New Custom vs. 2015

[jds22]

Hey all, I'm afraid I've been bitten by the PRS bug and I can't shake it.
In the late 90's I owned and giggged with a CE22 but sold it around 2000 when I quit gigging.
I'm in the market for a new guitar and leaning heavily towards a PRS.
Unfortunately I'm not in an area where I can play any.
I'm wondering about the differences between the pickups and bridges of a new CU24 vs. one that's a few years old.
So basically what I'm wondering about is the 59/09 vs. 85/15 pickups and the Gen II vs Gen III bridges.

For those that have experience with both, do you prefer one over the other? If so, why?
Do you feel that the changes in pickups and bridge warrant paying the extra amount for a new one?

I'm not opposed to buying used and have seen some good deals on 2014 and 2015 models. I just don't want to be missing out on any improvements that might have been made to the 2017 models.

Thanks

 

[garrettb]

I love the 85/15 set, but if you prefer hotter pickups, you may prefer the 59/09.

The new bridge looks cool and supposedly has better sustain, but really I don't think anyone would notice.

 

[jds22]

I'm more of a med output pickup guy myself.
I'm thinking the 85/15 would suit me better.

Which leads me to another option. A new CE24. I prefer the neck finish on the CEs, it costs quite a bit less, and I can upgrade to a MANN bridge if I feel the need.
All this for quite a bit less than a CU.

 

[László]

I can’t speak to the issue of bolt-on vs set neck, etc. The tuners are also different between CE and CU, if that’s a big deal.

I can say that the 85/15s are incredibly good pickups. They strike a really nice balance between a low output design in terms of vintage tone, and a higher output design in its ability to push an amp’s front end.

If the neck finish is a thing for you, but you prefer the CU line, they have made quite a number with the satin finished maple neck.

 

[jds22]

I can’t speak to the issue of bolt-on vs set neck, etc. The tuners are also different between CE and CU, if that’s a big deal.

I can say that the 85/15s are incredibly good pickups. They strike a really nice balance between a low output design in terms of vintage tone, and a higher output design in its ability to push an amp’s front end.

If the neck finish is a thing for you, but you prefer the CU line, they have made quite a number with the satin finished maple neck.

Thanks for the reply.
I've seen a few CU's with maple, they look really nice. I also know how to knock the gloss of the neck but it gives me a weird feeling doing that to such a nice guitar.

 

[Buck]

Thanks for the reply.
I've seen a few CU's with maple, they look really nice. I also know how to knock the gloss of the neck but it gives me a weird feeling doing that to such a nice guitar.

What about a rosewood neck? Quite a few outfitted like that if you look around.

As far as the pickups, while I like the 85/15's, I still prefer the 59/09's...but that's such a personal decision, not sure anybody can tell you how they sound. Even online vids aren't that great...really have to play both.

For the Gen II vs GenIII trem, I don't notice that much of a difference. Technically speaking, it's supposed to be a bit better, but while playing both...difference is negligible.

YMMV, but you can save a whole lot of money going the used route. Don't think I've bought a new guitar in over 15 years...like to stick with the 1-2 year old ones and let somebody else take the little hit in depreciation. If you are patient, you'll find a great one at a fair price.

Good luck and welcome back to the PRS family!

 

[gush]

I have a 2011 cu 24 with 5909s. I have no desire to swap pickups as 5909s are really good.

I have 8515s in a McCarty and they are really good too. I think my dream pickup combo would be 5909 bridge 8515 neck. The 8515neck is the best neck PU I’ve had.

My 2011 has round bobbin 5909s and I opted to swap for a mann term too. I’ve put a lot of rosewood bling on it and the mann term but that’s as far as the mods will go.

If I were in your shoes I would get a cu24 with 8515s and 5 way blade then wait for a great deal on a 5909 bridge. 5909s can be purchased a lot cheaper than 8515s

 

[jds22]

Thanks again everybody.
I'm looking at a nice used CU24 2015 at the moment but after doing some more reading and thinking, I might opt for a CE.
For me, the only reason I would choose a CU over a CE is cosmetic. I prefer the finishes offered on the customs.
If I could get a blood orange CE, I'd be all over it.
I just found out that my job is going to take me close to Sweetwater in a few weeks. I'm going to swing by and try a few out.

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

I'd buy whichever you can try and like and is in the better price range. Pickups can be changed (I've changed the pickups in my CU24 3x now :/)

I've not played a Gen 3 bridge yet, so I cannot comment on that front.

To give some perspective I bought my CU24 with VB/HFS pickups, swapped to a rare set of covered 59/09s, swapped to 53/10 N \m/ B, and now have an 85/15 I'm installing in the neck.