How to Tame Highs in S2 Mira Semi ?

[Stuart Kirsh]

I really like the guitar but over time, I've increasingly found the top end too bright for my tastes, which is weird for a semi-hollow. (Perhaps, due to the compact body, the portion that's actually hollowed out is quite small, and therefore has little effect on the tone).

At the same time, I find all the pickup settings quite usable and as I don't want to sacrifice this flexibility, I'm reluctant to embark upon a process of trial and error with different pickups.

Does anyone have any experience with replacing these pickups ?

Perhaps a graphic EQ would be a better way to go?

Thanks.

 

[pac90]

Ive had a SD bridge in solid body S2 mira, pearly gates, which was great, with stock wiring etc

But check pickup height as per PRS reccomended starting setup, 6/64 on pole piece bass side, 5/64 on treble, with string fretted at 22fret, then adjust from there, lower I would go for

I didnt find the SD too bright at all. I didnt keep stock pickups in for long, because have more sets of pups than guitars


https://www.prsguitars.com/index.php/support/article/pickup_height_adjustment


Other than that maybe roll off some tone. There is a small treble bleed cap on the volume pot which you can temporarily disable by desoldering 1 leg if tone not darkening enough

https://www.prsguitars.com/support/schematics

 

[AP515]

Unless I am mistaken, the S2 Mira is equipped with a tone knob...

 

[Russ73]

Tone nob!

 

[colinkanders]

When I first picked up my (solid body) S2 Mira, the high strings were too loud so I lowered the pickups on that side and now it's perfect. Is that what you're referring to?

 

[Tony M.]

Unless I am mistaken, the S2 Mira is equipped with a tone knob...

Tone nob!

beat me to it...
I'll chime in anyway.
(See what I did there.)

I have an S2 Mira semi hollow and yes, it does have a tone control.
I usually keep that tone control around 7 or 8.
It tames the highs quite nicely.

I also keep the volume control around 7 or 8.
That puts my boost right at my fingertips.

If everything is on 10 you can only go down.

 

[Stuart Kirsh]

pac90-- thanks for your suggestions. Pickup height is indeed set as PRS recommends.

I find that simply lowering the tone isn't always desirable, as it can affect the clarity of the bass in certain settings.
I'll try the 10 band EQ.

 

[Egads]

pac90-- thanks for your suggestions. Pickup height is indeed set as PRS recommends.

I find that simply lowering the tone isn't always desirable, as it can affect the clarity of the bass in certain settings.
I'll try the 10 band EQ.

Keep in mind that pickup height recommendations are just recommendations. Play around and see if you like it better. I find that it's best to tune the height by ear.

 

[dogrocketp]

Also try changing strings brands. Different strings will knock off some of the top.

 

[Stuart Kirsh]

pac90-- OK-- I will do that.

Thanks for the string suggestion, Paul.
I've been using D Addario XL Nickel Wound, so maybe their Pure Nickels would be a place to start ?
Or would you suggest something else ?

 

[dogrocketp]

Start with the pure nickels.

 

[Bill SAS 513]

Strings can make a huge difference...nickel is much less harsh than stainless steel...IMHO, anyway...also better for fret life.

 

[guitarbob.armitage7@gmail]

I really like the guitar but over time, I've increasingly found the top end too bright for my tastes, which is weird for a semi-hollow. (Perhaps, due to the compact body, the portion that's actually hollowed out is quite small, and therefore has little effect on the tone).

At the same time, I find all the pickup settings quite usable and as I don't want to sacrifice this flexibility, I'm reluctant to embark upon a process of trial and error with different pickups.

Does anyone have any experience with replacing these pickups ?

Perhaps a graphic EQ would be a better way to go?

Thanks.

I installed Lollar 'El Rayo' in my Mira SH. Much better clarity, no need for coil split. A very usable guitar now!

 

[MarcWink]

Try tweaking the tone knob for a little bit, but if that doesn't do it for you and you elect to go the pickup swap route, I'd HIGHLY recommend looking at something from Bare Knuckle Pickups. I had a set of Abraxas in my S2 Custom 22 Semi-Hollow and those gave a nice balanced tone. I did also use those with the stock pots and switch and had no problem.