Need PU Advice for PRS SC245

O

oceantracks

New member
I appreciate any help here, because I'm not much of an expert on pickups.

OK, I grew up in the Sixties playing mainly an 65 SG Standard, so I got used to a very bright and clear bridge PU.

In recent years, I've tried various PRS guitars and all of them sound too dark to me on the bridge PU (I guess because I grew up playing that SG).

I bought a Historic Goldtop, and I thought it sounded like mud on the bridge. It did growl nicely and all that, but overall, still no cigar (for me).

Then I recently played a new Les Paul Traditional, and that one sounded just like what I want to hear.

But I like the PRS SC245 guitar a lot. I got one today, and it's bridge is pretty good, still not as clear as the Traditional. I don't want it to rip your head off with brightness, but clarity is very important. I use this guitar in the studio, and often play clean stuff and only slightly distorted stuff.

So I suppose I could put in whatever they are using in the Traditionals in this SC245, but I have heard a lot of great things about Duncans over the years, so I thought I'd ask here first for some advice.

Thanks so much
Tom
 
Re: Need PU Advice for PRS SC245

IMO, you should give the PRS SC245 a little more time before you start changing its pickups.

It is almost inevitable that a Les Paul or a Singlecut is going to sound darker than an SG sporting identical pickups. That is what the neck joint, maple cap and extra thickness of mahogany bring to the equation.

I wish that you had mentioned what amplification you use with your guitar(s).

The quickest way to brighten things up would be to go to lighter gauge strings. (e.g. from 10s to 9.5s)
 
Re: Need PU Advice for PRS SC245

Funkfingers said:
IMO, you should give the PRS SC245 a little more time before you start changing its pickups.

It is almost inevitable that a Les Paul or a Singlecut is going to sound darker than an SG sporting identical pickups. That is what the neck joint, maple cap and extra thickness of mahogany bring to the equation.

I wish that you had mentioned what amplification you use with your guitar(s).

The quickest way to brighten things up would be to go to lighter gauge strings. (e.g. from 10s to 9.5s)
Click to expand...

I think the 57 Classic Plus that is in the Traditional is more like what I'm used to hearing. I'm not trying to cop an exact SG sound, just clearer and brighter, like the LP Traditional is. I may live with the bridge PU for awhile more.

But the bridge PU is really dark and thick. I would spend all day EQ ing this in a mix and so I'm sure I'll replace that one. I need something on the neck without boomyness... more clear and precise. The SC250 really has that on their neck PU, it's very unusual and really clear, without being wimpy.

Tom
 
Re: Need PU Advice for PRS SC245

Don't know much about the PRS PUs, but if you want a bit brighter sound, the SD JB might be worth a try. The good thing is that if the JB is too bright for you there are various mag swaps (A2, A8, or even A4 for a slight bit less shrill and more balance) that can turn it into just about anything what you want
 
Re: Need PU Advice for PRS SC245

2 options:

1. Duncan Jazz Bridge HB: As clear as it gets. I think you are gonna love this one. This one has an a5 magnet just like that SG of yours.

2. Duncan Seth Bridge: This one is very clear as well, but its bass is a bit softer.

From what I've read, I think you'd be better off with a Jazz bridge HB.

By the way, using a neck Burstbucker Pro (or V however you wanna call it) in the bridge is also an option. You could score one for quite a nice price.

Hope this helps.

B
 
Re: Need PU Advice for PRS SC245

I think the Les paul Traditional comes with 57 classics in it. Maybe try one of those in the PRS.

Where are you located?
 
Re: Need PU Advice for PRS SC245

i own an SC245 and like it just as is ... but if it isnt floatin your boat, i can see why you are looking into a change

when i read your post, two thoughts came to mind :

- if you have found a guitar that sounds the way you want it to sound, you should probably own it ... so get the LP Trad and be done with it knowing you have found the sound you want

- a PG bridge might do the trick but also investigate the duncan custom or custom 5
 
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