I didn't do my homework before buying pickups :-(

Y

Yzerman

New member
Hi Guys,

I just bought new pickups for my PRS CE22 (Mahogany w/ maple top, Rosewood) and i think i messed up. I bought a JB for the bridge and the AP2 for the neck and it's not what i expected.

I use a JB in my Les Paul and i love it, it cuts and it's tight with good chunk but it's a mess in the PRS. It's all mids and loose bass so i'm looking to change it out. The AP2 is different for me but i'm going to give it a chance. It has scooped mids that i'm not crazy about but i'm going to stick with it for awhile but the JB has to go.

I play Rock (80's to current) and i like a tight overdriven tone but not metal. I use a Mesa F-50 Head and Marshall 2x12 cab with WGS Vetran 30's.

What would you suggest for the bridge to cut the mids and add some tighter bass and even a little more highs? After scouring the web i keep seeing the C5 being mentioned with the CE22?

Also, the AP2 is staying for now but i was hoping for more "violin" type lead tones that aren't muddy and can clean up nice? So any suggestions for the neck would be helpful in case i change that too.

Thanks
 
Re: I didn't do my homework before buying pickups :-(

Just a few thoughts:

Bridge: a Dimebucker will definitely cut through the mix, great in Mahogany...perhaps a magnet swap to your JB to make it a JB8?

Neck: Pearly Gates comes to my mind although an eBow would be the best way to get violin type lead tones ;)
 
Re: I didn't do my homework before buying pickups :-(

Are you sure you didn't accidentally install the pickups in the wrong positions?

Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Tapatalk
 
Re: I didn't do my homework before buying pickups :-(

Demanic said:
Are you sure you didn't accidentally install the pickups in the wrong positions?

Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

No, i was careful there... it's definately the JB in the bridge because it's loud!
 
Re: I didn't do my homework before buying pickups :-(

If you just bought them new,the Exchange Policy is prolly in effect...
 
Re: I didn't do my homework before buying pickups :-(

Does the PRS have a tremolo?
 
Re: I didn't do my homework before buying pickups :-(

I contacted SD for a possible return...just waiting for a reply.

Yes, my PRS has a Tremolo.

Thanks
 
Re: I didn't do my homework before buying pickups :-(

If you want to tighten the bass and add cut, I would say to try a Custom, although I would think the JB should sound pretty good in that guitar.
 
Re: I didn't do my homework before buying pickups :-(

Demanic said:
Are you sure you didn't accidentally install the pickups in the wrong positions?

Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

That's what I was thinking too. The OP's tonal descriptions sound exactly backwards compared to what I'd expect from those two pickups.

devastone said:
If you want to tighten the bass and add cut, I would say to try a Custom, although I would think the JB should sound pretty good in that guitar.
Click to expand...

It really depends on the guitar; in my Explorer I found the JB brighter than the Custom. Considering the OP's pickup combo, I'd expect the A2P to be dark, loose, and tubby or the JB to be overly bright and scooped.
 
Re: I didn't do my homework before buying pickups :-(

The JB is probably brighter than the Custom, but the Custom can still cut and sizzle on top, if that makes sense(?). Cut doesn't always mean brighter, although that's usually what it is associated with, of course, YMMV, etc... But yes, the JB can have a lot of cut and presesnce, so at the same time, I kind of agree with you too.

Can I be anymore vague LOL I guess I'm trying to interpret what the OP is looking for based on what he said he didn't like about the JB. The Custom will tighten the bass while still keeping a fair amount of "cut". If he wants to go the next step, there is always the Distortion bridge.
 
Re: I didn't do my homework before buying pickups :-(

Hmm. For all intents and purposes... those pickups should at least sound pleasing to you in the guitar. I can understand not having what you are looking for though.

Anyway, I would try a WLH neck maybe. It's a pretty sweet pickup. As trey said, the Pearly Gates might be sweet too. I am not sure what to do about your bridge, however, it's sometimes tough to beat the Custom or even the Distortion for what you are trying to accomplish but personally, I like the JB more than those two in *most* guitars.
 
Re: I didn't do my homework before buying pickups :-(

Maybe i'll wire the pickups directly to the jack to see if the Push/Pull isn't affecting the output.
 
Re: I didn't do my homework before buying pickups :-(

SnakeAces said:
Hmm. For all intents and purposes... those pickups should at least sound pleasing to you in the guitar.
Click to expand...


I've read enough threads here over the years to not be surprised by that. The JB debate was raging in full force when I joined here 10 years ago.
 
Re: I didn't do my homework before buying pickups :-(

Violin tones from a neck pickup? That's usually the domain of the bridge pickup... violin tone comes from the JB.

Custom 5 won't tighten up the bass much or introduce a measureable amount of highs either.

You get more highs from a vintage output Alnico V but the tighter bass is the domain of a ceramic pickup.
 
Re: I didn't do my homework before buying pickups :-(

blueman335 said:
I've read enough threads here over the years to not be surprised by that. The JB debate was raging in full force when I joined here 10 years ago.
Click to expand...

And you've borne that flag for the last decade all by yourself.
 
Re: I didn't do my homework before buying pickups :-(

Give it has a tremolo with a sustain block:

If you play hard, the Duncan Custom.

If you have a lighter touch, the DD.
 
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