Thanks to all involved, PAF stuff

[DoobieK]

Based on the soundfiles from Toni, EdA and everyone's input, I just ordered a set of Virtual PAF's. All of your hard work was greatly appreciated. Now if I don't like those bastards, someone will buy them from me, right?:lolspin

I also ordered a set of historic mounting rings. I am pumped and anxiously awaiting their delivery.:dude

 

[toni]

Al,

I think Virtuals have a very distinctive tone. I like them, they have very rich mids.
I prefer Seth Lovers with alnico V, they are just "Perfect"... for me...because they are so responsive and bright without beeing harsh.
Rolphs, Virtuals, Seths alnico V, Antiquitys alnico V ....they all sound Great to my ears !
I think i hated Classic 57's so much, that's why i began to swap magnets and tried so many pickups, based on Big Al's theory...
...but it seems also that some guys here like new Gibson's Burstbuckers very much.
...and "Stock" Antiquities (aged alnico II) were way too weak to my ears but i liked the soft tone signature...

I made my final choices on Seths alnico V for my 1999 Burst and Virtuals for my 2001.
When i did the soundfile, i set the Virtuals very low, actually a little lower than the plastic rings.
Virtuals are pretty Hot and they compress too much (for my taste) IF they are close to the strings.

Keep us informed if you like Virtuals !

What kind of music do you play, and through what kind of amp ?

 

[DoobieK]

Toni,

I had a set of Seths and they were a little too thin and weak for me. I don't recall the specs, but the DC resistances were relatively low. I had tried a Alnico V in them and still wasn't impressed. Although, that was in a PRS, in my pre-Les Paul days so I'm sure they would sound different in an LP.

I recently found an old Shaw PAF that I currently have in the neck of my burst and a SD '59 bridge that I put a Shaw magnet in. The other orig. Shaw crapped out some years ago and I parted it out. Chalk it up to youth. If the Virtuals work out, I will put the Shaw/'59 in my red LP. Those two pickups sound pretty decent.

I am hoping the Virtuals arrive today. I will play with them for a while and, and let everyone know how they fare.

I am currently in a Blues band, leaning toward Rock. I also sit in with a friend's alt. pop/rock band occasionally. I play about 30% clean, 40% moderately overdriven and 30% heavily distorted.

My gear includes a '71 Twin (blackfaced) with Fulldrive II and Menatone Blue Collar. No chorus, no delay. Just REVERB!!!:dude :dude

 

[toni]

Al,

i think you'll like Virtuals very much with that kind of "transparent" rig.

If you have some problems getting them very clean, just set them far from the strings, they thus becomes much cleaner and they keep their warmth.:eek

...now, i'm waiting for your report ....very soon :dude