PRS CE 24 Satin - a few improvements

[greenelectric]

Hello folks!

I finally call myself an owner of a PRS guitar. To be exact a CE 24 in Satin finish and I love it. My first USA made guitar was a Gibson SG. Furthermore I owned Jackson KE2 and Gibson Custom.

None of these guitars beat the CE 24 in clean mode. Never heard anything like it! Versatility, playability and craftsmanship are also absolutely stunning. PRS owns its reputation! So all in all the pros outweighs the cons (yes, there are a few, but only a minors).

One thing a don't like is the zero resistance poti. Is there a good option to change that to something with more resistance. My strumming motion is relatively wide and occasionally I hit the poti by mistake which then slightly turns it.

My CE 24 Satin came with 85/15 pickups. Although the clean sound is phenomenal, I miss something with distortion. I'm working against the guitar instead of with it so to speak. It sounds a little too dry. I need more output and thus a good pickup recommendation from you guys. My ears are very accustomed to the 498T bridge in my Gibson SG. When you hit that, it sings! I also like Tremonti's sound a lot. I know of course that I probably have to compromise between good clean sound and distortion. Since I don't play clean that much I favour a good distorted sound. I read the forums a little bit and came across the HFS and Tremonti Treble. What changes can I expect compared to the old setup with the 85/15 pickups.

Oh, yeah. This is my baby



I hope for a few good tips!

Thanks, folks!

 

[Deleted member 2284]

Nice guitar!!

As for distortion, I must say I really love the 85/15 for distortion sounds! I wonder if playing with the pickup height might get it more to your liking - it's worth a shot to try anyway

Regarding the pots, you'll have to change to a different brand to get more resistance. Find something that has a good taper to it, that's important (unless you play on ten the whole time). RS guitarworks comes to mind, there are other options out there.

 

[charliefrench]

Hello and welcome. That bad boy you have looks nice. I had the same low resistance issue with the push/pull tone pot on one of my guitars. The best course of action is to replace it. They do not cost much and if you have access to a soldering iron just make notes of what goes where, maybe take a photograph, and you are good to go. Alternatively, it should not cost a great deal to have a professional do the work.

For your pickup question. I would suggest you swap out the Gibson 498T from your SG and try it in your PRS. If it performs similarly to your liking you can buy another of the same rather than risk buying a different pickup blindly.

 

[Fro]

An inexpensive fix would be to put an o-ring or a piece of foam under your knob to give it some friction.

 

[bodia]

I'd agree with adjusting pickup height, and poles too, before you give up on the 85/15. In the end, if they aren't what you're after, I'd suggest the 59/09.

Congrats on your first, and welcome to the Forum!

 

[toothace]

Congrats on the new axe! I'd follow the above advice about adjusting the pickup height. I would also say give the 85/15 a chance. Like a new pair of shoes that needs breaking in, your ears need a chance to adjust to the new sounds. They are used to the 498T which is like an ld pair of comfy slippers to your ears. Give the 85/15s a chance for your ears to adjust and you just might like the new shoes!

 

[greenelectric]

I assumed that the pickup height is just right because PRS surely set this guitar up fantastically to begin with, meaning there is no problem with overall playability! Again, its not so much the sound that bothers me but the lack of output. When I play palm muted its most obvious. Since you gave the pickup height advice I start with that and then go on from there. Next stop will be a hotter pickup!

 

[Deleted member 2284]

Actually, given your last post, I'd FIRSt try simply upping the gain a bit on the amp to where you think it should sit, then dial in the EQ - see how that feels. If it's simply a matter of output, there are simpler answers (at least easier things to try)

 

[dogrocketp]

I assumed that the pickup height is just right because PRS surely set this guitar up fantastically to begin with, meaning there is no problem with overall playability! Again, its not so much the sound that bothers me but the lack of output. When I play palm muted its most obvious. Since you gave the pickup height advice I start with that and then go on from there. Next stop will be a hotter pickup!

The pickups were adjusted to factory specs. You`re not the factory, this is your guitar. PRS pickups are much more tunable than any i`ve ever played. Raise and lower them. You can really alter the sound of the guitar. I would also suggest you live with the guitar for 2 weeks minimum to allow the guitar to break in, and your ears to get used to it. I used to be a GLP player. Once my brain learned how to hear what the guitar did, I sold every non-PRS I had, except a frankenstrat built by Philtone Guitar in Baltimore. And I quit searching for sounds. Welcome, and you have a killer guitar.

 

[AkiraSpectrum]

I love these limited edition CE Satin's with the colored charcoal bursts! I want one so bad, especially the blue or purple models.

