The Best Guitar Pickup Change Money Can Buy? Prs Dragon 11 vs Bare Knuckle The Mule.
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- Опубліковано 12 січ 2025
- In this video, Paul from The Studio Rats compares the stock pickups in his PRS Custom 22 to Bare Knuckle The Mule Pickups. The Studio Rats are core band members Paul Drew on guitar/production/mixing, drummer James Ivey and Dan Hawkins on bass. They collaborate with singers and musicians to produce radio-ready songs.
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The Bare Knuckles are much louder, and since you didn't adjust for that in the comparison, people will choose them over the Dragon II pickups every time - regardless of clarity or EQ.
Yes they are louder, but the mules are much brighter than the stock pickups so that also means they cut better.
They literally sound like they’re mixed louder.
@@helixworld if you just wanna cut, just use EMG 81s, everybody will hear you.
The mules are WAY lower output than any of the Dragons.
I agree with helix., If you want an objective review, they at least have to be the same volume.
The Bare Knuckle sounds pretty good but I think the demo can be a bit misleading given that the BK are way louder than the PRS, I think that at the same volume the difference probably wouldn't be as great.
mixed it wrong indeed that is not the pickups sounding louder :/ that's why you need to take those comparisons with a grain of salt
I think a PRS should sound like a PRS and not like a Les Paul. For me the pick-ups do not sound better or worse but simply different.
Harry Bee I think your PRS or LP should sound like you. Whatever pickups help you get there...
I adjust the same volume
I level on the dragon II volume, same as B.
BK is more muddy attack, more gain.
Dragon is clear attack,I prefer dragon
Really like the mids from the dragon 2's. If you adjusted for volume I think you would get a better comparison. D2's have an A4 magnet, I have a set I put A5's in and wow, little less mids and more bite and clarity but still PRS sounding. WAY cheaper than new PU's. I haven't liked anything but PRS PU's in my PRS's. The D2 bridge is almost exactly what the Santana model uses and he leans toward more mids and smoother top end. My 2 fav PRS PU's are the 57/08's in my Sunburst 22, and the 245/ Mira pu's.
I totally get what OP is doing here - sharing his experience for finding the tone he likes. I want all my guitars to sound in a way that speaks to me as well. Comparing brands is just a way to convey that thought to others. My prs had a paf style pickup change that gave it an improved sound all the way around to my ears for my playing. I haven't owned too many guitars that didn't see pickups mods along the way. That's part of the great guitar experience - being able to shape the guitar's tone to your individual taste using modular electronics that most of us can switch out ourselves. Adds to the joy of ownership. An old friend tells me all the time, the wood doesn't care what hardware you use.
Nice one David.
I on the other hand feel like the Dragon II pickups speak straight to my soul, an awesome comparison.
Eloy Suopunki thanks for your comment,a difference in opinion is what makes the world go round.
The Mule sounds like it has got a lot more presence and punch to them; very vintage. The Dragon 11's sound like they're more compressed (better for heavier rock and jazz).
Wow. This is exactly the comparison I needed. thank you
Anytime.
Tastes vary I guess. I have a Custom 22 with D2s and I think they're great. Lots of note separation and clarity. The series/series single coil middle position is great for soloing and the neck pickup is not as muddy as most neck humbuckers i've played. The only minus with D2s for me is the bridge pickup alone. Its slightly too harsh to my ears. But in this comparison I think the D2s sound more complex than the BKs.
I'm four years late to this video but man do those Dragon pickups sound fantastic. 🔥
I have Dragons II in mine 20th anniversary PRS, and for last 20 years it's been my workhorse in studio and on the stage. Yes it is warm, dark and vintage, but at the same time with a little tweaking on the amp or pedalboard it is most versatile instrument I've compared to others.
