PRS HFS/Vintage Bass

[JB_From_Hell]

Scored a deal on an HFS/Vintage Bass set for my S2. After figuring out the wiring scheme, they’re in and I couldn’t be happier. They sound very similar to the import version in my SE, but a little clearer. Maybe like the best Duncan Designed HB-102 set vs a JB/Jazz. The import #7 set that was stock in the guitar sounded very good, but the HFS/VB suits my tone better.

I’ve read lots of negative things about them, and if you want PAFs, they’re not that. The VB is not totally unlike a PAF, but less honky. Both are very full sounding, and kind of sound vintage and modern at the same time. The HFS is hot, but not a flamethrower. Both are extremely dynamic and respond to pick attack and volume knob tweaking very well. Just like the SE pickups, the split tones are excellent. If I turn on the Tubescreamer with the tone cranked, the split VB can cop Strat tones all day.

Overall, they’re extremely well suited to the all mahogany S2 Standard 22.

 

[Mincer]

Re: PRS HFS/Vintage Bass

Thanks for the review. I've heard varying reports about these, but have never tried them myself.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: PRS HFS/Vintage Bass

At the moment, I like having very similar pickups in the two guitars, but once I’m bored with that, the SE is getting a Custom/Jazz set. Betting this will be in the same ballpark, but obviously a different flavor.

 

[Golem]

Re: PRS HFS/Vintage Bass

The hfs vb is a great set. I don’t think the HFS sounds like a custom jazz. That Duncan set is brighter in guitars I’ve tried them in. The PRS set seems a bit fatter with more mids?


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[dystrust]

Re: PRS HFS/Vintage Bass

At the moment, I like having very similar pickups in the two guitars, but once I’m bored with that, the SE is getting a Custom/Jazz set. Betting this will be in the same ballpark, but obviously a different flavor.

The hfs vb is a great set. I don’t think the HFS sounds like a custom jazz. That Duncan set is brighter in guitars I’ve tried them in. The PRS set seems a bit fatter with more mids?


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I agree with JB_From_Hell that while the HFS/VB don't sound exactly like a Custom / Jazz set, they're in the same ballpark as far as general tone, output, and how well they take to coil splits. I recently installed a push-pull tone to split the Custom / Jazz set in my Explorer and I wish I'd done so years ago.

 

[Big Mike Blues]

Re: PRS HFS/Vintage Bass

Not even close IMO.
the Vintage Base is like a bland 59.
The HFS is just thick and hot.
Do.Not.Like.

Always yank and sell them for something else.
It's worth noting they were deisgned back when Paul was trying to ensure guys had enough output to drive FX racks for modern 80's music.
Guys that love em, love em.
Guys that hate em, hate em with a passion.

count me in the hate camp.

 

[Ascension]

Re: PRS HFS/Vintage Bass

Scored a deal on an HFS/Vintage Bass set for my S2. After figuring out the wiring scheme, they’re in and I couldn’t be happier. They sound very similar to the import version in my SE, but a little clearer. Maybe like the best Duncan Designed HB-102 set vs a JB/Jazz. The import #7 set that was stock in the guitar sounded very good, but the HFS/VB suits my tone better.

I’ve read lots of negative things about them, and if you want PAFs, they’re not that. The VB is not totally unlike a PAF, but less honky. Both are very full sounding, and kind of sound vintage and modern at the same time. The HFS is hot, but not a flamethrower. Both are extremely dynamic and respond to pick attack and volume knob tweaking very well. Just like the SE pickups, the split tones are excellent. If I turn on the Tubescreamer with the tone cranked, the split VB can cop Strat tones all day.

Overall, they’re extremely well suited to the all mahogany S2 Standard 22.

Have that set in my stock 08 Custom 24 and have no desire at all to swap them. Like the tones in that guitar just as they are it's THE classic PRS tone IMO.
Live clip with the HFS in the bridge through my little Boogie Subway Rocket no effects. Love the HFS very tight clear articulate and punchy pickup and the VB is nice smooth warm and clear great set IMO!