Pickups for my new S2 Custom 24

B

Bananagab

New member
Hi,
I got a new S2 Custom 24 a week ago and I want to change the pickups but I'm a newbie to this kind of stuff. I want something warmer. Mainly playing classic rock and bluesy stuff through a Tiny Terror.

I tried Dimarzio and Seymour Duncan ''Tone Wizard'', they recommend the SD Slash Set (which is only 2 conductors so I can't use the coil split knob) and the PAF 36th Anniversary Bridge and the Super Distorstion. I'm kinda bad at spotting differences in pickups sound in audio clips (my ****ty headphones might be the reason) so I would like to hear your opinions on these pickups and others. Just pitch your suggestions!

If it can help, here's what I'm mainly playing these days : Santana, Slash/GNR, a bit of Satriani's more tamed songs, Queens of the Stone Age, Muse and Rage Against The Machine.

I like Slash's tone, but I read some mixed reviews about his signature pickup set, especially about the neck pickup.

Thanks for the help!
 
Re: Pickups for my new S2 Custom 24

You could use an Alnico II Pro set, which is what Slash used before he got his signature pickups (based on the A2Ps). Then you'll have 4 conductor wiring for playing around with splitting.
 
Re: Pickups for my new S2 Custom 24

My PRS is a SE Custom 24 30th Anniversary Flame Top. Installed a TB-5 Custom / SH-PG1n Pearly Gates, so I strongly recommend this set.
 
Re: Pickups for my new S2 Custom 24

Is the guitar itself brighter and you can't adjust the amp to make it sound warmer, or do you suspect that the stock pickups themselves are way too bright?

Normally I'd suggest these for that guitar / amp combo:

For Duncans - TB Spaced Custom/59 in the bridge, Jazz in the neck.
For Dimarzio - F-Spaced Evo 2 in the bridge, Evolution Neck.

If you need to warm the guitar up some and the amp isn't doing it:

Duncan PATB-1 Set
Dimarzio Breed set
 
Re: Pickups for my new S2 Custom 24

Cdwillis said:
You could use an Alnico II Pro set, which is what Slash used before he got his signature pickups (based on the A2Ps). Then you'll have 4 conductor wiring for playing around with splitting.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I saw that set. It's basically the same as Slash but a bit less hot?

Synapsys said:
My PRS is a SE Custom 24 30th Anniversary Flame Top. Installed a TB-5 Custom / SH-PG1n Pearly Gates, so I strongly recommend this set.
Click to expand...

I will check the PG out. Based on the specs, I think the Custom is kinda too hot and heavy for my taste but I may be wrong.
 
Re: Pickups for my new S2 Custom 24

dominus said:
Is the guitar itself brighter and you can't adjust the amp to make it sound warmer, or do you suspect that the stock pickups themselves are way too bright?

Normally I'd suggest these for that guitar / amp combo:

For Duncans - TB Spaced Custom/59 in the bridge, Jazz in the neck.
For Dimarzio - F-Spaced Evo 2 in the bridge, Evolution Neck.

If you need to warm the guitar up some and the amp isn't doing it:

Duncan PATB-1 Set
Dimarzio Breed set
Click to expand...

The guitar is a bit bright, not much but noticeable. The Tiny Terror has always been on the bright side, little I can do about that. But that was my first assumption, that the pickups are too bright for my taste. I will check the sets you suggested later today, I'm on the phone right now.
 
Re: Pickups for my new S2 Custom 24

I like stock PRS pickups so I would work on getting a decent all tube amp like a Marshall or a Blackstar HT5-RH five watt head and a good cabinet, or more watts if needed. Stock PRSi sound real good to me but to each their own. I'd look at the amp. Good luck.
 
Re: Pickups for my new S2 Custom 24

I bet an A2P neck and Custom Custom bridge would sound quite nice for classic rock and blues.
 
Re: Pickups for my new S2 Custom 24

Duffy1949 said:
I like stock PRS pickups so I would work on getting a decent all tube amp like a Marshall or a Blackstar HT5-RH five watt head and a good cabinet, or more watts if needed. Stock PRSi sound real good to me but to each their own. I'd look at the amp. Good luck.
Click to expand...

I already own a Tiny Terror, which is an all tube amp, and a 1x12 cabinet with a G12H30.
 
Re: Pickups for my new S2 Custom 24

Custom in the bridge and the A2 pro in the neck.
You got growl and butter that way.
 
Re: Pickups for my new S2 Custom 24

Demanic said:
I bet an A2P neck and Custom Custom bridge would sound quite nice for classic rock and blues.
Click to expand...

Shooter.556 said:
Custom in the bridge and the A2 pro in the neck.
You got growl and butter that way.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I really like the A2P on the neck. For the bridge, I looked at the Custom and the 59/Custom and I think I like the hybrid the most. It sounded sweeter and clearer in the sound samples on Seymour Duncan website. So I think A2P in the neck and 59/Custom in the bridge it is then unless someone has a better suggestion!

Thanks a lot!
 
Re: Pickups for my new S2 Custom 24

dominus said:
Is the guitar itself brighter and you can't adjust the amp to make it sound warmer, or do you suspect that the stock pickups themselves are way too bright?

Normally I'd suggest these for that guitar / amp combo:

For Duncans - TB Spaced Custom/59 in the bridge, Jazz in the neck.
For Dimarzio - F-Spaced Evo 2 in the bridge, Evolution Neck.

If you need to warm the guitar up some and the amp isn't doing it:

Duncan PATB-1 Set
Dimarzio Breed set
Click to expand...

Will buy a Custom/59 for the bridge for sure, it sounds awesome! The EVO 2 and Evolution are ceramic pickups, and after listening to a lot of those, it is really not my style.
 
Re: Pickups for my new S2 Custom 24

Bananagab said:
Yeah, I really like the A2P on the neck. For the bridge, I looked at the Custom and the 59/Custom and I think I like the hybrid the most. It sounded sweeter and clearer in the sound samples on Seymour Duncan website. So I think A2P in the neck and 59/Custom in the bridge it is then unless someone has a better suggestion!

Thanks a lot!
Click to expand...
I've not tried the Hybrid but it looks good on paper. A5 11.2ko fat mids.. I bet it pairs up nicely with the A2P.
 
Re: Pickups for my new S2 Custom 24

I like the idea of an Alnico II Pro for the neck and 59/Custom for the bridge. Both can be split too, if that is your thing. The neck pickup will nail the Slash tones, and the bridge will get the harder, more open sounds.
 
Re: Pickups for my new S2 Custom 24

Yes, any of our 2 conductor pickups can be ordered with 4 conductor wire.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top