PRS Mods and how they sound

[Dakster]

ok,it seems I am looking at other options....
1) On the 3 way/push-pull pot, how do the HFS and VB's sound split? Is it Possible to Use the existing 5 way rotar switch and still use a push/pull to activate a coil split? how would this sound? Opinions? I'm trying to get as close to tele territory as I can on the bridge...I know I can't ask for it all, but I can try to buy it cheap, right? Ha ha

[Bruce O'Donnell]

If you want the series/parallel options for the tapped coils, you have to go with the 5-pos rotary. The 3-way/push-pull McCarty switching just splits the coil, and that won't get you close to Strat/Tele tones other than it's not noise cancelling. All positions on the 5-way rotary are noise cancelling. The rotary splits the coils, having a push-pull wouldn't do anything.

Rotary: requires 4-wire pickups + ground. It's the phasing options (serial/parallel) that get you closest to Strat/Tele tones.

3-way/push-pull: 2-wire pickups + ground

I have McCarty switching on my CuRo24 - doesn't come close to Strat/Tele territory. The split tones are different. This was the only PRS I've ever ordered, and I hate the new PCB hard-wired 5-pos rotary. Last thing I wanted was to mod a brand new guitar, so I just ordered it with the McSwitching.

Seriously, and I can't stress this enough, if you want Tele tone, buy a Tele. They are cheap. 513 is the only PRS guitar that can convincingly get close to Strat/Tele tones, and you can't get into one for less than $3K. Splitting humbuckers can't produce the quack/cluck and twang that single coils have.

[Dakster]

Thanks Bruce...I already own a tele...see I guess I'm shooting for a good split sound that is reminecent of cluck, but with more ...beef? jeez, and here I just was put on a low fat diet. So you do have a McCarty? In your opinion, how are the single coilish sounds? Should I consider a Mcsoapie? Is there such a thing as a Mcsoapie with a trem?

[Bruce O'Donnell]

Thanks Bruce...I already own a tele...see I guess I'm shooting for a good split sound that is reminecent of cluck, but with more ...beef? jeez, and here I just was put on a low fat diet. So you do have a McCarty? In your opinion, how are the single coilish sounds? Should I consider a Mcsoapie? Is there such a thing as a Mcsoapie with a trem?I have 2 BRW McCarty's, a BRW McSoapy, and an IRW McSoapy Std. The only McCarty I've ever liked the split coil tones on was the IRW McCarty that I installed RP pickups in. The RP's have really, really good split tones, but they don't come close to Strat/Tele territory. Same pickups as in the Modern Eagle, read any of the ME reviews and pretty much everyone else agrees. I'm installing a set of RP's in one of my BRW McCarty's.

To be honest, I find most split tones to be wimpy and thin. I like some of the tones that the 5-pos can get, but find the 5-pos a PIA to use during a gig. I've got 6 Strats, all but two with different pickups (Barden, Kinman, Fralins, Lace Sensors, and two SRV's with Texas Specials), and 2 Tele's (one with Bardens, the other with HD V+) that can cover any Fender tones I desire. I've got more money than talent, so I've never had the desire to have 1 guitar cover all the bases. Like Jamie said, "collect the whole set". I just applied it across the board. Working on my LP collection at the moment.

IRW McSoapy Std is one of my favorite guitars - sounds better than my BRW McSoapy, which is great because only 11 or so BRW McSoapy's were made so it doesn't get gigged anyway, and I also have a Guild Blues 90 that is just a monster. Doesn't get any better than P-90's in a semi-hollow guitar.

Yes, there is such a thing as a McSoapie trem, but they are rarer than hens teeth. Last count we attempted on them was back in 2003 on the old PRS Forum. Outside of Private Stock, we figured maybe 11 exist. Maybe.

[Dakster]

so do you know of any good deals on a Soapbar22 or do I just keep the tele in the rack and buy a Cu24 and shut the heck up?

[McBacco24]

Keep the Tele and buy a Cu24, its "the" PRS guitar and is a breeze to play.