When did PRS go back to the old knobs on the DGT?

[ruger9]

I’ll buy them off you if you don’t like them! I think they’d look pretty sweet on my Paul’s. Definitely more of a vintage vibe with the speed knobs.

Speed knobs? You can buy those anywhere...?

I just replaced them with the PROPER lampshades for a Core model.

 

[JasonE]

Speed knobs? You can buy those anywhere...?

I just replaced them with the PROPER lampshades for a Core model.

The PRS version is a little different. They don't have the dashes between the numbers like a standard speed knob. That is a dead giveaway that they are PRS knobs.

 

[László]

I just replaced them with the PROPER lampshades for a Core model.

When PRS replaced the speed knobs with lampshades, people complained because they weren't the original, proper knobs.

When PRS puts the old speed knobs back on a model, people complain about that. As with the tuner buttons and every other item, PRS can't please everyone. So here's my thinking:

Whatever gizmo PRS decides to put on their guitar models is the proper gizmo, and anything else is personalization.

I realize the post I quoted was rather tongue-in-cheek, however...

There is nothing wrong with personalization! Make it yours!

 

[ruger9]

When PRS replaced the speed knobs with lampshades, people complained because they weren't the original, proper knobs.

When PRS puts the old speed knobs back on a model, people complain about that. As with the tuner buttons and every other item, PRS can't please everyone. So here's my thinking:

Whatever gizmo PRS decides to put on their guitar models is the proper gizmo, and anything else is personalization.

I realize the post I quoted was rather tongue-in-cheek, however...

There is nothing wrong with personalization! Make it yours!

Agree 100%.

Except Paul is 100% wrong on the new tuners, ugly things!

 

[László]

Agree 100%.

Except Paul is 100% wrong on the new tuners, ugly things!

Honestly, I don't even notice them.

Let's face it, while cool, the original winged tuning machines weren't the best looking items.

I suspect that if PRS guitars had come with the new tuners from the beginning, people would have been fine with the way they look all along, and they would have been accepted right off the bat.

This kind of stuff seems (to me) to be a tempest in a teapot, but I don't expect anyone to agree with me.

 

[JasonE]

Agree 100%.

Except Paul is 100% wrong on the new tuners, ugly things!

My biggest issue with the new tuner buttons is the pictures I saw of them in the beginning were all buttons that were molded directly on to the shaft of the tuner. I thought those looked really cheap and didn't belong on a guitar that is in the PRS core price range. Since then I have seen a bunch of them that are held on with screws like the regular Phase III tuners. Those could be changed if you didn't like them. I think this type of tuner is much more deserving of being on a PRS core level guitar.

 

[László]

My biggest issue with the new tuner buttons is the pictures I saw of them in the beginning were all buttons that were molded directly on to the shaft of the tuner. I thought those looked really cheap and didn't belong on a guitar that is in the PRS core price range.

Molded buttons on Kluson shafts have been part of PRS history for a long time and have been on/off/on the McCarty and many Singlecut models since 1994.

For me it isn't aesthetic issues, I just like using the Phase III tuning machines more. It's a stellar tuning machine for lots of reasons, but the practical one is that string changes are faster and simpler. I hate changing strings, and anything making that chore go a little faster I'm good with.

I realize that Paul says the Klusons give the guitars a better or more vintage tone by making the headstock lighter, or offering more string contact.

If offered the choice, however, I'd still want the Phase IIIs. Since I'm not offered the choice on some of the new models, I wouldn't bother changing them out, but I might piss and moan when changing strings!

Fortunately, my current PRS models have the Phase IIIs. So I'm content. For now.

 

[deathworlder]

Semi-related question...
Does PRS use a deep or shallow nut on the 3 way Core toggles.

All the pics I'm seeing of both the PRS long or right angle have a shallow nut.

 

[László]

Semi-related question...
Does PRS use a deep or shallow nut on the 3 way Core toggles.

All the pics I'm seeing of both the PRS long or right angle have a shallow nut.

As long as PRS doesn't mess with my nuts I'm good.

 

[deathworlder]

As long as PRS doesn't mess with my nuts I'm good.

Can't reach mine anyway...
dang whammybar in the way.
Unless you do the rear tuck.

 

[JasonE]

Molded buttons on Kluson shafts have been part of PRS history for a long time and have been on/off/on the McCarty and many Singlecut models since 1994.

