Pickups for the SSE

[Brian]

I posted a while ago on something along these lines, but was looking for a new opinion.

I'm looking to do something semi-original with my SSE.

I'm definitely McCarty wiring and was thinking of going Splittable #6, #7, or RP pickups. I know I'd have to cash in some huge favors to get these, but does anyone have any opinions on which route to go? I'm looking for a good contrast to my HFS/VB combo I've got in my CU24.

Thanks,
Brian

[PRSOPHILE]

I have something you'd like to checkout. This is what I have and they are all SSE's Series I, all stoptails.

GrayBlack, Dragon I's, PRS Pots, PRS 5-Way Switch, and SwitchCraft jack.

TransGreen, PRS (Paul's) Neck Pup, RP (Ralph Perrucci's) Bridge Pup, PRS Pots, PRS 3-Way Switch, and SwitchCraft jack.

TransBlue, PRS 7's Neck & Bridge, PRS Pots, PRS 3-Way Switch, and SwitchCraft jack.


Eventually will go for tuners, nut, and maybe TonePros but I'm okay with the way they are all playing for now. Would you care to test drive them?

[Brian]

Wow, that's quite a set.

I'd just like to know how you feel about 'em and which is your #1.

I'm looking for something very different from my HFS/Vb

[PRSOPHILE]

I'd have to go with the D-1's. Hotter than VB and more tamed than the HFS. My personal favorite between the three is the D-1 equipped w/5-way. Sort of like a "Pre-'95 Poorman's Standard" you might say.

[jkornel]

I put D1's in my first gen SSE. I love them. THey are full, warm and they are just total ROCK!!! They respond great and clean up nice too. Love them...

[Lance Romance]

When I bought my SSE, it was with the realization that the pickups would be swapped, and I'm actually surprised I went a year before I did it. My original intention was to feed it two Harmonic Design Z90s (which may yet happen), but in the meantime have been experimenting. First I tried two Duncan Pearly Gates, which are my favorite SD pickups, with a split on the tone control. This totally transformed the guitar! I didn't realize how much the stock pickups were holding back the Tone of this guitar (which I happen to love and use as my very busy Bar Guitar). Even the guys in the band approached me and raved at how my Tone had improved, and how much they could hear me. By the way, the neck PG is the s**t! So, in my constant search to improve my Tone, I slid a Custom Five into the bridge slot in search of a more modern sound, and discovered the bonus of really liking the split sounds. I've got the push-pull set to activate the inner coils, and get some very Stratty tones in the middle position.I know your intention was to keep everything PRS, but this upgrade blew me away to the point I had to share with you'all. Next step is Z90s when my new Artist Package Quilt Custom 22 arrives. The waiting is the hardest part...

[Brian]

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to thank you for all of your input on my upgrades...here's what I'm going to end up putting onboard.

PRS #10 pickups (apparently the pusher can get 'em)
McCarty Wiring
PRS Phase II Tuners (Pusher says they drop in)