The number of records the HFS/VB was on in the 90s/00s is pretty big, and none of those records or guitars sound sterile. Whether anyone likes or dislikes a pickup is just up to personal preference. I hate Gibson PAFs and most PAFs in general, but I won't deny the amount of successful records they were used on.
I agree, but the heavy music in the 90s and 2000s had a different sound compared to today. I personally prefer the quick response from the bridge pickup, and the HFS just can't deliver that. Both the 85/15 and Metal set can achieve it effortlessly.
I also agree with your point about people criticizing PRS. Despite not being wealthy, I could play guitars from any brand, yet I chose PRS because I believe they are the best currently made guitars. I really don't care what a little worm on a TGP forum assessment is.
As for Gibson guitars, the only ones I've owned were two Zakk LP's and a Zakk V, all of which had EMG's. I used to love the BKP Riff Raff, a 60's PAF recreation, but I'm not really into underwound pickups. The hotter PAF with no low-end oversaturation is probably what the 85/15 pickups offer.
What year Custom 24 Floyd would that be? I have a pretty new Custom 24 Floyd (mid 2022) and it definitely has a ceramic bridge pickup. Its pretty apparent from the voicing and sound of it. Not saying your wrong, but it could be that PRS accidently gave out the wrong information. I figure if they really switched over to Alnico, they would have updated it on their website where they sell the Metal pickups because the bridge is still listed as ceramic there.
Not a clue. I never asked. I recommend reaching out to PRS customer service. I will locate the email I received from them and send it to you in a private message.