For me it isn't aesthetic issues, I just like using the Phase III tuning machines more. It's a stellar tuning machine for lots of reasons, but the practical one is that string changes are faster and simpler. I hate changing strings, and anything making that chore go a little faster I'm good with.

I realize that Paul says the Klusons give the guitars a better or more vintage tone by making the headstock lighter, or offering more string contact.

If offered the choice, however, I'd still want the Phase IIIs. Since I'm not offered the choice on some of the new models, I wouldn't bother changing them out, but I might piss and moan when changing strings!

Fortunately, my current PRS models have the Phase IIIs. So I'm content. For now.

I have 2 PRS with the Kluson style tuners on them, my Ted McCarty and my core Starla. I can live with them but prefer the Phase II and III tuners. Thankfully my McCarty 594 came with tweaked Phase III tuners on it. I am just not a big fan of the molded on buttons. If you somehow break it, you have to replace the whole tuner. Also, with them being plastic and me living in a place that bakes the life out of everything plastic and rubber, there is a real chance at some point that one could break just tuning the guitar up at a gig.

 

[László]

Also, with them being plastic and me living in a place that bakes the life out of everything plastic and rubber, there is a real chance at some point that one could break just tuning the guitar up at a gig.

I get it.

The good news is that the molded-on buttons on the Klusons of my 1965 SG Special are still good, and that thing has lived in all kinds of un-recommended spots over winters, on gigs, you name it. So there is hope!

BUT...

I'd be just as unhappy if a screw-on tuner button broke. I can't imagine that there are many who carry spares for those when gigging, besides guys with techs.

 

[Fringbird]

Agree 100%.

Except Paul is 100% wrong on the new tuners, ugly things!

All my PRS’s get Sperzels.

 

[Fringbird]

PRS online store seems to be selling the old style speed knobs again. They are sold out but they are now showing the amber style speed knobs WITHOUT lines between the numbers.

 

[László]

All my PRS’s get Sperzels.

They make good tuning machines. Nonetheless I'm curious why you remove the Phase III PRS machines that are also very good and feel it's better to replace them?

This isn't an argument, I'm genuinely curious!

 

[Fringbird]

They make good tuning machines. Nonetheless I'm curious why you remove the Phase III PRS machines that are also very good and feel it's better to replace them?

This isn't an argument, I'm genuinely curious!

No problem, I shall explain. First off, I love my Phase III’s. They are likely the best tuners currently manufactured today, in my opinion. Great ratio, good looking. But when they switched to the plasticky weight saving knobs last year I just lost all interest. I am sure Paul knows what he’s talking about subtracting weight from the headstock etc. (even though the heavy aluminum truss rod cover they’re using now adds it back), but I just cannot vibe with that look. I started using Sperzels years ago to replace the wing Phase I tuners and it just became standard procedure for me over the years. I have never had any mechanical issues with any PRS tuning machines. It’s mostly about looks.

 

[bodia]

No problem, I shall explain. First off, I love my Phase III’s. They are likely the best tuners currently manufactured today, in my opinion. Great ratio, good looking. But when they switched to the plasticky weight saving knobs last year I just lost all interest. I am sure Paul knows what he’s talking about subtracting weight from the headstock etc. (even though the heavy aluminum truss rod cover they’re using now adds it back), but I just cannot vibe with that look. I started using Sperzels years ago to replace the wing Phase I tuners and it just became standard procedure for me over the years. I have never had any mechanical issues with any PRS tuning machines. It’s mostly about looks.

I totally get this. I am not a fan of the changes they made to the keys on the Phase III tuners.

 

[László]

I am sure Paul knows what he’s talking about subtracting weight from the headstock etc. (even though the heavy aluminum truss rod cover they’re using now adds it back), but I just cannot vibe with that look.

PRS started out with an aluminum TRC if memory serves. Though that's a very easy swap.

If I didn't care for the buttons on the new Phase IIIs, I'd just get a different set of buttons. Call me lazy!

 

[Fringbird]

PRS started out with an aluminum TRC if memory serves. Though that's a very easy swap.

If I didn't care for the buttons on the new Phase IIIs, I'd just get a different set of buttons. Call me lazy!

I like that idea too. I’d love to get some blue wooden tuner buttons for my Blue Matteo 10 top.

 

[bodia]

PRS started out with an aluminum TRC if memory serves. Though that's a very easy swap.

If I didn't care for the buttons on the new Phase IIIs, I'd just get a different set of buttons. Call me lazy!

You'd need a new plan. They're "press fitted" to the shaft.