To all the PRS pickup gurus, got a question

[Jimmy Ramone]

Where do the various PRS pickup sets fall on the vintage - modern spectrum? I have experience with McCarty’s, 57/08, and Dragon IIs. And I would place them in that order of vintage to modern. I’m exploring the tonal subtleties of the various sets and would like to compile a list. Have a set of Mira’s coming. Interested in knowing more about the other sets. What’s your opinion?

McCarty > 57/08 > Dragon II

Where do the other sets fall? Mira, Dragon I, #6, #7, 53/10, 58/15, 59/09, etc.
Is there something that falls between McCartys and 57/08s?

Looking forward to sharing opinions.

 

[Bowtiefanatc]

57/08 (unetched) > 57/08 Squabbin > 57/08TM > McCarty > D2

 

[Going Modal]

Tricky to rank them all without charting them all on a giant chalkboard. But here's what I would comment--based on evidence that I can find (published magnet types and pickup strengths, as well as how they feel & sound), I currently regard these all as being the same:

Identical neck pickups to each other (all Alnico II, same outputs):
Standard bass --> Vintage bass --> 57/08 bass ... all the same

Also identical neck pickups to each other (all Alnico IV, same outputs):
Dragon bass --> McCarty bass --> Dragon II & #6 ... all the same

Please prove me wrong on these, but I cannot find anything within either lineage that would point differently. No way could a small-ish guitar manufacturer like PRS make so many different pickups over time (in addition to guitars!) if they didn't carry over previous tried & true pickup designs. I've yet to compare/qualify all the corresponding bridge pickups, as those seem to vary a bit more from set to set.

Other speculations/observations that I could provide:
53/10 = more or less like a "low wind" 57/08; but the "53" seems to indicate that it's targeted after a P90 from 1953???
59/09 = more or less to me like a 57/08 with Alnico V magnets and possibly 5% overwind
85/15 = I dunno... modern strong yet clear alien invention from outer space... I've yet to fall in love with these.

 

[SinSir]

Identical neck pickups to each other (all Alnico II, same outputs):
Standard bass --> Vintage bass --> 57/08 bass ... all the same

There may be a 5708 version that is but as a whole no. There's quite a few versions or revisions.

Also identical neck pickups to each other (all Alnico IV, same outputs):
Dragon bass --> McCarty bass --> Dragon II & #6 ... all the same

This is correct. Differences are things like covers, zebra, uncovered, and wires.. otherwise same same.

Please prove me wrong on these, but I cannot find anything within either lineage that would point differently. No way could a small-ish guitar manufacturer like PRS make so many different pickups over time (in addition guitars!) if they didn't carry over previous tried & true pickup designs. I've yet to compare/qualify all the corresponding bridge pickups, as those seem to vary a bit more from set to set.

PRS does this A LOT! There's even more than you mentioned with changes like covers,.magnets, and sometimes even just the name.

59/09 = more or less to me like a 57/08 with Alnico V magnets and possibly 5% overwind

5909 is A2. There was a overwound version of 5708 that i have thats damn difficult to tell the difference between a 5708 besides the cover and uncovered

85/15 = I dunno... modern strong yet clear alien invention from outer space... I've yet to fall in love with these.

My least liked xx/xx pickup too


We can't talk pickups without mentioning the 5815LT. Another pickups with lots of versions over the years. Fantastic neck tone! Pairs well with 5909 or 5708 too.

 

[andy474x]

I’ll keep my observations shallow, but in order of output, lower to higher, 58/15LT just a hair less than early 57/08, then 58/15 MT and newer 57/08, then 59/09. That said, I’ve had certain pickups hit a little harder/louder in certain guitars despite their position in the output hierarchy.

 

[Gtrbldr]

57/08 (unetched) > 57/08 Squabbin > 57/08TM > McCarty > D2

Even here there is quite the difference between sets. I have two sets of unechtched 57/08, probably produced within a month of each other (early 2009) and they vary quite a bit. Bridge of one is 7.9, the other 8.5. Neck read about 7.8 and 8.0. Might be considered within spec, but are definately different PUs.

 

[GuitarJammin]

wow...I just snatched up a set of unetched 57/08s. I've been after them a long time. They appear to be be uninstalled and look brand new!
Now what to do with them!

I love 57/08s the most. I have the TM in my PS Singlecut and custom 24, I have some PS collection series 57/08 in my CU22 hardtail.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

wow...I just snatched up a set of unetched 57/08s. I've been after them a long time. They appear to be be uninstalled and look brand new!
Now what to do with them!

I love 57/08s the most. I have the TM in my PS Singlecut and custom 24, I have some PS collection series 57/08 in my CU22 hardtail.

Congratulations. Would love to see the full guitar please.

 

[Birdsofprey]

Would love to hear those in a Mira. I put some \M/‘s in an S2 Mira and they sound killer. Splits sound good too. One of my top PRS pups.

 

[Gtrbldr]

congrats, what are the readings on those PUs?

 

[bodia]

wow...I just snatched up a set of unetched 57/08s. I've been after them a long time. They appear to be be uninstalled and look brand new!
Now what to do with them!

I love 57/08s the most. I have the TM in my PS Singlecut and custom 24, I have some PS collection series 57/08 in my CU22 hardtail.

Nice find!

 

[thewesdavis]

Would love to hear those in a Mira. I put some \M/‘s in an S2 Mira and they sound killer. Splits sound good too. One of my top PRS pups.

Nice!