Btw last months I've discovered TONEX and with your awesome Matchless profiles, Dragons II sounds awesome as well ;)
I completely agree about most PRS pickups. I've always wanted one (and recently got my first - a 2004 McCarty) but have always found that plugged in, they tend to be what I describe as "plinky" and almost plastic sounding on single note lines. My Gibson with Motor City 2nd Degree Blackbelt by comparison is rich, barks and sounds woody. It's not that I want a PRS to sound just like a Gibson but they've always left me a little cold and I never quite connected with the sound
.
So far I'm actually enjoying the McCarty pups in my McCarty but the Mule or Riff Raff are the two that I was considering if I swap. Thanks for the great comparison.
Jordan Dedo I have a LP with a Mule in the neck and a Riff Raff in the bridge, and it’s a great combination!
Much preferred the dragon II neck.
The Dragons are much better sounding.
I have to agree with you. I think the BK Mule's sound better and have more personality. I'm suffering the same problem with my PRS CE24 where the 85/15's seem to be too well balanced and perfect to where they're almost boring and have no excitement. The Mule's sound fantastic. Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!
I have similar feelings about the pickups in my CE24. Did you end up getting the Mules?
I get that you want your PRS to sound better, but why do you want it to sound (more?) like a Les Paul - when you HAVE a Les Paul that already sounds like a Les Paul?
I like the tone of the Mules here. But I can honestly say that where the Dragon II pickups really shine is in a full band situation. I have a 2003 PRS Custom 22 with the Dragons and it sits in a mix perfectly when I’m playing with my band. It sits in the mix better than any guitar I own. It’s like it just gets heard without sounding too loud or get lost, it’s just THERE if that makes sense. All of my other guitars need a boost or something depending on the song. Just my experience. Cheers!!
Thanks Johnathan, all great points and agreed.
Thank you for the video Paul. It would be interesting to have your take on these pickups 5 years on. Assuming you still own the guitar!
I got the mules on a firebird. they are awesome. sometimes a guitar some new pickups to go to the top end.
Dragon IIs are amazing. Love them.
Wow, the bareknuckles sound more alive and have the growl of a LP. The difference is amazing! Thanks for sharing! 👍
I liked the Dragon pickups best. The BKPs sound fizzy and the LP just sounds so-so.
nice one.
The dragons on my PRS sound great. I have no issue with them at all.
Was thinking of putting Mules in my PRS SE. This video sold me on it. Was also thinking of the PG Blues.
h2ophilter awesome, you won’t regret it.best Paul
@@TheStudioRats Im also eyeing the Abraxas set. have any experience with those? I already have Mules in my SG so I want to vary it up a little.
h2ophilter I don’t know those, let me know hiw it goes.
Once again you've brought me to a new place. Killer tones from those new pickups. I'm definitely checking those out for a guitar I have that's lost its luster. Thank you.
Cheers Freddy
PRS guitars sound fantastic to begin with, it makes sense to experiment with different pickups, I wouldn't replace the original pickups myself, I would swap magnets for different tones, some pickups components, maybe install an active preamp to add presence, I like the original pickups on this, as I get old I prefer less aggressive, more mellow tones. I think the secret for a great tone also comes with the string gauges, 11s is where the magic begins
also, the way you pick, what the pick is made out of (I prefer a bone pick) and eq knobs on the amp.
Pickups make enormous difference's
What you are listening to with the gibson is its pickups.. I put the same Burstbuckers 2 in a PRS sc245 bridge and played it next to my LP that has burst buckers and the sound was about spot on.
I put the 57/08's back in the sc245 because I like them more
Tighter more focused clarity more compressed tone it's really a prefance I am considering these in my prs dgt se model tone chasers for life thanks for the video.
Great video! I did a similar thing in my custom 22 about a year ago, swapped out the dragon II for a 57/08 and the difference was extremely noticeable. I was originally after a pair of very hard to find 58/15s but settled for the 57/08. Anyone else done similar?
The Mule Pickups sound outstanding!!!
