Pickups for a PRS 594

[C-Squared]

Looking to replace the pickups on my PRS 594. Played with pole heights and settings. The pickups themselves aren't bad, not just what I am looking for in this instrument. They have some vintage PAF flavor, I want something a little more versatile. I have another PRS Custom 24, I dropped in Duncan Custom Custom and a Jazz and the combo sounds great in that guitar, does classic rock and blues with zest. It does not do much once you start getting into Master of Puppets riffs and beyond. It also has a trem and a longer scale length vs the 594.

As this is more of LPish inspired clone, I thought about going with a set of DiMarzios that I have in most of my LP, but the Air Norton and and the AT-1 respond very different with a cover than without, and I want to go with something that will have a cover on it.

Looking for improved sustain, great harmonics, and a tighter low end that can handle some heavy riffs and the occasional drop D tuning.

Not sure if the Custom 5 vs Custom Custom would do the trick in the bridge. If the Pegasus and Sentient were readily available with a nickel cover I might consider trying something more modern. Going with a set of Al D DMZ might also be worth trying.

Side note, I have yet to find anything with a ceramic magnet in the bridge that doesn't sound a little harsh to my ears, so A5, A2, maybe an A8 or an A4. I did like a few pups with ceramics in the neck. Also the JB never did anything for me personally.

 

[jmh151]

Wolftone Dr Vintage neck and Marshallhead bridge

 

[jeremy]

this has the 85/15 lt pups or something else? i think the custom sounds damn good in the bridge of a lp but if you didnt want the ceramic mag, that pup takes mag swaps really well. the c8 is awesome. the sentient would be a cool neck pup

 

[Gtrjunior]

I have a Custom Custom (A2) in my LP and I can’t say enough good about it. Perfect pickup for that guitar.

 

[Mincer]

As far as Custom 5 vs Custom Custom, they are the complete opposite EQ- the C5 is a smiley face, while the CC is a frown. Pick the EQ your guitar needs. Thing is, they are both hot enough that you get some compression, which isn't ideal for more dynamic styles. If you depend on dynamics, and still want something louder than, say, a PAF-inspired pickup, look at the 59/Custom Hybrid.

 

[pskorz]

Welcome to the forum!

you could consider the Saturday Night Special set. I have them in an sg. I think they’re paf-ish: but a tad hotter. I find them to be pleasing and quite versatile. With the right amp (or model) they can do Metallica just fine. Then Kiss or Journey right after just great.

I too am not a huge fan of the JB largely. Some of my favorite players use it and sound awesome, but in my own guitars it was never my favorite. But I have an se 24 that for some reason my gut is telling me it might be just what the doctor ordered. So don’t necessarily discount it.

 

[richard parker]

I have a PRS Bernie with the BK Abraxas set which may be what you're looking for. They are based on the BK Mules (PAFs) but the bridge is hotter with a tighter low end and a little less top. The neck is clear and bright. I love them.

 

[NYCTone]

As others have said you're looking for something in the hot paf to medium output category. From lowest to highest output any of the following would work well: SNS, Screamin Demon, Custom/59, Custom5, Full Shred, Custom. I'd stay away from the custom custom or anything A2 if you're trying to go for a heavier tone, the bass just gets too loose. I think the best fit would be the 59/Custom hybrid but I'd personally recommend the Custom. I was a lot like you and totally wrote off ceramics but the custom completely changed my perspective. Worst case scenario you can buy an alnico 5 magnet and end up with a custom5.

 

[C-Squared]

Seriously thinking about the Hybrid 59/Custom with a SNS in the neck. Other serious contender is the DMZ Air Norton in the Bridge and a Fred or PAF Joe to try in the neck. I've used a Fred in the neck a few times and it works great on rosewood boards and mahogany bodies.

Been dying to try the Screamin Demon in the neck with a Custom 5 in the bridge, but with an ebony board not sure how well that would work.

 

[C-Squared]

Appreciate all the input. Totally out of left field put I played a friend's LP over the weekend and he had loaded it with EMG 57 / 66 set and they sounded great. Gonna give those a shot and see. Really thought about a 59/Custom with a SNS in the neck and if I don't love these after a few weeks may go that route.

 

[C-Squared]

Swing and a Miss. The EMG TW pickups won't fit the cavity. These are definitely a little thicker than most pickups.

 

[skelt101]

The regular, non-TW pickups would probably fit. BTW, I have a 59/Jazz Hybrid and 59/Custom Hybrid loaded in my Korina McCarty. Not exactly a 594, but sounds pretty killer to me!

 

[1neeto]

Been thinking if to also replace the pickups on my 245. It has the 57/08’s, but I want something more aggressive and less vintage-voiced. Haven’t done so because I have other guitars that fill that void, and want to keep PRS original.


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