Pickups in S2 Custom 24 - thought? suggestions?

messageinthenoise

New Member
Joined
May 20, 2024
Messages
8
Hi! I got a S2 Custom 24 earlier this year - love how it plays, and while I was impressed with the pickups when picking out the guitar and playing alone, in use the stock 85/15 are not resonating with me. I'm finding they have a little too much in the high end for my use, a bit squawky... I feel like I avoid the bridge position for this reason, too bitey, and that is not a good sign, as in my other guitars, it is a go-to position for leads.

In some other guitars, I have Seymour Duncan '59 model SH-1 that I really like, and in a Strat I have Seymour Duncan Hot Rails humbucker that works for me.

I might try out a different PRS, or maybe change the PUs in my S2, which I really wasn't considering when I bought it. Wanted to see if the forum had any suggestions or feedback on the experience I described.

Any thoughts on what PRS pickups would be similar to the Seymour Duncan '59 SH-1? I've read they are a "PAF" type humbucker. Maybe I should just switch out the PUs, but that seems almost like PRS heresy. Also, might consider a different model.

Thanks for any input!
 
If you're after a more PAF type tone, you could look into tracking down a set of 58/15 LT pickups to try in the S2 Custom 24, but that will be an expensive option, even on the secondhand market. Also be cautious because there are some unscrupulous sellers that will try to pass of a set of 58/15"S" pickups as U.S. spec 58/15 pickups and will price them accordingly. Another option from PRS for a more vintage voiced pickup would be the 57/08. If you're not beholden to PRS pickups, I would highly recommend any number of options from Bare Knuckle. If you want a PAF type tone, try the Stormy Monday, or if you want something just a smidge hotter, the Mules. If you want a hotter pickup that's still got a vintage flavor to it, try the Abraxas. It may also be worth a look at the Monty's PAF.

At the end of the day, it's going to be a lot less expensive to swap pickups than to try a different PRS because you're never going to get out of the guitar what you put into it dollars and cents wise. It's a bit like a car in that sense.
 
Cool, thanks for that advice and insight. Looking at maybe swapping both 85/15 for 57/08. Maybe 58/15. One of those might do the trick. I guess I could also just go for the SD '59s or another brand, though people seem to like the 57/08 quite a bit. Still exploring ideas.
 
OP I have 4 of the older s2s in my stable...except for the Vela I swapped the pups...I put JB/59s in 2 of em and one I bought used with BK mules....what kind of music do you play??
 
Before you go investing in new pickups, (if you haven't already tried) you might want to try lowering the pickup height and/or pole pieces, as well as rolling back the tone a bit too. Maybe you'll get the results you want, maybe not but it costs nothing to find out
 
OP I have 4 of the older s2s in my stable...except for the Vela I swapped the pups...I put JB/59s in 2 of em and one I bought used with BK mules....what kind of music do you play??
mostly play funky rock, alt rock - not metal, not country. something like that. I'm leaning toward switching out the pups, might go with the 5708 or the SD 59s.
 
Can’t go wrong with 57/09 or 59/09, I would just pick according to whether you want covered (57/08) or uncovered (59/09).
 
Back
Top