Upgrades to my SE Custom 24

G

godoy.rafa

New Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2012
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Hi guys,

I am thinking about doing some upgrades to my guitar, could you give me your thoughts? Anything missing?

- Seymour Duncan JB & Jazz pups (already have them)
- Graphtech Black TUSQ Nut
- DiMarzio 500k pots
- DiMarzio Pickup Selector Switch
- DiMarzio Switchcraft Output Jack

Links below. Thanks!


http://www.amazon.com/Graph-Tech-Sl...id=1352381942&sr=8-1&keywords=black+tusq+6060

http://www.amazon.com/DiMarzio-Cust...=1352383260&sr=1-1&keywords=dimarzio+500k+pot

http://www.amazon.com/DiMarzio-EP12...&qid=1352382088&sr=1-1&keywords=push-pull+pot

http://www.amazon.com/DiMarzio-3-Wa...id=1352383027&sr=1-3&keywords=pickup+selector

http://www.amazon.com/DiMarzio-EP13...id=1352383228&sr=1-2&keywords=1/4+output+jack
 
Add PRS Phase 2 licking tuners & US saddles and there's nothing left to tweak.

Unless did a US trem bridge too.
 
I have the 2012 version, but I pretty much like it as is.
Only mod is Planet Waves Autotrim locking tuners.

What advantage does this give?
DiMarzio Switchcraft Output Jack

Would I notice a difference?
 
That's a good, solid list.
Dimarzio pots are very good and the Graph Tech nut is a requirement to any guitar I buy (excluding USA PRS's and Floyded guitars).
I've had a number of SE's and the Tusq nut has kept all of them in tune no matter how crazy I got with the trem.

I'll second the Planet Waves tuners, they're excellent.
 
+1 on the Tusq Nut. Fitted one to my Bernie and my Strat and i'm more than happy with the results.

That's a solid list of upgrades and suggestions. Only thing i'd maybe add is straplocks?
 
Guys, thanks a lot for the tips!

The locking tuners are a little bit out of my budget, so it might have to wait...
@Coreyt, I don't know what difference will the jack make, perhaps reduce noise, if there's any...
My strap is from Planet Waves and already has a locking mechanism, so no need for straplocks so far.
About the saddles, will it make any difference? Graphtech have them too:
http://www.graphtech.com/product-235-2/
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/graph-tech-prs-string-saver-saddles-set-of-6

Once again, thanks!
 
Last edited:
Just a suggestion, because I am pretty sure many readers have also put alot of time and money into their SE's, as well. It could get expensive doing these modifications to an SE, especially if you are having someone else do the work...labor costs, etc... (thankfully, you already own the PUs...$$$) Have you figured a final cost?? I have seen quite a few very nice used USA made PRS guitars available from different sites in the $850 to $1300 range, with all quality components already on them. Of course, your custom's USA made counterpart is most likely NOT in this price range, but there are some used USA made beauties out there that are pretty inexpensive. Again, just an option...BTW, If you are overseas, then I am sure there are less used USA models for sale. (????)
 
No final cost figured yet... Those parts (besides the saddles) are cheap, but I don't have the labor cost yet... Do you think it is expensive to install everything?

I live in Brazil... PRS guitars are extremely expensive and rare in here... I paid US$ 700,00 for my brand new guitar in Las Vegas when I was on vacation. In here, it would cost US$ 1500,00. An american PRS, new, would cost around US$ 6000,00 and it is very hard to find. An used one, around US$ 4000,00, that is about 6 times what I paid for my new PRS SE in USA! LOL!
 
godoy.rafa said:
No final cost figured yet... Those parts (besides the saddles) are cheap, but I don't have the labor cost yet... Do you think it is expensive to install everything?

I live in Brazil... PRS guitars are extremely expensive and rare in here... I paid US$ 700,00 for my brand new guitar in Las Vegas when I was on vacation. In here, it would cost US$ 1500,00. An american PRS, new, would cost around US$ 6000,00 and it is very hard to find. An used one, around US$ 4000,00, that is about 6 times what I paid for my new PRS SE in USA! LOL!
Click to expand...

Aaaahhhh...wow...Very expensive...I think you can do most of your work, if you are ok with a soldering iron...and just note the existing pickup wiring vs. the new wiring for the new replacement pickups, (in case you want to swap back later) although there may be no difference at all !!! *****Unless you have some luthier experience, I think the nut installation may be best left for someone with experience. Good luck, and please post pics when done!!!
 
CoreyT said:
I have the 2012 version, but I pretty much like it as is.
Only mod is Planet Waves Autotrim locking tuners.

What advantage does this give?
DiMarzio Switchcraft Output Jack

Would I notice a difference?
Click to expand...

Are those locking tuners a direct fit or will drilling be required?
 
Chris528 said:
Are those locking tuners a direct fit or will drilling be required?
Click to expand...
No, the shop had to drill new holes, and cover up the old ones.
In my picks for my Custom 24 and Santana, I do not have any close-ups showing the details very much.
The shop did a great job though.

I think these are the best tuners out there right now, I have them on all of my guitars including my sons SE Semi-Hollow.
 
Chris528 said:
Are those locking tuners a direct fit or will drilling be required?
Click to expand...

Just as an alternative that fits directly, I use Schaller locking tuners on my PRS SE guitars. Direct fit, no drilling and they work great. They don't auto trim, but that's a small price to pay for me.
 
The only thing I'll do is maybe a TUSQ nut and tuners - Grover 406Cs are a drop - in replacement
A paper in oil cap was suggested to me earlier, but I dont think I'll notice a sound difference
Otherwise its perfect as is IMHO
 
SausageofPower said:
Just as an alternative that fits directly, I use Schaller locking tuners on my PRS SE guitars. Direct fit, no drilling and they work great. They don't auto trim, but that's a small price to pay for me.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I don't really care about the autotrim I just want locking tuners. Do you have a model number for the Schaller tuners?
 
Modifications to the guitar? None required.

Modifications to the nut? Oh yeah, you'll need to sand the bottom to reach the correct height at the very least.
 
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