Anybody swap out a 85/15?

[skelt101]

Weird, right? Could it be a USA vs Import thing? Or perhaps bolt-on vs set-neck? I don't know...

[eclecticsynergy]

There can be a pretty big difference in PRS pickups between the imports and the US models they're meant to resemble.
My only experience with this has been a Starla set but it seems clear that there are significant differences across the whole line.

This is likely to be especially pronounced in the 00/00 series pickups - they (edit: the USA ones) all use special unobtainium wire from one particular vintage extruder.

[Hank-]

I've not heard the Floyd prs models yet in person. What Duncan's would you guys go for in 25" scale & Floyd bridge, in a mahogany body/maple top (not sure if it's maple or mahogany neck) for cleans to rock sounds

[Synapsys]

I've not heard the Floyd prs models yet in person. What Duncan's would you guys go for in 25" scale & Floyd bridge, in a mahogany body/maple top (not sure if it's maple or mahogany neck) for cleans to rock sounds

Would still use the set I mentioned above, Custom Trembucker / Pearly Gates neck.

[Masta' C]

There can be a pretty big difference in PRS pickups between the imports and the US models they're meant to resemble.

[alex1fly]

I'm definitely hearing more mids/low mids on the SE bridge pickup than on the American. It seems woolier and muddier. Anyone else get this?

Of course, they're also on different guitars, so it's not an apples-to-apples comparison.

Trying a USA version of the pickup in my guitar would be pretty interesting. They seem to only be available used and so are pretty pricey - cheapest set I found is $325.

PRS does sell some new single pickups on their store: https://us.prsaccessories.com/collections/pickups
This would be easier to swallow, but they don't sell the 85/15, and you don't get many color options.

[BluesIsBlood12]

As mentioned by others, those are the "S" versions. They're ok, but most quality USA pickups will be better. They split well due to the wiring, not the pickups.

I replaced the USA 85/15s with a set of WLH. I think it was an improvement, but it was a lot closer than I expected. I would recommend those over the USA version due to price more than tone.

[alex1fly]

Spent some time with it the last couple of days and it sounds a lot better with some lows and low mids removed prior to the amp. Less mud. Maybe it'll work out stock. That'd be ideal - no wiring, no $$, and keep the beautiful zebra cream color scheme. Thanks all for your input and opinions.

[jeremy]

using an eq for that?

[alex1fly]

using an eq for that?

Yeah. EQ to the rescue again.

[frankencat]

I think an A4 magnet would be interspersed in the 85/15 S bridge. In fact I am going to try it in my SE Custom 24.