Archtop II pickup replacement options,

[Rock-On!!]

I was just wondering, how many of the Archtop II owners have replalced the stock pickups in their AT II or other PRS holowbodys. If you have what pickup did you use and what were your impressions with the results? I am asking because I own an AT II and I am not "IN LOVE" with the week pickups. I know the Archtop II may not be expected to sound like the Lp or Mc, but I love , feel and weight and looks of my AT II so much I would like it to be my # 1.http://us.f2.yahoofs.com/users/4017ef8d_1119d/bc/bf04/__sr_/2fe7.jpg?phSlviABuhbXNlEv
I play classis rock and some newer accoustic stuff.
Any sugestions?
All input and commente are welcome.
thanks, Rock- On !!

[Brian]

Hey, I've followed this on the other forum as well...

Go with McCarty's if you wanna coil tap. If you don't care about that as much try #10s, they're PRS's answer to the Gibson PAF pickup and were just recently made available aftermarket (before private stock only). You may also be able to pull strings and get a custom wound set of splittable 10s from a pusher. I'm putting 10s in my santana se in a week or so.

[Rock-On!!]

Hey, I've followed this on the other forum as well...

Go with McCarty's if you wanna coil tap. If you don't care about that as much try #10s, they're PRS's answer to the Gibson PAF pickup and were just recently made available aftermarket (before private stock only). You may also be able to pull strings and get a custom wound set of splittable 10s from a pusher. I'm putting 10s in my santana se in a week or so. Brian, would you care to expand on the #10s, as to cost, links to more info, etc.
Thanks, Ken

[Brian]

Ken -
#10s are sort of enigmatic - they've always been nearly impossible to come by until recently since they were only available through private stock, special favors, etc. They've just come out aftermarket, regular PRS pickup prices. I'm pretty sure they're on at least one of Paul's personal guitars. Supposed to be very PAFish, and I've only heard good things about them. I'm putting a set in my Santana SE May 2nd and will be happy to give a tone report after that. I have a very vintage amp (Musicman 212) so I thought having a vintage sounding guitar would sound sweet.

[Rock-On!!]

Thanks, Iwill check for more info on them. When you get a sound clip feel free to email me with it or post a link where everyone can check it out. I'm sure I cant be the only one with thoughts about AT II pickup swaps.

[Brian]

I'll see what I can do...

Pickups should go in Mar 2nd, so I'll try to at least get you a tone report within a day or two, and then I'll see if I can play something good enough to warrant a clip.

[badfinger]

Keep in mind that if you want to have a coil split function, you might have to add a seperate mini-toggle to the guitar if your AT II has a peizo option. That is what the PS team did to #459. I assume it was because of space constraints.

http://www.rics-blues.com/PS459%202.jpg

[Brian]

If you want coil split...why not save the carpentry and just go push pull on the tone?

[badfinger]

If you want coil split...why not save the carpentry and just go push pull on the tone?
I was told that the push pull pot took up too much room and it interfered with the piezo installation. They might have also been concerned about the possibility of cracking the top after a few hard pulls of a push-pull pot(?)

[Rock-On!!]

My AT II doesn't have the piezo option. I would much rather have a push pull. Does anyone know for sure if the pot will work in the space available?

The AT II seems deep enough, any techs have the answer?
Thanks

[Brian]

The push pull doesn't require much more space...I wouldn't see why it wouldn't fit...

[mick I]

I have a HB and I felt the same way but being a purist I can not bring it to myself to.....I can't say it (alter) my sweeties. Hey on the bright side the KLON does wonders for my guitar when I want the OD that this guitar lacks but keep in mind it's not made for it. If you are to swap realize it could turn into a es-335 and howl back at you.
Laters

[Brian]

Ken -
I can't answer your question definitely, I'm probably no longer of help to you...

Call Jack Gretz at Magdon, I've yet to find a question like this he can't answer. Can also give great pickup advice.