PUPS for PRS '03 Custom 24 Artist

[waldo]

Hi All -

I've been reviewing various BKP on the web for a few days. Looking to replace my Lollar PUPS on my PRS Custom 24 Artist. Currently it has the 5 way but I would like to remove that and replace with a 3-way toggle and push/pull.

Looking for a hotter than vintage PUP with lot's of clarity, cleans up when volume rolls off and splits nicely. I am currently leaning towards either VHII or the Rebel Yell. Both seem outstanding. I play mostly classic rock to modern rock.

Was hoping to get some feedback here prior to making my purchase.

Thanks in advance for the input.

Regards,
W

[darrenw5094]

There was a recent thread on here about a PRS CU24, you should give it a read. Lots of clarity could be the Riff Raff, but maybe not hot enough. There are quite a few BKP that would get you there as you are into classic to modern rock. I wouldn't be suprised if 5 or 6 options would work in your guitar. The 5 way PRS thing is a pain in the ass, the 3 way with push/pull seems to be more user friendly.

Btw, why are you taking the Lollars out?

[waldo]

Fly - thanks for the response. I will look around for the CU24 thread. Lot's of options from BKP. I did like the Riff Raff PUPS too. I like the Lollars, however not as hot as I had thought. And yes, the 5 way is a huge pain in the ass. I mostly own McCartys but do have a custom 22 and 24. The more I listen to various samples, the more I like the Rebel Yell PUPS. So many decisions...... :-)

[Slartibartfarst42]

VHII could certainly do what you want, as could the Rebel Yell if the PRS isn't too bright. The same could possibly be said of the Emerald or Cold Sweat. The Black Dog and Holydiver are also a good choice in a PRS. As Darren suggested, you're spoilt for choice  :D

I think Twinfan is the authority on BKP in PRS guitars and I seem to recall him saying that his favourites are the Black Dog and Holydiver. I see no reason to argue with his knowledge here so I'd say one of those.

[Philly Q]

VHII could certainly do what you want, as could the Rebel Yell if the PRS isn't too bright. The same could possibly be said of the Emerald or Cold Sweat. The Black Dog and Holydiver are also a good choice in a PRS. As Darren suggested, you're spoilt for choice  :D

Or Abraxas.  Maybe not Crawler, probably lacks the desired clarity.

But as you say, spoilt for choice!

[Telerocker]

For a 24 fret-guitar the Black Dog would not be bad choice at all. Classic flavour with the ability to keep the low end when playing modern styles.

[ericsabbath]

black dogs should sound amazing indeed
but true CLARITY screams riff raffs or mules
maybe the abraxas can do the hot-but-paf-clear job

[waldo]

All -

Thanks for the responses. One thing for sure all the BKP's are very nice. Now i'm digging the Black Dog's. I'm assuming they all split fairly well. Not something I do much but nice to have. I've been all over youtube and here looking for sound samples the past few days and I'm a bit punched out. I may just buy the Black Dogs and the VHII. Earlier today I was digging the Rebel Yell. However, after much listening the BD's are amazing. What about buying a mixed set? Are there some that have done so? If so, any good combos / results...

[Telerocker]

black dogs should sound amazing indeed
but true CLARITY screams riff raffs or mules
maybe the abraxas can do the hot-but-paf-clear job

Cannot agree more. By example, I have the feeling Mules are a bit underestimated. They are full, deep, sweet but crisp at the same time. The bridge rocks with authority and keeps things tight and defined. I don't have experience with the RiffRaffs, they look to me as a overwound, brighter AV-version of the Mules.

[ericsabbath]

not really overwound
about the same DC (8k-8.4k)
it has a short alnico 5 magnet instead of the long "vintage cut" A4 and it supposedly has less asymmetrical coils
the no longer made alnico 5 mule should probably sound 95% the same as a riff raff, maybe a little more powerful

[Telerocker]

not really overwound
about the same DC (8k-8.4k)
it has a short alnico 5 magnet instead of the long "vintage cut" A4 and it supposedly has less asymmetrical coils
the no longer made alnico 5 mule should probably sound 95% the same as a riff raff, maybe a little more powerful

Thanks for clearing that up!