For higher output pickups I usually like Ceramic more and generally prefer Alnico when they’re lower output, but there are some exceptions here and thereI've never played an actual PAF, so I'm just going by how Suhr describes it on their site and from PT himself. Money isn't an issue, so I'll check out Tone Specific. Never heard of them.
I did watch the alnico vs ceramic vid, which has also reinforced my thoughts that ceramic may just be my thing
Alnico 4 magnets in the Thornbuckers are weak and have a flat frequency curve. I didn’t like either. Ceramic is generally brighter than AlnicoLooking to replace the Thornbuckers in my Suhr modern. I just cant jive with the high end they produce. I'm wondering if this is an alnico vs ceramic thing, vs. a crappy vs good pickup thing. Every review of the PT I've read is very positive and that they're a great alnico, PAF type pickup.
I have ceramics in my Andersons and really enjoy them. I'm looking for something medium output, with a nice low mid grind, without a piercing high end.
This is the most important part and why I spend a lot of time playing my guitars unplugged to get a sense of their inherent tone. In anything super tight I often will use a Fishman Fluence of some sort to play that quality up and in something like a warmth, growly resonant Mahogany guitar like a good Les Paul I’ll use often a PAF-style pickup like a Bloombucker to further bring out those qualitiesI think it comes down to finding a pickup that compliments the natural sound of the guitar you have.
I think it comes down to finding a pickup that compliments the natural sound of the guitar you have.