Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Pickups => Topic started by: frictionfraction on July 03, 2016, 03:02:47 PM

Title: PRS Custom 22 Stoptail - Riff Raffs, Vhlls or something else?
Post by: frictionfraction on July 03, 2016, 03:02:47 PM

Picked up a used PRS Custom 22 a couple of months ago and now want to change the pickups.  The existing pickups are not bad but lack a bit of zest and have too much microphonic squeal.  I also don't tend to use the single coil settings so think I will go for a three way blade switch to replace the existing five way. 
So I was looking at Riff Raffs or VH2s. I play funk and rock from chillis to Metallica.   Any thoughts, comments, experience?  Thanks

Title: Re: PRS Custom 22 Stoptail - Riff Raffs, Vhlls or something else?
Post by: richard on July 03, 2016, 03:32:40 PM

I would look at Abraxas and Rebel Yells. Both sets are extremely versatile and have a good track records with PRS guitars. Both are medium output with the Abraxas leaning towards vintage and the RY towards modern. I can't say which set I prefer - they are both great. What amp are you using ?

Title: Re: PRS Custom 22 Stoptail - Riff Raffs, Vhlls or something else?
Post by: frictionfraction on July 03, 2016, 05:24:52 PM

Using a boogie Mark 5 35

Title: Re: PRS Custom 22 Stoptail - Riff Raffs, Vhlls or something else?
Post by: Slartibartfarst42 on July 04, 2016, 07:52:29 AM

My natural inclination here would be to go with something from the vintage hot category as it will cover the most ground. The obvious choice, in my opinion, would be the Abraxas as it's probably the most versatile pickup in the range. I just don't think you can go wrong with the Abraxas.

Title: Re: PRS Custom 22 Stoptail - Riff Raffs, Vhlls or something else?
Post by: ericsabbath on July 04, 2016, 01:34:50 PM

I had a '96 mccarty with a riff raff in the bridge and it was the most versatile guitar I ever had
perhaps the best sounding guitar as well, although I'm a les paul guy (I still have the same pickup in a '73 lp custom)

Title: Re: PRS Custom 22 Stoptail - Riff Raffs, Vhlls or something else?
Post by: HEadoftheAges on July 04, 2016, 03:44:20 PM

I have a similarly-scaled instrument (custom-built Monson Nomad), and I have a VHII in the neck position; I love it. I will say, however, that my next standard-scale guitar will have a set of Abraxas pickups in it.

-Alec

Title: Re: PRS Custom 22 Stoptail - Riff Raffs, Vhlls or something else?
Post by: frictionfraction on July 05, 2016, 06:20:33 AM

Abraxas seem to be the favourite.  My tendency towards the riff raffs was based around getting a bit of grit into the prs.   

Title: Re: PRS Custom 22 Stoptail - Riff Raffs, Vhlls or something else?
Post by: ericsabbath on July 05, 2016, 05:54:21 PM

the forums favorites change every six months tops (I'm here for almost 10 years)  :grin:
the abraxas was an overlooked model for a long long time, so now it's in its best rep moment
I've never heard a BKP model that doesn't sound great in a PRS
if you want grit, the main options are the riff raff, vhII, rebel yell and emerald (the emerald being the closest to the stock prs dragon II)