What in your experiences have been the unique "feels" and aural qualities of each of these?
Hmmm. I'll try to keep the descriptions brief and generalized because there are subtle differences in other guitars with the same pickups. I have multiples of a number of these.
Cruiser (N) = clear, balanced, tight with heavier gain
Steve's Special (B) = Fat bottom, slightly scooped with a tight top end. Clear with higher gain. My favorite bridge pickup.
Super Distortion (B) = Strong low end and solid mids, not too bright.
Super Distortion S (B) = Same as above
PAF Pro (N,B) = lean and tight bottom, clear and punchy upper mids that cuts without harshness. Excellent pickup.
Fred (B) = slightly hotter with more pronounced mids than a PAF Pro
Area 58 (N,M) = Clear and punchy, good balance and not overly bright.
Area T's = neck is tight and punchy, balanced. Bridge (HOT T) is well balanced with right amount of sizzle and bottom end
Some more I have and love --
PG13 mini HB (N,B) = smooth and buttery midrange and clear top end
Injector (N) = I have this paired with a Heavy Blues 2 middle and FRED bridge in a strat. I've only used it for a month but I really like the punch and clarity.
AT-1 (B) = It's kinda similar to a Super Distortion, but with Alnico 5 mags. Fat bottom with more sizzle in the upper mids I think.
EJ Custom (N) = Clear and balanced. Does well with cleans and heavy gain.
Humbucker From Hell (N) = tight and punchy with a great treble attack. Pairs well with Steve's Special imo. I have my '77 Ibanez Artist set up this way. Love it.
I've used the Chopper and Fast Track 1 too but don't have them anymore. Also great pickups.
), but based off the ones I have -- the Super Distortion or AT-1 work well to fatten up brighter guitars. That's exactly the reason I went with those in particular guitars.
