Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $188
Standard/Professional
$99
$200+
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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.
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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
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What type of music is the PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup best suited for?
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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.
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Is the PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup suitable for the neck position?
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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.
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What is the wiring configuration of the PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup?
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The PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup features a 3-conductor wiring configuration, allowing for versatile installation options, including coil-splitting for additional tonal variety.
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Does the PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup have a cover?
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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.
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Is the PRS 57/08 Bass Pickup active or passive?
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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.
Videos
Phillip McKnight
The PRS 57/08 vs 59/09 vs Matal Pickup Comparison
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
Mods and upgrades
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Enthusiasts frequently install 57/08 pickups in Les Pauls, reporting excellent results, suggesting versatility across different guitar brands.
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Switching to Seymour Duncan 59 pickups in a Hollowbody guitar is recommended for improved tone.
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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.
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Dragon II pickups, combined with push/pull coil tapping, are suggested for enhancing tonal versatility, offering both clean and distorted soundscapes.
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User experience
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Owners express significant preference for 57/08 pickups over HFS/VB and 85/15 pickups, attributing a warmer and clearer tone.
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Owners report issues with the neck pickup on the CU24 being too bass-heavy and muddy, particularly on the lower strings.
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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.
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One owner notes the PRS factory setup as factory height, encouraging height adjustments for tonal improvements without altering the instrument permanently.
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Use cases and applications
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The 57/08 pickups are praised for producing exceptional middle position tones, often regarded as lackluster with other pickups.
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A satin finish is preferred by some for its feel and look, especially in comparison to gloss finishes.
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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.
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Setup and maintenance
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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