PRS 59/09

[David Eddystone]

Hello,
Could somebody tell me if there is a drop in volume when using the PRS 59/09 pick-ups in single coil split mode.The problem is I am getting subjective answers to this question like "Yes a little bit but not as bad as some split hum buckers"
This answer of course doesn't help at all.
Anybody out there can give me some accurate percentages like "2%-5% 10% OR none at all !!!!!
Thanks in advance for some information.

 

[vhalen50]

all humbuckers split will have volume drop unless they have drastically mismatched coils, but even then...its physics.

the 59/09 with a resistor on the tap wire will help alleviate that alot. I would say with that method you get a 25% drop in volume, but the increase in hi end helps the perception not be as much.

 

[TheCraftsman]

Got 59/09s in my CU24 and haven’t really noticed a drop not that I’ve tested specifically, will check tonight

 

[dogrocketp]

There is no set amount. It depends on the amp sensitivity, the amount of gain you use, how loud the amp is at any given time, and how heavy your picking hand is. If you want a magic number, sacrifice a live chicken on your dining room table at midnight under a full moon with a oujii board. If you own the guitar, and it bothers you, having a qualified luthier changing the resisters can minimize it, but never remove it. PRS are better than most with volume drop off. It will, however, change the single coil sounds when you have the resister changed. Don’t ask me how much or in what way. Subjective questions can only get subjective n swears. That applies to politics and food as well. Is my answer too spicy for you?

 

[DreamTheaterRules]

I was with ya but… gotta tell you I’m a little disappointed with you for bringing up the oujii board method. I mean, yes it is the only 100% accurate method, but just how many newbies are we willing to sacrifice to the dark side just for 100% accuracy?

 

[TheCraftsman]

Played a little last night and no striking volume drop to my ear switching between positions, I’d agree with the above (excluding the sacrifice) that there’s no given % drop off and it certainly depends on various other factors

 

[TonyT]

It’s an interesting question and here is non-scientific test I just did on my 2016 McCarty 594 with 59/09 pups (in my avatar pic) through two different amps. The volume and tone set to the same level and using the clean channel and moderate gain (noon position). Test was done using a medium pick on 9th fret of D string using similar attack with several plucks. Sound levels measured through NIOSH sound meter app on Iphone about 18 inches in front of speaker.

Through PRS Archon 50 Combo Amp:

Humbucker mode: 80 dB average
Coils split: 78 dB average

Through Spark 40 Amp:

Humbucker mode: 77 dB average
Coils split: 75 dB average

Conclusion: A 2 dBA reduction with 59/09 coils split. Noticeable, but not a huge drop off to my ears.

 

[David Eddystone]

Well thanks very much everybody for the very interesting comments.It would seem that "if one did that" and "maybe through this" along with "yes it could be" and not to forget "I really didn't notice too much" I can now make a clear decision as to whether the PRS 59/09 are worth buying.
But a Big thanks to TonyT for his conclusion that a 2 dB reduction with 59/09 coil split is certainly for me quite acceptable

 

[gush]

Well thanks very much everybody for the very interesting comments.It would seem that "if one did that" and "maybe through this" along with "yes it could be" and not to forget "I really didn't notice too much" I can now make a clear decision as to whether the PRS 59/09 are worth buying.
But a Big thanks to TonyT for his conclusion that a 2 dB reduction with 59/09 coil split is certainly for me quite acceptable

Oh man.......I can tell you that if you're doing classic rock, blues or even country the 5909 is definitely worth buying. They sound good in most any guitar and they sound fantastic no matter which amp you plug into.

If you do the the resistor thing on the tap wire your volume drop would be minimal. Wire diagrams on prs home page under support tab will show those resistors and their values. You'd just have to look at all the models with 3 way toggle or 408 style switching.

I have a custom 24 with stock 5909s and there is a volume drop in positions 2 and 4 just like a strat would be but mine does not have resistors and I'm not even sure it could be done on a 5 way .

Without the resistors, any HB pickup will have volume drop in SC mode.

 

[David Eddystone]

Hi there,
Thanks for the comments and advice regarding the resistor up-grade on the tap wire.I'll certainly look into this
cus I have experienced real volume drop when switching on other HB's.Also I have experienced some embarrassing moments live
when volume is right in split (single coil) then pushed to HB lead tone, That's the quickest way to get some pretty horrible looks.
OK, thanks again and lots of luck with your musical projects.