I think Joe Barden pickups are the best. With the clarity and dynamics, the pickups are not 'locked' into one style of music. That's why he only produces one model for each type (Strat, Tele, HB) and not a 'Blues' or 'Metal' version of each. I got a set in my strat and they'll sound 'Blues' or 'Metal' depending on the way I play. Problem is nobody in Sg sells them anymore.