New (old) PRS Standard - Need to replace aftermarket pickups

[bobbyk]

Hi.

New PRS owner here that just acquired a '91 Standard 24. The pickups were changed to some model DiMarzio's. I believe that '91's came with either the T & B or HFS & B configuration. As I have the opportunity to replace the current pickups with many different PRS pickup combinations I am looking for opinions on which pickups - older or newer - might be a good fit for an all mahogany body. I am a old player, bedroom rocker who doesn't play any particular style and likes everything from AC/DC to Montgomery Gentry - the only exception being Metal - through a customer built Princeton Reverb and pedals.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Fro]

85/15s.

 

[CatStrangler]

85/15s.

seconded.

 

[gush]

If I were in your shoes and could not decide which way to go I would do this.

Search ebay for a while, reasonably priced 5909s come up fairly often and those pickups will give you a fairly good representation of what the vintage style pickups offer. If your guitar has rotary then make sure you get 3 wire version.

I only suggest 5909s because they will be the easiest to afford. But be warned, if you like them you WILL start down that slippery slope and your prs collection will grow.

Good luck and BTW if money was not a concern at all then yes, 8515s.

 

[Lee B.]

The more recent vintagy PRS pups do sound great, no argument there. As another option, I opine that the Dragon IIs that came OE in the oughts Standard models actually sound pretty darned nice in them, especially that lively midrange hump. Dragon IIs can be had relatively inexpensively new or used, too.

 

[AP515]

In order of preference in all hog guitars.
1. Dragon 1's
2. 59/09's
3. HFS/VB
4. 57/08's

Note: I haven't tried the newest generation pickups so I can't comment on newer than 59/09's

 

[gush]

In order of preference in all hog guitars.
1. Dragon 1's
2. 59/09's
3. HFS/VB
4. 57/08's

Note: I haven't tried the newest generation pickups so I can't comment on newer than 59/09's

Yes, dragon 1s sound good but they are not vinTage style. I have a guitar with dragon 1s and it rocks.

 

[ReptilianNosewood]

One more for 85/15's! Although im thinking of putting the 85/15's from my custom 24 in my singlecut, and taking the 58/15's out of that and putting them in my Custom 24. The extra high end might be beneficial in the SC while the lessened high end of the 58/15's might jive better with the CU24. Im thinking hard though, its a whole process.

 

[AP515]

Yes, dragon 1s sound good but they are not vinTage style. I have a guitar with dragon 1s and it rocks.

I don't see where the OP suggested vintage. If I needed to produce an AC/DC vibe, Dragons would be a good bet.

 

[gush]

I don't see where the OP suggested vintage. If I needed to produce an AC/DC vibe, Dragons would be a good bet.

You're right. He did not. I was campaigning for vintage and wanted to make sure he understood the difference.

He is new to prs.

 

[BMiller]

My '91 CU24 came from the factory with a Hot Vintage Treble in the bridge (Vintage Bass in the neck). Great sounding pickup for the tone you are looking for but they seem to be rather rare.

Good luck on the hunt!

 

[bobbyk]

There is a set of "PRS 1985 Treble and Bass Reissue" pickups. A good choice for this particular guitar?

 

[sergiodeblanc]

There is a set of "PRS 1985 Treble and Bass Reissue" pickups. A good choice for this particular guitar?

I kinda thought of this thread when I saw 'em on Reverb today. Must be a sign.

 

[gush]

I kinda thought of this thread when I saw 'em on Reverb today. Must be a sign.

I have a set of these and I've thought about putting them in my torero when I get time to do the electronics swap.