Help w selecting PUs -- for 2 CU-22s

[Brazosguitar]

I have a cu-22 w 59/09s, and recently scored a deal on another heavily gigged but playable CU22 w Dragon IIs. If I keep both, I would like to put diverse pickups in them. I was considering swapping out my 59/09s for 57/08s or McCartys for a little less aggressive sound. These are lefties, so trading guitars not an option and trying out any pickups not possible right now. Any advice on PUs? I keep hearing 57/08s are so wonderful...tempting.

 

[justmund]

My vote is for 53/10s, fantastic pickup. PRS aren't selling them anymore (either from the PTC or in production guitars) but there's still some kicking around on eBay and at dealers.

 

[László]

I like the 53/10s too, and have them on one of my guitars. Great PUs. But I also really dig the 57/08s.

 

[Brazosguitar]

I like the 53/10s too, and have them on one of my guitars. Great PUs. But I also really dig the 57/08s.

So you would put 53/10s in one guitar. What PRS pickups would you choose if you had a second PRS, to have some diversity of sound? (since I am a lefty, there are very few choices of woods, styles etc so I am only referring to pickups)

Thanks for your input!


My understanding is that the 53/10s are underwound versions of the 57/08s? Is this the case? It would be tempting to put 53/10s in the neck and leave the 59/09s in the bridge....

 

[justmund]

The 53/10s use a different wire to the 57/08s and is the reason why they are currently unavailable. To pigeon hole them, they're more vintage and warm than the 57/08s.

I like 59/09s as well, they offer some nice modern and very musical tones as you probably already know. I also like Dragon IIs! To answer your question I'd be happier with a 53/10 guitar and a 59/09 equipped guitar, than I would with a 57/08 and 59/09, or a 53/10 and 57/08.

 

[clcwarlock]

I have both set 57/08 in my custom 24 and 53/10's in my P24. The 57/08 very clear articulate great PAF sounding pickups kinda reminds me of Jimmy page clean with raspy distortion. The 53/10 are a little hotter(Not Much, still PAF and not close to 59/09) IMHO and is a very warm version of the vintage themed pickups. I absolutely love having both because they are so diferent. I almost feel like the 53/10 sounds like a hotrodded single coil, if you play hendrix with some gain added they sound beautiful.

 

[zebraprs]

Dragon Is are great in CU22. SevenStringer on VintageRocker has a pair for sale..

 

[CHARISMAFIRE]

Honestly, I would keep the 59/09s and swap the Dragon IIs for 57/08s. The 59/09s are amazing, and the Dragon IIs are far inferior. The 57/08s are more vintage. I think most would agree to ditch the Dragon IIs.

 

[Tag]

Honestly, I would keep the 59/09s and swap the Dragon IIs for 57/08s. The 59/09s are amazing, and the Dragon IIs are far inferior. The 57/08s are more vintage. I think most would agree to ditch the Dragon IIs.

Not me. they are my favorite PRS pups. :creep:

 

[John]

Not me. they are my favorite PRS pups. :creep:

My vote goes for the Dragons, as well.