I recently ordered a PRS Custom 22 that's the Daytona Orange color with the Chevy Corvette Z06 accents on it (seemed like a good deal for $1650) and it comes with these pickups on it. I know that they are alnico 4 magnets, but the videos I've heard them in didn't really seem to do them justice. I was wondering if anyone on here have used these pickups before and are willing to give their 2 cents on the sound quality of them. I really like hot vintage sounds. Currently I have a Gibson Les Paul and a Charvel San Dimas, both with SD 59/JB pickups. Planning on switching the LP with a Sentient/Pegasus set soon.
Paul Reed Smith Dragon II pickups
- Thread starter Iceman209
- Start date
Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
Re: Paul Reed Smith Dragon II pickups
I can't speak for the specific set you are using, but I have had positive experiences from all the PRS stock pickups I have used. They wind really good pickups in-house, even on their lower range models. I believe Carlos Santana is/was using them for recording for a while, but don't quote me on that.
I can't speak for the specific set you are using, but I have had positive experiences from all the PRS stock pickups I have used. They wind really good pickups in-house, even on their lower range models. I believe Carlos Santana is/was using them for recording for a while, but don't quote me on that.
dystrust
Well-known member
Re: Paul Reed Smith Dragon II pickups
In terms of build quality they're good pickups, just like everything else that PRS makes. In terms of actual tone, you should let your own ears decide. I thought Dragon IIs were muddy and bland, but I've heard plenty of other players rave about them.
In terms of build quality they're good pickups, just like everything else that PRS makes. In terms of actual tone, you should let your own ears decide. I thought Dragon IIs were muddy and bland, but I've heard plenty of other players rave about them.
Lewguitar
New member
Re: Paul Reed Smith Dragon II pickups
I don’t believe the Dragon II’s are Alnico 4.
I’m pretty sure they’re Alnico 5.
The Dragon I neck pickup was Alnico 4 and the bridge pickup ceramic.
And the Dragon II neck pickup is rumored to be the same pickup as the Dragon I neck only nickel covered and Alnico 5.
That’s what some PRS experts say, anyway.
Paul Reed Smith himself is secretive about it.
I replaced the Dragon II’s in my two CU22’s with Duncan Antiquitys, which I like a lot more.
I did like the Dragon II’s...but not enough to keep them in there.
When I made the change I also got rid of the 5 position rotary switch and went with a Les Paul style 3 way.
I don’t believe the Dragon II’s are Alnico 4.
I’m pretty sure they’re Alnico 5.
The Dragon I neck pickup was Alnico 4 and the bridge pickup ceramic.
And the Dragon II neck pickup is rumored to be the same pickup as the Dragon I neck only nickel covered and Alnico 5.
That’s what some PRS experts say, anyway.
Paul Reed Smith himself is secretive about it.
I replaced the Dragon II’s in my two CU22’s with Duncan Antiquitys, which I like a lot more.
I did like the Dragon II’s...but not enough to keep them in there.
When I made the change I also got rid of the 5 position rotary switch and went with a Les Paul style 3 way.
Last edited:
ferrinbonn
New member
Re: Paul Reed Smith Dragon II pickups
Dragon IIs are Alnico 4. They're pretty open about the specs of the pups they're selling standalone at this point.
https://us.prsaccessories.com/collections/pickups
Dragon IIs are Alnico 4. They're pretty open about the specs of the pups they're selling standalone at this point.
https://us.prsaccessories.com/collections/pickups
Lewguitar
New member
Re: Paul Reed Smith Dragon II pickups
Good to know.
I used to be a member of the PRS Forum. Still am I guess.
I copied a chart someone there posted about the specs of various PRS pickups and the info I gave was based on the info in that chart.
Guess it was wrong.
Good to know.
I used to be a member of the PRS Forum. Still am I guess.
I copied a chart someone there posted about the specs of various PRS pickups and the info I gave was based on the info in that chart.
Guess it was wrong.
ferrinbonn
New member
Re: Paul Reed Smith Dragon II pickups
Definitely possible. Looks like all of them have square bobbins now, which is a newer style for them. Maybe they changed some of the specs as well.
Definitely possible. Looks like all of them have square bobbins now, which is a newer style for them. Maybe they changed some of the specs as well.
Similar threads
