Help Identifying PRS Pickup

[Greystoke]

I'm hoping someone knows what this is. Some info:

Manufacture date is pre-2004 - I bought it as used in early 2004
Measures to 19.05K
Shielded single conductor
Pickup cover was on when purchased but I'm not sure it's original

I've never installed it and it's been stored away in a PRS foam padded pickup box since 2004 - just pointing this out in relation to any age-based clues as it looks the same now as it did when bought used in 2004.

I've searched around the 'net with no luck. Has the output of a Dragon - but single conductor lead?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[bodia]

I'm hoping someone knows what this is. Some info:

Manufacture date is pre-2004 - I bought it as used in early 2004
Measures to 19.05K
Shielded single conductor
Pickup cover was on when purchased but I'm not sure it's original

I've never installed it and it's been stored away in a PRS foam padded pickup box since 2004 - just pointing this out in relation to any age-based clues as it looks the same now as it did when bought used in 2004.

I've searched around the 'net with no luck. Has the output of a Dragon - but single conductor lead?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Only the Dragon I was that high, IIRC.

Check this thread.

https://forums.prsguitars.com/threads/list-of-prs-pickup-specs.8055/

 

[John Beef]

Yeah, I was thinking Dragon 1 treble with an added cover.

 

[Greystoke]

Thanks, Bodia. I had come across that thread previously. As you pointed out, the Dragon at 19k is the only PRS pickup I've seen this high. But all Dragon I pups I've seen have 4-conductor wiring. I've found nothing near that high with shielded single conductor lead.

stoke

 

[Greystoke]

So do you guys think there was a Dragon I option for a single conductor lead? I haven't found another yet - which certainly doesn't mean that they don't exist.

 

[John Beef]

So do you guys think there was a Dragon I option for a single conductor lead? I haven't found another yet - which certainly doesn't mean that they don't exist.

I honestly don't know the answer here, but I have replaced lead wires on pickups before. It's not too hard. Given it's got a cover added, maybe someone modified it? Some people swear single conductor pickups sound better. I even saw one person's scientific analysis (several years ago, don't have the link) that showed the differences in the EQ curve with single vs multi-conductor lead wires.

 

[garrettb]

I agree with John. Dragon 1 with added cover, possibly taken from another pickup given the way it's bent around the solder. Or it's been added, removed, and added back.

Someone definitely replaced the lead wires. The blob of solder at the bottom right in the pic is supposed to connect the shield wire, but it looks like it's been cut. They ran single conductor shielded wire and grounded it to the outside of the baseplate (the blob of solder where the wire exits the base). From the factory, PRS single conductor pickups have the shield soldered internally, so the wire comes through that hole clean.

 

[Greystoke]

Well dang. I had hoped for something more along the lines of... Wow Stoke, you have the coveted "Paul's Dragon Slayer", only two ever made - wound with gold wire drawn from Pauls' childhood cavity fillings!
Instead, I have a hacked up Dragon. Story of my life - If anyone needs me, I'll be over here in the corner sobbing.

stoke

 

[John Beef]

Well dang. I had hoped for something more along the lines of... Wow Stoke, you have the coveted "Paul's Dragon Slayer", only two ever made - wound with gold wire drawn from Pauls' childhood cavity fillings!
Instead, I have a hacked up Dragon. Story of my life - If anyone needs me, I'll be over here in the corner sobbing.

stoke

Aw, hey now. Don't feel bad. The Dragon 1 is a pretty rare pickup these days. If it works, rock it!