It’s a personal choice depending on your style ,vibrato,tones you prefer I have three Prs guitars 2 American and 1 se dgt I would consider these in the dgt se thanks for uploading 😊
Im sold it have an s2 and its a muddy guitar in the neck with a bosomy low e especially compared to my other guitars (god in summit/schecter solo 2) thanks I've been looking at pros pickup comparisons all day
Monty's retrowind are fantastic. I'm going to try full Monty in another guitar, not cheap but these are very good pickups.
I love the less output of Dragon II. Never changed on my Custom22
Sounds like you need to buy a Strat then if you keep trying to compare it to one!? (Super Strat w/humbuckers swapped out with those mules). Your playing is great and clean fingerings. I agree with earlier comment that PRS is just that, with its unique sound. If it was the SE being upgraded then....well. All the pickups demonstrated sounded awesome btw. You could do a gig and several in the audience (guitarists in particular) could think “that guitar sounds kinda blah, blah, blah good/bad!” Sound(tone) is the one the senses that you will get many different opinions. That PRS Model is a great guitar, the whole package, to me at least. It’s like the crowd that buys a perfect sometimes expensive pair of blue jeans only to cut it up....Or the crowd that buys a 4x4 (height )vehicles and turns them into low riders....OR even the crowd that has a perfectly made guitar and “destroys” it to make a relic, let alone paying big money for one over a pristine one, haaaahahahaha! SMH
Similar feelings. Looking at SD Seth Lovers, possibly Gepetto Camelots, or Antiquities or something. Anyone else switched to something more classic PAF with good results? I have a couple S2s, specifically the single cut I want to sound more like a classic LP, honestly I like the PRS because of build quality, engineering, and better headstock joint design, but I miss my SG.
Been gassing for Mules for my Ibanez RG
i've got Dragon II pus in my prs SE sc 15 years old.....and it still sounds better than all my other guitars...the neck perhaps a bit wooly...but hey...got some seymour duncan slash 2.0 bridge and a 59 neck in my prs Se 594 mccarty....sounds better now.....maybe some BK PG pus in the future...we'll see...
The volumes aren’t matched it seems. The Mules have a looser bottom end to my ears, the Dragons are just a little boring. If I could combine the two, character of the Mules, tight compression of the Dragons it’d ne great.
Yep: sounds pretty good indeed. Beefier & clearer at the same time. Do you have graphite saddles mounted on the bridge ?
Hi Cool Rene. No I don’t, does that make a difference?
The Studio Rats Sonically, not a lot. It rather keeps strings from breaking. Titanium saddles are interesting with dark humbuckers. It gives them more clarity and sustain.
Why would you buy a PRS and then spend £250 to make it sound like a LP?
Because I like the sound of my Les Paul but be able to use a trem.
I've always thought that the pickups are where PRS loses me. Bare Knuckle makes my favorite pickups.
Hey Ben, what I mean is, between E string to E string. I found it 50mm. I just ask you have the same thing I’m doing. Great playing by the way.
Thanks.
The DGT are pretty good pups
Sounds fantastic… Absoultey stellar playing, as well… First time I have stumbles onto your page. I have an 87 PRS that sounds great acoustically but pretty weak plugged in. It is in unaltered state, but the tone plugged in is average at best. Most of my pickup replacements have Wizz pickups, but I am lookig for a Bare Knuckle replacement for this one, and I am definitely liking what I heard here. I will pull the whole PRS harness and go back with all new wire, pots, switches and such to keep the original parts as perfect as I can, but they are the weakest link for sure.
Hey man. I’ve got the same guitar and I’m getting a set of Mules (since I saw your video), could you please the spacing? I had a look and it looks 50mm.
Thanks in advance.
Great video! I'm a CE-22 owner. When you said that the new position 4 sounded like the old position 2, that might be because the wiring has swapped the order of the coils, or because the pickups are reversed in some other way.
