Newbie pick-up swap question: 58/15 LT to 59/09 SC594

[xxxadixxx]

I apologize in advance as I have seen some of this information in other threads (I did search it) though as I have very little experience with wiring, it is difficult to translate those similar items to my specific situation.... I mean I need the really basic/beginner style explanation. I love my 594's and I really love my Tremontis so I figured I would go for something a little in between. Brian's Guitars has had several WL SC594 runs using a 59/09 bridge with a 58/15LT neck and it made me think that sounded like a great solution. While I would love to jump on one of their beautiful 15th anniversary SC594's, it seems more prudent to simply replace a pick-up in one of my existing SC594 as it would be very difficult to justify yet another new guitar.

The only wiring I have done was on a SC594 where the previous owner replaced the pick-ups, but included the stock pick-ups in the deal. I simply returned the pickups to the stock configuration. It was pretty easy as I could open up the control panel on one of my other guitars and make them look the same. I doubt it gets much easier than that. The new pickup should arrive in a couple of days so I have only seen the wires in a few pictures online, but it looks like there are more wires on the 59/09. What is the best way to find a before/after style photo for swapping a 58/15 LT to a 59/09?

 

[xxxadixxx]

To clarify/simplify my question: the stock 58/15LT pickup has a metal braid, black wire, and white wire. It appears the 59/09 black, white, and red. How do the wires on the 59/09 translate to the 58/15LT?

 

[LunarRock]

Someone whos done this will likely pop in soon, but have a read through this thread, answer probably there

Thread 'PRS Wiring Mods Resource Thread'

Nov 12, 2020

Creating this as a central reference for those wanting to modify the wiring on their PRS guitars. I will post the diagrams I've created and/or shared in various threads over the last few years. All other legitimate mods are welcome from anyone!




Disclaimer: I'm just some rando on the interwebz who likes to tinker. I'm assuming you know how to solder or will take your guitar to someone who does. All schemes I post have been vetted and I'll do my best to help vet anyone else's work, but I can't guarantee this stuff will work for you. Mod at your own risk!

• garrettb
• Replies: 297
• Forum: PTC - PRS Tech Center

• 

 

[JJDon]

I apologize in advance as I have seen some of this information in other threads (I did search it) though as I have very little experience with wiring, it is difficult to translate those similar items to my specific situation.... I mean I need the really basic/beginner style explanation. I love my 594's and I really love my Tremontis so I figured I would go for something a little in between. Brian's Guitars has had several WL SC594 runs using a 59/09 bridge with a 58/15LT neck and it made me think that sounded like a great solution. While I would love to jump on one of their beautiful 15th anniversary SC594's, it seems more prudent to simply replace a pick-up in one of my existing SC594 as it would be very difficult to justify yet another new guitar.

The only wiring I have done was on a SC594 where the previous owner replaced the pick-ups, but included the stock pick-ups in the deal. I simply returned the pickups to the stock configuration. It was pretty easy as I could open up the control panel on one of my other guitars and make them look the same. I doubt it gets much easier than that. The new pickup should arrive in a couple of days so I have only seen the wires in a few pictures online, but it looks like there are more wires on the 59/09. What is the best way to find a before/after style photo for swapping a 58/15 LT to a 59/09?

I just swapped out the pictures in my 594 to the Tremontis (and then back again to the stock pickups). I'm assuming the 59/09s have 4 wire config for coil taps? These pics helped out a lot with the wiring.

 

[xxxadixxx]

@JJDon I appreciate the follow-up. Yes, this "grey 3-conductor" diagram you shared seems to be similar to the 59/09. The PTC provided the following via email for the 59/09 bridge pickup:
White - Volume lug
Red - Tone: push/pull
Black - Ground (volume pot)
Braid - Ground (volume pot)

That seems to be what is shown for the Bass pick-up in the diagram so it's weird to see it switched now as that could be very confusing. The part that felt odd to me was landing the braid and the black wire on the same pot. It seems to work ok so far.