Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (5)
$200.00
Amazon
4.8 (32)
$190.00 New
$147.49 Used (Very Good)
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$170.00 New
$150.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (4)
$200.00
Thomann
4.9 (12)
$194.00 $192.00 $2.00 · All time low

Average Price: $188

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unleash the vintage charm with the PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup, a nod to the golden era of guitar sound. Inspired by the revered 1957 humbuckers and brought to life in 2008, this pickup is a testament to Paul Reed Smith's commitment to sonic excellence. Handwound with vintage-style wire, the 57/08 Bass Pickup captures the warm, responsive tones that defined the iconic guitars of the '50s, while integrating modern advancements for enhanced clarity and consistency. Ideal for the neck position, it brings a balanced blend of tradition and innovation to your beloved instrument.

Crafted with an Alnico 2 magnet and boasting a DC resistance of 8.5k, the 57/08 is designed to be compatible with a variety of pickup selectors, including 3-way, 3-way push/pull, or 5-way options, offering versatility in crafting your unique sound. The nickel cover adds a touch of classic elegance, making it not just a sonic upgrade but a visual one as well. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, the PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup is your ticket to timeless tone and modern performance.

Key Features:

  • Inspired by 1957 humbuckers, introduced in 2008
  • Handwound with vintage-style wire
  • Alnico 2 magnet
  • DC resistance: 8.5k
  • Compatible with 3-way, 3-way push/pull, or 5-way pickup selectors
  • Nickel cover
  • Ideal for the neck position

Product specs

Available since February 2018
Active No
Wiring 3-Conductor
Output Low
Cap Yes
Colour Nickel
Position Neck

FAQs

What type of music is the PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup best suited for?

The PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup is ideal for genres that benefit from vintage tones, such as rock, blues, and jazz, due to its low-output, warm, and articulate sound reminiscent of classic 1950s humbuckers.

Is the PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup suitable for the neck position?

Yes, the PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup is specifically designed for the neck position, offering a smooth and balanced tone that complements the bridge pickup in dual humbucker configurations.

What is the wiring configuration of the PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup?

The PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup features a 3-conductor wiring configuration, allowing for versatile installation options, including coil-splitting for additional tonal variety.

Does the PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup have a cover?

Yes, the PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup comes with a nickel cover, which not only provides a classic aesthetic but also helps reduce electromagnetic interference for a cleaner sound.

Is the PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup active or passive?

The PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup is a passive pickup, offering a traditional humbucker sound without the need for a battery, making it a great choice for players seeking a vintage tone.

Phillip McKnight

Phillip McKnight

The PRS 57/08 vs 59/09 vs Matal Pickup Comparison

Video thumbnail for The PRS 57/08 vs 59/09 vs Matal Pickup Comparison by Phillip McKnight

The PRS 57/08 vs 59/09 vs Matal Pickup Comparison

Phillip McKnight

Phillip McKnight

Video thumbnail for Bridge Pickup Shootout - PRS 57/08 vs Duncan Slash by Borderline11

Bridge Pickup Shootout - PRS 57/08 vs Duncan Slash

Borderline11

Borderline11

Video thumbnail for PRS 57/08 vs Modern Eagle vs HFS/Vintage Bass pickups comparaison by Voron Guitar

PRS 57/08 vs Modern Eagle vs HFS/Vintage Bass pickups comparaison

Voron Guitar

Voron Guitar

Video thumbnail for PRS 85/15 vs 57/08 pickups by Kevin Roy

PRS 85/15 vs 57/08 pickups

Kevin Roy

Kevin Roy

Video thumbnail for Pickups - PRS 57/08 by Brian Hadley

Pickups - PRS 57/08

Brian Hadley

Brian Hadley

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup.

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the 57/08 pickups favorably to Lollar Imperials, noting the higher wind version as closest in tone but still not identical.

    Source
  • The 59/09 neck pickups are hotter but more articulate than the 57/08s, and provide a round, full sound without muddiness.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Enthusiasts frequently install 57/08 pickups in Les Pauls, reporting excellent results, suggesting versatility across different guitar brands.

    Source
  • Switching to Seymour Duncan 59 pickups in a Hollowbody guitar is recommended for improved tone.

    Source
  • PRS \M/ bridge pickups are recommended for those seeking a sound similar to Seymour Duncan JB SH-4, offering versatility across genres like surf, metal, and new wave rock.

    Source
  • Dragon II pickups, combined with push/pull coil tapping, are suggested for enhancing tonal versatility, offering both clean and distorted soundscapes.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners express significant preference for 57/08 pickups over HFS/VB and 85/15 pickups, attributing a warmer and clearer tone.

    Source
  • Owners report issues with the neck pickup on the CU24 being too bass-heavy and muddy, particularly on the lower strings.

    Source
  • Some owners prefer local luthiers over PRS for pickup swaps to avoid expensive and slow services, despite PRS's reputation for maintaining the guitar's original quality.

    Source
  • One owner notes the PRS factory setup as factory height, encouraging height adjustments for tonal improvements without altering the instrument permanently.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 57/08 pickups are praised for producing exceptional middle position tones, often regarded as lackluster with other pickups.

    Source
  • A satin finish is preferred by some for its feel and look, especially in comparison to gloss finishes.

    Source
  • PRS 57/08 pickups are noted for their open sound, performing well in classic rock styles but lacking tight low ends for genres like metal.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Adjusting pickup height with a slant (lower on bass side) may clarify tone, though it might not look appealing.

    Source
  • PRS guitars use a proprietary 5-way blade switch, resembling a double pole double throw switch, which may complicate pickup swaps.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • PRS's mod services are costly, with estimates around $500-$750 for a pickup swap, including $150 installation and shipping fees.

    Source

Critic Reviews

PRS 57/08 Treble and Bass Humbucker Set – electricpickupartist

wordpress.com

The PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup delivers an authentic vintage PAF sound that is both open and harmonically rich, making it a top choice for tone enthusiasts. Its ability to split coils for single-coil-like tones adds versatility, especially in a PRS setup. However, the scarcity of these pickups makes them hard to acquire, which could frustrate potential buyers. Overall, the 57/08 shines in performance but challenges accessibility.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dustie Waring uses PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup

Dustie Waring

Guitarist

Between the Buried and Me

...
Verified via Photo

In this post dustie shows off his pra single cut. He states that this guitar is used on the majority of his Nashville sessions. The guitar is loaded with a 57/08 pickup set

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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