Fantastic stuff! But let's be honest.. they all sound kickass. That variac really does make a diff when you get it that low doesn't it? That's my biggest take away for that tone. As for pickups, liked the Super D the best and then that Classic 57 A2. Hell any of em will do it for me.. as long as they are not overly bassy, I'm good. He makes a great point about pickups now loading up on low end because people play low volume. I love the Dimarzio 36 anni but the top end on the bridge pickup can get a bit ice pick.. I hear it using an impulse but I wonder how it would sound through cranked amp and recorded as I really like those pups everywhere else. Great bark.