What are the PRS 509 pickups like?

[cboisits]

Hey guys. I'm in the market for a Core 10-top and I've been doing my research as to what is available to me, but one thing that isn't really advertised is the pickup output. I'm looking for a PRS with medium to high output pickups. Can anyone advise?

 

[bodia]

Hey guys. I'm in the market for a Core 10-top and I've been doing my research as to what is available to me, but one thing that isn't really advertised is the pickup output. I'm looking for a PRS with medium to high output pickups. Can anyone advise?

Check out specs at this link


https://www.theguitarshop.ca/prs-pickup-guide/

 

[cboisits]

Thank you.

 

[bodia]

Thank you.

You’re welcome

 

[dogrocketp]

My 509’s are ridiculously clean, so they are a great pedal platform. They’re also nice under high gain. You can also get good tone on amps that are too bassy for most guitars. They’re a little shrill and dry for my ears on clean trebly amps.

 

[steved]

As above with me. In humbucking mode they're too bright - the tone knob needs to be your friend with this guitar.

 

[cboisits]

Hmm. I guess the 509 is off of the watch list.

 

[dogrocketp]

I wouldn’t take it off the watch list. If you record or play high gain, it’s great. As mentioned, also great with guitar pedals, or amps that don’t have a good clean sound. They’re also virtually noiseless. Every single one I’ve ever played has a fantastic neck. It depends on what you’re looking for. It’s not the only guitar I have, but it’s extremely versatile. Go play one through the amp you either own or want to buy. Mine is strung with 9’s, and is a very fine guitar. No guitar does everything. The trick is to own the PRS that give you the sound YOU want to hear, PM me if you have any questions.

 

[Mozzi]

This is pretty much my experience of the 509 Pups and range of tones you can get from one. I must admit, I thought the Humbuckers were 'hotter' than the figures suggest, but not 'hot'. Until I bought my Custom 24 Floyd, I had no pickups over 10k and was a bit surprised the 85/15's are a bit hotter according to the numbers.

I don't find the guitar too bright at all. I admit mine is a regular 'core' with Mahogany body and neck with a Rosewood board. I know they have done some WL runs with Swamp Ash bodies and Maple necks which would make it more like a 'Strat' build (with a set neck) and change its characteristics. I also tweak my settings when switching between guitars going from a Cu24 Floyd to a HBii with Piezo will change how an amp sounds and reacts. If I have an Amp set up for a 'Dark' guitar, then a normal guitar would sound 'brighter' with the same settings.

In my opinion, PRS do not currently make another guitar like the 509. The closest is probably the Studio (or maybe Fiore?), but that's still quite different. If you are looking at the 509 because of the way the Pups and Electronics are arranged and the versatility that offers, then its worth at least trying one yourself, make up your own mind. The sound of the Pups is 'subjective' and even if everyone tells you they are superb, you may feel differently (or vice versa). It could well be the 'perfect' guitar for you and your requirements - so 'try one yourself'.

This is my 2017 509 - bought new in 2017 and still a regularly played guitar in my collection. I can recommend at least trying one - great guitars!!

 

[Oscar]

I played one yesterday and find myself wanting it, but really can’t justify it since I already have a DC3 and a DGT.

 

[SinSir]

I played one yesterday and find myself wanting it, but really can’t justify it since I already have a DC3 and a DGT.

What a post for a necro thread revival?!?

I play many of PRS guitars and say to myself, how to justify another one? The addiction is real.. The 509 covers a lot that makes that justification an easy sell.

 

[Oscar]

Some older threads are cool . About the 509, I’m not immune to GAS but the 509 is straight down the middle of my bolt-on, alder DC3 and set-neck, mahogany + maple DGT. Those two guitars rule at what they do. I also have an NF3, which is possibly my favourite solidbody ever. As good as the 509 is, it would still be a “convenience” guitar. Now if I played in a cover band, a theatre pit or as a session player…