Suggestions Please

[Roy Cornickelson]

Hello all,

I was wondering if I could get a few suggestions in regard to the next PRS I'll be saving up for. I know the PRS knowledge on here is vast so I was hoping for some direction in my next search. Right now I have an Artist V and am totally in love with it (seriously, there is not one thing I would change about it... it's the most attached to a guitar I've been in 14 years). This said, I also love the idea of having a plan to get a second PRS.

Here are my thoughts so far: I know what I am not interested in, but do not know exactly what to look for. The P22s, Floyd, Signatures and SC245, while I can appreciate their purpose, are not my thing. I have never really played on a 24 fret for that long. I was hoping to find something that sounds different (not necessarily better) than my AV. I am willing to save my pennies and wait for something that may be pricey, but know Private Stock is probably out of the picture. I am not opposed to older models; those older EG series with the 3 Fralins are sweet (I had one over 10 years ago and regret letting it go). The Modern Eagle Quatro I played sounded great and played well (are all ME versions as nice?). I've played but never had a chance to get real with a McCarty or Custom 22/24. Why do I hear that Dragon pickups are something I should avoid? Should I look into the 80s or early 90s? Should I expect big things for the 30 year anniversary?

Anyways, thank you and I appreciate any help/direction/suggestions/ideas you have to offer.

 

[django49]

Hmmmmm. So many choices! If you liked the EG type, maybe look into a Brent Mason, 513 or Studio. Cannot advise from actually TRYING any of them myself (yet) but they are appealing.

Re 30th anniversary, the traditional gift is pearl, the modern is diamond. Maybe 2 diamond inlays at the 12th fret?

 

[Roy Cornickelson]

I've heard great things about the 513 from others. I am yet to see one at my local shops so I haven't been lucky enough to play on one. I need to track one down.

What is a Studio?

 

[django49]

Example.....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PAUL-REED-S...D-/231306800416?pt=Guitar&hash=item35daf5ad20

 

[hubbdub]

I would definitely suggest a multi-character guitar to versify your gear palette. I would look into the 513, 408, or Studio for your 2nd guitar. Also if you're into the vintage vibe a DGT!

To answer your question, a studio is a 3 pickup guitar that has a wide variety of sounds. I used to have one (miss it already), and it has a combination of narrowfield pickups in the neck and middle positions, and a 57/08 pickup in the bridge (which has the coil tap option via pull switch). The narrowfield pickups which are discontinued as of right now, and are ideally 57/08 pickups that are packed into a more of a single coil format. They sound similar to mini-humbucker/single coils IMO.

You can't go wrong with the 513 or 408 either. They both offer a great deal of humbucker/ true single coil flavor. I have a 408 and it sounds phenomenal to me. One day, I'll own a 513.

I've also heard nothing but great things on the DGT's (They're plenty of threads here), and they seems to take care of both modern and vintage humbucker sounds. I'm sure guys with more knowledge would chime in here.

Hope this helps!

 

[John Beef]

Some people swear by Dragon pickups. They're kind of aggressive, though. The bridge pickup has a ceramic magnet and 44 gauge wire wound to ~20K. It's strictly a taste thing.

All Modern Eagles have been a grade higher than core PRS guitars, in the same category as an Artist, so that might get you in the ballpark of "just as nice but different".

 

[AP515]

You should definitly avoid Dragon 1 pickups. That way there will be more available for me! Dragon 2's, you can get them. I don't know if they are good or bad (i've heard both opinions) because I've never played them. You can't have my Dragon 1's however.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Really... Just close your eyes and pick something. You'll want 'em all eventually anyway.

 

[Roy Cornickelson]

I would definitely suggest a multi-character guitar to versify your gear palette. I would look into the 513, 408, or Studio for your 2nd guitar. Also if you're into the vintage vibe a DGT!

To answer your question, a studio is a 3 pickup guitar that has a wide variety of sounds. I used to have one (miss it already), and it has a combination of narrowfield pickups in the neck and middle positions, and a 57/08 pickup in the bridge (which has the coil tap option via pull switch). The narrowfield pickups which are discontinued as of right now, and are ideally 57/08 pickups that are packed into a more of a single coil format. They sound similar to mini-humbucker/single coils IMO.

You can't go wrong with the 513 or 408 either. They both offer a great deal of humbucker/ true single coil flavor. I have a 408 and it sounds phenomenal to me. One day, I'll own a 513.