I've been through 5 set of pickups for my CE-22. In the neck: Dragon II, Full Shred, Alnico II Pro, and PRS Vintage Bass. In the bridge: Dragon II, Dimarzio Super II, Irongear Blues Engines, Duncan Custom, and PRS HFS. I've finally settled on Seymour Duncan Antiquities, which sound AMAZING. They sound so good that since I've installed them and found a proper overdrive for them, I have not been able to put the guitar down, and I haven't been bored with the sound coming out of it for a second, which is unheard of for ANY guitar that I've ever owned.
The problem with the Antiquities is that they are microphonic, so I can't play loud/high gain with them. The only logical cause of action? Buy another CE-22 and use it to play with more pickups of course! 😁
Hey Jacob, thanks for your comment. That's odd that the Seymour Duncan Antiquities are microphonic, I think you're right, buy yet another guitar and just keep going. You could be right about the position 2 and 4 on my guitar, I had it wired the same way but something might have gone wrong.
@@TheStudioRats not odd at all, theres a reason for wax potting
Oh no, what have you done! An eq pedal would have been better for the flubber? Or adjust the pickup height? Or adjust the amp? Those gorgeous tones have gone forever!
From this era PRS I far prefer the HFS and vinatge bass to the dragon II's
Not sure about the BK, but by far in my taste, Dragon II. Has the perfect feeling.
By the way, if you were looking that you PRS sounds like the Gibson, have you tried to modify the wiring diagram?
Gibson sounds to me is a "modern" wiring diagram and I'm pretty sure this PRS has a treble bleed wiring diagram, but of course I could be wrong. So far sounds to me that you could change the wiring.
I think you just sold me. I've got a PRS that I already changed the bridge pickup in, been looking for a neck pickup now for the same reasons, and this clinched it I believe.
CodyMBB that’s great, if you buy it direct from Bare Knuckle let them know about the vid. Enjoy the pickups.
These are unpotted right? How are the Mules live for noise??
I prefer the clarity of the lower output Dragons personally
Great video! Cheers👍🏻
You should try the Thornbuckers for more of the qualities you were looking for on the Mules.
RicardoDiazHimself I’ve got thornbckers on my suhr
@@TheStudioRats nice! I have both. And while I enjoy the mules on my knaggs SSC, I know they will get replaced for Thornbuckers, at least the neck, as the mule is too muddy compared to my other guitars. The bridge is really nice tho!
Honest opinion, the Dragons sounded great and you didn't need to change. Bare Knuckle Mules are no slouch but the question is: was the swap justified? Probably not. It's a lot of money for a lateral move imo.
But having said that Mules are a standout choice from an already impressive pickup winder, so enjoy your guitar and enjoy your new pickups. Just that the Dragon II pickups were not just fine but actually really good.
@@ReinhartSchneider That is absoutely a subjective opinion and one that may be different amont every player. This guy can play, and if he feels it was worth it, that is anbout all that matters. The difference is clear even on a compressed UA-cam video. In the room, and when he is playing, I am sure it is a huge difference. A lot of how great a pickup is stands in how well it responds to your playing.
Paul Abell if you’ve just spent £250 on new pickups you’re going to want to like them but are they better, doubtful.
Everyone does whatever he wants, but the old pickups in my opinion were better.
I hope this question has not been asked, but what model LP are you using here? And do you prefer it over the CU22? Both guitars sound great! Thank you.
I preferred the BKM well over the PRS pups.
Do you think the Mules are not suitable for stuff like The Darkness, Guns'n'Roses? Do I need higher output pickups? Thanks, great video.
Any demos of the pickups through a valve amp by anychance ?
Good demo, for me the original Pickups are fine for that PRS, but nevertheless I would like to know what you think for the single cut.I have one and I don't like the pickups that it brings from the factory, which are the Pickps treble an Bass.They are well but I know it can be improved.
Thank you.
Hi Sully, I’ve never tried the single cut I’m afraid. Prs pickups sell well on eBay, so if you wanted to experiment with different pickups say Seymour Duncan etc you won’t be out of pocket.
