S2 Mira volume pots

[gball]

The volume pot in my Mira has s__t the bed. I've opened it up and hosed the pot down with contact cleaner and that didn't do the trick. So for the question: does anyone know if the pots are the same ones that are sold in the PRS store/Manns? I can't find specs for the stock pots and can't read the value on the original one, but assume they are 500k with the 180pf capacitor. Hard to tell just from the photo but I assume the values, etc are the same even if the shaft is brass vs the aluminum one on the stock pot (maybe the stock one is the same as the SE?). Thanks - was planning to just buy the US version and pop it in there but don't want to muck up the works if they are different because I love the way it sounds.

 

[GS1]

The volume pot in my Mira has s__t the bed. I've opened it up and hosed the pot down with contact cleaner and that didn't do the trick. So for the question: does anyone know if the pots are the same ones that are sold in the PRS store/Manns? I can't find specs for the stock pots and can't read the value on the original one, but assume they are 500k with the 180pf capacitor. Hard to tell just from the photo but I assume the values, etc are the same even if the shaft is brass vs the aluminum one on the stock pot (maybe the stock one is the same as the SE?). Thanks - was planning to just buy the US version and pop it in there but don't want to muck up the works if they are different because I love the way it sounds.

Would it be a warranty issue? Unless of course you just want to replace it yourself.

 

[gball]

I might be a warranty thing, but I have replaced the pickups in the guitar so it may not be worth the hassle. The pots are cheap and its easy to replace them, so I plan to just do it myself and save having to take the guitar somewhere.

 

[garrettb]

It's my understanding they're somewhere between the SE and core pots, quality-wise. You'd be doing yourself a small favor to replace it with a core piece. You sure it's not just a bad solder joint, though?

 

[gball]

You sure it's not just a bad solder joint, though?

Yeah, checked everything out when I opening it up to spray the contact cleaner. You can pretty clearly hear the "steps" in the pot as you turn it. Basically doing what every pot I have ever had fail did.

I will take your advice and drop a core pot in there. Thanks

 

[NomadMike]

OK, the volume pot on my Mira has already gone scratchy . Did you ever make the upgrade GBall?

 

[gball]

Yeah, I did. Actually put in a Gibson Historic 500k and it is awesome. I think the stock pots are POS's, as it not only feels nicer but has a better taper and sounds more open. The one I yanked out of there was not an Alpha like my SE has, it was a really cheap looking no-name.

 

[NomadMike]

Argh, I was afraid of that. I haven't pulled the scratch plate yet and now I'm dreading what I'll find. I've had a MIJ LP since 1979 and never a problem with the pots and was surprised that these are acting up after less than a year.
Oh well, still love the guitar and it's my number one, but I really use the volume a lot and need quiet
By the way, did the knobs work with the Gibson Historic stems? Also might be a good time for me to think about replacing the neck pickup with something else.

To the PRS crew, I know you're keeping the S2 line to certain price points (and I do appreciate it), but please don't skimp on the pots..

 

[gball]

By the way, did the knobs work with the Gibson Historic stems? Also might be a good time for me to think about replacing the neck pickup with something else.

Yeah, knobs worked fine (although I later changed them to barrel-style knobs, believe it or not). The Gibson pots are made by CTS and really high quality, just like the PRS-US ones - I used it because I already had it and it saved me having to order one. Just reused the resistor from the original one. Works beautifully with the DiMarzio pickups I already had in the guitar. I'm like you - constantly fiddling with the volume, so I needed a nice feel to the pot and it is perfect.

My Mira has become my go-to guitar as well and I have no complaints about it whatsoever. I suppose I never expected too much from the electronics so I'm not really that bummed that I ended up replacing the pickups and pot but, yeah, I guess I thought the pot would have lasted longer.

 

[NomadMike]

Thanks for the info GBall. I'm kind of ticked as if I make the change I void the warranty on something that isn't past it's break-in point, but it's such a cheap and easy fix that the shipping to PRS wouldn't be worth it.
Can dealers make warranty repairs?

 

[gball]

Can dealers make warranty repairs?

No idea but I am sure others here know the answer to that or you can contact customer service.

I am actually toying with the idea of buying another pickguard for the guitar and loading it up with a totally different type of setup. Figure I can put a bullet connector on the bridge ground and have a setup I could change out in 10 minutes. Thinking of going with a set of some type of PAF clones.

 

[NomadMike]

I've been thinking the same thing. Maybe. Custom cut pick guard that can handle a HB and a P-90.

 

[GS1]

gball,

Which DiMarzio pickups do you have installed in your Mira? Thanks.

 

[gball]

GS1 - I put a Super Distortion in the bridge and a PAF Pro in the neck. Both with nickel covers. Can't say enough good things about these pickups in the Mira, in particular the PAF Pro, which may be the best neck pickup I have ever heard.

 

[GS1]

GS1 - I put a Super Distortion in the bridge and a PAF Pro in the neck. Both with nickel covers. Can't say enough good things about these pickups in the Mira, in particular the PAF Pro, which may be the best neck pickup I have ever heard.

Thanks man! I was thinking that you may have had the 36th ani's. I have a set of covered '57 Classics that I am going to install in my ZM (my first go at installing pickups), and if I don't burn it to the ground, I might want to try something new in the Mira.

 

[GS1]

Do you play mainly hard rock/metal with it?

 

[gball]

Yeah, I am basically a Hard Rock guy to the core. We've been doing a lot of stuff lately that could probably be best described as Stoner Rock (think bands like Sasquatch) and the Mira is absolutely perfect for this stuff. But it is still very versatile for just about anything. I've done blues, cleaned it up for Country/Rock with the coil split. Pretty much everything. I've just realized that I need a high-output ceramic pickup in the bridge position of all of my guitars, paired with a more vintage-output alnico in the neck, sort of the PRS classic HFS/Vintage Bass setup.
Here it is:

 

[GS1]

Looks awesome! I was back and forth on the black and white, and white won out. I would gladly own that baby though!

 

[gball]

Me too! It was either black or white and part of me still wants a white one so I can drop some sort of P-90 things into it.

 

[GS1]

You should check out the semi hollows-wow!