If you have the cash, grab a Tremonti or HFS bridge pickup and then you can sell your 85/10 to recoup a good amount of the money spent on the Tremonti or HFS. You could also grab a Tremonti set or HFS/VB set and then sell your 85/10's as a set (more likely to make a sale with the pair). I haven't tried the Tremonti's but I think the HFS and VB will give you a vibe you're more familiar with.

 

[greenelectric]

Alright people, let me get back to you quickly. I made some adjustments, a tiny more gain and the bridge pickup closer to the strings and whoa! Man, what a difference. I'm stunned how much you can do with PRS guitars and the playability knocks me out of my socks everytime. Next guitar will be a singlecut. I got the PRS virus

Thanks for the tips! You guys are awesome!

 

[bodia]

Alright people, let me get back to you quickly. I made some adjustments, a tiny more gain and the bridge pickup closer to the strings and whoa! Man, what a difference. I'm stunned how much you can do with PRS guitars and the playability knocks me out of my socks everytime. Next guitar will be a singlecut. I got the PRS virus

Thanks for the tips! You guys are awesome!

B!tchin'! I love a happy ending!

 

[CVS]

If you want "hot" pick ups - I would go VB/HFS, but as others have mentioned I would give your new baby a thorough test drive before doing anything.
BTW Congrats!!!

 

[Dusty Chalk]

Actually, given your last post, I'd FIRSt try simply upping the gain a bit on the amp to where you think it should sit, then dial in the EQ - see how that feels. If it's simply a matter of output, there are simpler answers (at least easier things to try)

Dial your amp in all over again. I know it was a lot of work to dial in your amp to where you want it, but It's a different guitar. Start over, and methodically dial it in with this one. Or just put a boost between the CE and where you plugged in your SG.

Also, pickup height. Definitely. Possibly both at the same time.

 

[MichaelS]

Similar issue here. The 85/15 treble on my CE24 standard satin seems weak in distortion and overly glassy/trebly/bright in clean.

So reduce pickup distance to gain some umpf?

In case of new pickup, if I am happy with the Santana treble in my Core Signature, would I prefer HFS or Tremonti in the CE24?
(Weird question I know)

 

[AP515]

Just put a little layer of felt under the knob to press against the body. It will add the needed friction. Use caution pulling the knob off.

 

[21Hemispheres12]

Similar issue here. The 85/15 treble on my CE24 standard satin seems weak in distortion and overly glassy/trebly/bright in clean.

So reduce pickup distance to gain some umpf?

In case of new pickup, if I am happy with the Santana treble in my Core Signature, would I prefer HFS or Tremonti in the CE24?
(Weird question I know)

I found that I like the bridge pickup set at 2/32 on the treble side and 5/64 on the bass side to give it a bit more drive. Then I roll off on the tone to 5 or 6 for cleans. I read before getting my PRS that you have to use the tone knob and I'm finding that to be true.

 

[MichaelS]

I'd agree with adjusting pickup height, and poles too, before you give up on the 85/15. In the end, if they aren't what you're after, I'd suggest the 59/09.

If I am happy with the Santana treble in my Core Signature, would I prefer HFS or Tremonti in a CE24 Standard Satin?
(Weird question I know)
I do play more on the metal side, but even the Santanas do it for me. The 85/15 in the CE so far doesn't... going to adjust some heights now, but thinking of HFS or Tremonti...

Ok, height adjustment was marginal. The Santana is just beefier. All the wood on it probably doing a large part as well. The CE is 'skinny' and 'shrill' compared to it. Especially treble. Bass is ok actually. A little boomy on the low strings.

 

[clasbtenn]

Actually, given your last post, I'd FIRSt try simply upping the gain a bit on the amp to where you think it should sit, then dial in the EQ - see how that feels. If it's simply a matter of output, there are simpler answers (at least easier things to try)

This. ^
I know when I get a new guitar with different pickups, that I need to make adjustments to my amp and foot toys.
Also, adjusting the pickup height and pole pieces will also help. Don't be too swift in changing out the pickups. You bought this guitar for what it offers you, not to compete with your other guitars. Try to get used to it for what it is, and after, say, 6 months, if you find that it isn't doping it for you, then change out the pickups. 6 months is not a long time, and you may think differently after making adjustments to your amp, and pedals and the pickups .
Good luck.

 

[MichaelS]

ok. ok. I give in... my daughter played with the amp dials and completely messed up the sound so I had to set up the whole thing anyways. I used the 85/15 ax and it is coming out pretty good. clean, crunch, and distorted. Although still a little drier on distortion than the Santana. Could also be string tension due to the shorter scale. Got the CE to go Eb anyways, but still have to drop the tuning...