@@TheStudioRats OK, thank you very much for everything.
Sucks you can't use BK pickuos with the five way rotary. :(
First, great playing, Paul. Very impressive. Now, at first, I thought, dude, 99 out of 100 ears will never detect a difference, since the dragons sounded absolutely fine to me. I was wrong. The bare knuckles were absolutely clearer and tighter, and smoother, and this is with my damaged ears from standing next to 20 ft stacks at an early age, and playing at obnoxious volume levels without ear protection during my younger years. So, for someone with exceptional hearing, like session guys, or producers, the difference could be dramatic … like … thanks for coming, versus you’re a f’ing genius. LOL
How can I order Pinnacle mule pickups in the u.s.?
Maybe a Mcarthy or DGT would have been more to your taste.
Sounds far better with the Mules. More clarity, girth, character, dynamics, and a fatter more pleasing tone.
This video is one of the main reasons I ordered the Mules for my Custom 22 Piezo. :)
One thing that interests me a lot is: Are your Mules wax potted or not?
Hi Dom. Great thanks! Not as far as I know.
The Studio Rats Cool! Thanks for your response. I ordered potted for me, I guess I will need to check them out, hopefully they will sound as good as your pickups. 😃
@@gitarowydominik So what is your opinion on Mules? Do you like them in your PRS?
Taking a Dragon out of a PRS is like buying an R9 and putting in a JB
After hearing this I started looking into BKM pickups. I have a late 90's Custom 24 with HFS pickups that I never cared for. I have wanted to upgrade for years. Which model BKM pickup did you install, Vintage, Hot, etc.? Just curious
What pup's in the LP ??
Awesome video! I am in the the same position like you, i have a custom 22 with dragons 2 and i have been advised from BK about Rebel Yells as i am into hard rock, but i am completely blown away from the Mules. How do you find them after a few months of using them?
Hi. I think you should look at the Rebel Yells. I’m happy with the mules but for hard rock I think you’d be making the right choice.
HI, which pickups did you buy? I play stuff like The Darkness, G'n'R, and I'm undecided between the Black dog, Rebel Yell, The Mule and Riff Raff pickups.
Such a great playing! I'm thinking about the same pickups changing but I wondering what spacing do you have on this Mule set? 50 or 53mm? I've measured the actually pickup spacing in my PRS CE24 and now I have something about 49mm but the string spacing is rather 51mm, so I don't know which pickup spacing is better for me.
Cheers Piotr, If you get in contact with BareKnuckle they will advise you on what spacing for any guitar.
Do you have a favorite BareKnuckle pickup for a PRS? Been checking out all sorts of videos. I mean to run the gamut thru pop, rock, country blues, 4th dimension?? Haha
Ive only tried the mules I’m afraid.
Curious how long the swap actually took, repair shop I go to is backed up for months. My 2009 C24 has Dragon IIs but leaving em' in for now. Just swapped the 5 way for a 3 way and two push/pulls.
Hi Moe, the guy wired it up in about 30 mins.
Which pickups in the Les Paul?
I've got two PRS'S that have bareknuckle Holy divers in them. Takes a great guitar and makes them soooooo much better
Nice one, good pickup choice.
Have you ever had 2 different BK’s in a PRS? Just started checking out videos and undecided about Mules, Abraxas, VHIII, Holy divers???
@@ironman1290 just the holy divers. One in a Chris Robertson SE bridge and a full set in a Bernie marsden. They sound great and different.
yeah i just turned the volume down when you switched to BN and the difference is nearly impossibly negligible. for anyone else watching do the same and then judge. :)
Hi Dustin try listening on proper speakers or headphones.
@@TheStudioRats Would you consider Barefoot Footprint 01's "proper" enough?
In The neck I would keep The Dragon 2’s because thet feel more organic to me but i The bridge i Think The Mule is The best.
I Think i will put The mule in the bridge of my Custom 22 😊
Good choice!
