New Pickups or Not

R

Raoul Duke

New member
Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the SD Forum and looking for some advice. I recently did some recording using a few different guitars and found my stock PRS Cu22 lacking compared to the other 2 I used (those being a Les Paul with sh-6 and an LTD MH-250 with sh-4). I expected the Les Paul to be beefier, which it was, but what surprised me was the fact that the inexpensive LTD gave a preferable sound to the PRS.

So I am left wondering if it would be worth swapping out the stock Dragon II's for something else (sh-6 or sh-4 perhaps). I ask this because I realize the PRS is trem equipped and the other two aren't. Would a pickup swap be less noticeable compared to blocking the bridge would be in regards to improving tone and sustain?
 
Re: New Pickups or Not

IME the tonal effect of blocking the bridge will be much more subtle than a pickup swap could be. But depending on how you want to block the bridge, it's quick, cheap and reversible. If you're thinking of doing it, you might as well give it a shot.
 
Re: New Pickups or Not

Do a quick test. It takes about 5 minutes to block a bridge . . . just grab a pad of post it notes of the correct size and wedge them under the block so that the bridge is about where it normally sits floating, then screw down the spring claw tight. There is a distinct difference between floating and blocked bridges, and it's the free option.

If the PRS still doesn't sound good then I'd look into the pickups. They will make a bigger difference than blocking the trem.
 
Re: New Pickups or Not

I don't think blocking the vibrato will do much tone wise. What is it you find the Custom to be lacking in comparison? Fullness? Clarity?
 
Re: New Pickups or Not

GuitarStv said:
Do a quick test. It takes about 5 minutes to block a bridge . . . just grab a pad of post it notes of the correct size and wedge them under the block so that the bridge is about where it normally sits floating, then screw down the spring claw tight. There is a distinct difference between floating and blocked bridges, and it's the free option.

If the PRS still doesn't sound good then I'd look into the pickups. They will make a bigger difference than blocking the trem.
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Correct me if I'm wrong, but the material used to block the trem will contribute to the character of the tone. Post it notes will not sound the same as say, pine or corrian.
 
Re: New Pickups or Not

On another note, I would say stick an Alternative 8 or a six string Pegasus in the bridge paired with a Jazz neck.
 
Re: New Pickups or Not

Demanic said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the material used to block the trem will contribute to the character of the tone. Post it notes will not sound the same as say, pine or corrian.
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Can you notice significant difference between a trem blocked with post it notes, a sliver of wood, or a metal bracket? I can't. At the very least it'll give him an idea for how the tone changes (bass frequencies are enhanced and slightly more sustain). I wouldn't suggest that the post-it note solution remain for more than some simple testing, as they're not a particularly durable material.
 
Re: New Pickups or Not

I blocked the bridge on my PRS standard and it just seemed to add more upper mids, which it has plenty of. I liked it better unblocked.
 
Re: New Pickups or Not

Thank you everyone for all the helpful replies.

VHTJay said:
I don't think blocking the vibrato will do much tone wise. What is it you find the Custom to be lacking in comparison? Fullness? Clarity?
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I find it to be lacking some in the bass response and the overall fullness, its fine for clarity, maybe a bit clearer than the JB in the LTD tbh, but it lacks an overall 'ooomph' and chunk in comparison.

I may try to block it off with a stack of post its like was suggested to see if there is any appreciable improvement and if so move on to a harder material for it. I am beginning to think that the PRS Dragon II's just might not be the right flavour of pickup for me. I've listened to a few demoes/comparisons online and am finding that the other PRS pickups seem more up my alley.

I'm liking the sounds of the HFS that I'm hearing in clips, but am also very seriously considering an SH-6 Distortion as its been recommended by the tone wizard, as well as working well in my own experiences using it in other guitars. Another selling point being that I can get an SH-6 (or most Duncan's) for about half the cost of an HFS would run me as well.
 
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Re: New Pickups or Not

The Distortion will have a bigger and tighter low end than the Dragon 2 and definitely more juice. The Dragon 2 is probably my second least favourite PRS pickup after the HFS. A distortion will be cheaper and much better than both IMO.
 
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