I've also heard nothing but great things on the DGT's (They're plenty of threads here), and they seems to take care of both modern and vintage humbucker sounds. I'm sure guys with more knowledge would chime in here.

Hope this helps!

Are those mini humbuckers or narrowfields harsh like the mini humbuckers in something like a Firebird? Or has PRS cured that problem?

I need to check out a 513. I am yet to hear any negative feedback on that model.

 

[Roy Cornickelson]

Some people swear by Dragon pickups. They're kind of aggressive, though. The bridge pickup has a ceramic magnet and 44 gauge wire wound to ~20K. It's strictly a taste thing.

All Modern Eagles have been a grade higher than core PRS guitars, in the same category as an Artist, so that might get you in the ballpark of "just as nice but different".

Aah, they're ceramic. Got ya...

Are Modern Eagles considered equal to or greater (not in a better way, but in an "advertised" or listing way) than an Artist or Artist V (like top, etc)? Are all Modern Eagle versions just as nice but with different features/appointments?

 

[Roy Cornickelson]

You should definitly avoid Dragon 1 pickups. That way there will be more available for me! Dragon 2's, you can get them. I don't know if they are good or bad (i've heard both opinions) because I've never played them. You can't have my Dragon 1's however.

What model are your Dragon I pickups in?

 

[Roy Cornickelson]

Really... Just close your eyes and pick something. You'll want 'em all eventually anyway.

LOL this is my problem. The options are way too good. The decision with the Artist V hit me like a ton of bricks... love at first note. The important features I wanted were ALL there (ebony fretboard, those specific pickups, neck size, tuners, wood choices, color, hardtail/stoptail, 5-way selector, etc). The icing on the cake was the appointments (the inlay type, purfling, top, etc).

Trying to duplicate that experience has me scratching my head as to where I should start. I want something just as nice but different.

 

[hubbdub]

Are those mini humbuckers or narrowfields harsh like the mini humbuckers in something like a Firebird? Or has PRS cured that problem?

I need to check out a 513. I am yet to hear any negative feedback on that model.

For me I found the narrowfields to not be harsh at all. They have a slghtly warm, round, yet clear sound. When I had my Studio, I played through a Fender Deluxe Reverb (great cleans), and when cranking gain, they didn't have too much bite. The middle pickup gave me a pretty good strat like sound.

 

[Rider1260]

Really... Just close your eyes and pick something. You'll want 'em all eventually anyway.

What Sergio said
I think I have found the best PRSi then I get something else and that one is great also , My MEII is great, my 408 Standard rosewood KILLS and then theres the 305, SCT, CU22 you get the idea

 

[Aubs]

Roy. In your 4:03 post, I think you answered your own question. I don't think that is a feeling you can manufacture. I suggest you just start going to major PRS stores like Dave's Guitar Shop, Wild West Guitars,.... Or on line to Music a Store Live, and you will know it when you find it. I have a 408 MT, that I love. One of the several great things about the 408 pickups, is that they are wound in a way that there truly is no volume drop when you go to single coil. Big positive if you want both sounds in one song. I also have a McCarty with 57/08's. Those are great pickups. Have fun on your quest.

 

[László]

I had an Artist V and a 408 at the same time, and I think it's a great combination for the reasons Aubs says.

I partially funded a special Artist Relations McCarty Singlecut by selling the Artist V; it was one of those "gotta have it now" things I sometimes get myself into.

But I think the Artist V is one of the nicest PRSes I've ever had, going back a long time. The beauty of the 408 is that the sounds are very versatile and not in a wonky "this does everything kinda well" way. The sounds of the 408 really make the cut.

It's a good pairing.

 

[Egads]

Don't forget the Paul's, if you are looking at 408s.

 

[Roy Cornickelson]

Thank you all for the tips/direction. The 408, 513, and Paul's Guitar all sound like something I need to look into. I'm going to start researching hard and try to find each example in person to play on.

I agree with the Aubs that this should come naturally... it's just that I know I'll play one, love it... play another one... love it and get stuck thinking the next one will be a better fit.

 

[shinksma]

I agree with the Aubs that this should come naturally... it's just that I know I'll play one, love it... play another one... love it and get stuck thinking the next one will be a better fit.

Hmm, I have a yearning for more PRSi - The CU24 was exactly what I wanted, then the SE Baritone was an excellent counterpoint, then the hollowbody fit perfectly for my gigging needs, then...

And I just got out of my third marriage.

I sense a pattern...