Hey what pups are in your LP? they sound great. I have dragon1's in my 95' PRS cu22 and 500t/496r in my 2000 LP Classic. Both bridge pickups are very hot and I am thinking about changing them. BtW Great Video!
I don’t know what they are I’m afraid, but the guitar is a custom shop 60s plain top.
Do you still have the Bare Knuckle pickups in your custom 22?
I don’t have the guitar anymore I’m afraid.
Your guitar is absolutely beautiful ! 👍. There is no comparison the bare knuckles sound great ! I’m going to put a pair in something ! They rock ! Again your guitar is Beautiful ! That finish and color are fantastic and it rocks now , even better !
What year is your PRS ?
Dragons sound good too me
The Dragon 1 the bridge of my 96 C22 is indistinguishable from the BK Mule in the bridge of my PRS SC. Never liked the Dragon II though I have to say.
BKP Blackdog sounds indistinguishable from the stock pickups in my PRS McCarty as well
@@AnchovyRun the newer and cheaper Boot Camp Old Guards sound a lot like improved but less hot McCarties
The Black Dog I had was a lot middier and tighter sounding than the McCarty Treble, but similar in output
U should try Tremonti treble pups 👌🏻
Yeah I’ve heard great things about them although I’m told they are quite hot.
Hi amp please? Od? Thanks
It seems like prs pickups aren’t always lining up with the their level of guitar build .
the Dragon II's are the most underwhelming pickups PRS makes. I swapped mine for 57/08's which are like the Mules (non-potted)
Well I'm sold 😀😀
I love the way my Dragon II pickups growl. I have plenty of other guitars that are cleaner. There really is no such thing as a “one axe does it all”.
Awesome, I’m glad you like them. We all have different taste, if everyone liked the same thing the world would be a boring place.
The Dragon's were certainly tame in comparison. Mules do make it close to the Gibson.
Bare knuckles are my choice, no doubt about it. 👍✨💫
You would love the abraxas set
No pickups can sound best for everything. IMO the PRS were better on the clean tones while Knuckles had more punch when distorted.
I agree with everything you said.
@@TheStudioRats and I love your channel. Had so much help how to get good tones out of my Katana 50II. Combo of Gain, Tube Screamer and Compressor on the clean channel get the tone I like.
I don't understand this video? Why did you buy a PRS if you wanted it to sound like your Gibson?
A Gibson doesn’t have a trem, a les paul is bulky and unbalanced. I could go on.
Loved the tones from both pickups. Before = snarly PRS tone, After = Thicker LP tone.
cheers John
Interesting comparison. I'm on the fence with the dragon 2's, but in a live situation..they work really well. I also changed my 5-way rotary to a 3-way toggle, much easier to use.
Hi Dave i have a custom 22 with 5 way rotary, I pondered the 3 way toggle is it an easy swap thanks .
@@briancowlishaw2963 I had to slightly enlarge the hole with a reamer. Also used a short Switchcraft 3-way toggle, instead of a long one you'd find in a les paul. Hope that helps.
You have proven what you like, I prefer the Dragon II.
I may need you to call my wife and help me explain why I need theseBare Knuckle pickups so bad. Words like clarity and massive will help me put them over the goal post. What did your wife say? Did you have to sneak them into the house like all us other guys do?
Luckily my wife doesn’t mind as it’s my job. How about getting them installed and sneaking the guitar in?😀
No chance sneaking any new guitar in a cardboard box saying GIBSON on it. Wait it could be your brothers Les Paul😅
You just want the classic sound that we all know, I have my PRS not to sound like a classic but different in a good way.
Complains that the PRS literally sounds like wellll a PRS and then says he wants it to sound like his Le Paul 😂 uhmmm . Enjoy them both for wait they are. The drags are a very distinctive prs sound. I own two lespauls and one PRS and certainly don't eajt the ors to sound like the Les Paul. Two different vibes