Pickup recommendations for a core Custom 22

1&2. The dragon IIs handled metal well on the bridge, and neck did a decent regular and pushed clean. Overall though, definitely sounded very harsh and trebly last time I played it.
3. Blues, rock, and hard rock are what I usually gravitate towards. I do like to occasionally play more modern clean and metal tones, but definitely lean more towards vintage tones overall.
4. Just looking at PRS pickups, seems that a lot of custom 22s came with 57/08s up until the 85/15s came out. Most 22 fret PRS guitars these days seem to come with 58/15LTs (studio, special, maccarty, etc.).
5. Rosewood board, mahogany neck and body, maple cap.


Good to know! Sounds like that's been debunked then. Also sounds like 57/08 neck and 59/09 bridge is pretty much the consensus around here for a good all-rounder.

Sounds like a 57/08 neck will get nice round cleans and blues tones and a 59/09 bridge will get some good rock/hard rock/classic metal tones. I think that would fit the bill nicely.

I guess the only other thing to consider is how well they split. The TCI 85/15s I have on my 24 split really well, wondering if the older 57/08 and 59/09 pickups would do as well. Planning to get the drop-in 3-way and push-pull - can't stand the rotary...

Edit: Found this nice comparison video between 57/08, 59/09, and Metal pickups - I think I'm almost sold on the 57/08 neck 59/09 bridge combo. I also found this recent video of a custom 22 from 2021 with the TCI 85/15s. Might just be the way it's recorded or the set-up, but the 85/15 pickups sound just a little more modern/HiFi than I think I'd prefer.

Edit 2: Aaaand I just realized the 57/08 59/09 combo will be one covered and one uncovered pickup. That definitely wouldn't be my aesthetic preference, but I might just have to make a sacrifice for the tones. :rolleyes:

They split very well. If they don't split to your liking add a resistor, this is what PRS does. I didn't think I liked the mixed look of squabbin and covered at first either until I got my Tremonti.. now I really dig it.

Edit- That's right, going to PTC. I wouldn't worry about the spit tones at all.
 
Duncan 59 neck, Pearly Gates bridge if you want aftermarket options.
Big ol’ Oh Yeah on the Duncan ‘59. I paired mine with a Duncan Custom. I don’t do much that requires the higher output. I think the Pearly Gates with the ‘59 migh just be the right combination for ultimate flexibility.
 
The 57/08 neck and 59/09 Bridge would be a good option for you if you stick with PRS pickups. If you wanted to go another route, I have some great suggestions.
I think that's the way I'm going to go based on everyone's recommendations so far!

Big ol’ Oh Yeah on the Duncan ‘59. I paired mine with a Duncan Custom. I don’t do much that requires the higher output. I think the Pearly Gates with the ‘59 migh just be the right combination for ultimate flexibility.
Going with PRS stuff since it's headed to the PTC, but definitely keeping this combo in mind for later!

For anyone who's considering the same thing, Phil McKnight redid Tyler Larson's green 245 with the same set-up (57/08 neck 59/09 covered bridge), which Tyler demos at the end of this video. It's the only video I could readily find with that combo that has a covered 59/09.

Edit: Here's another example of a covered 59/09! And one more!
 
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