Need update on current PAF offerings

I'm about to wrap up building a gigger mule with 'buckers. Typically, I will just go with tried and true faves - SD '59, JB, Seth Lover, etc...

...But it's been awhile since I've had dealings with new PAF designs, and just want to make sure that I'm not missing out on anything.

Basically what I look for in a really good PAF is alnico magnets, and just a touch hotter output. The JB is ideal about 70% of the time, but too hot the other 30%.

I was about to pull the trigger on a GFS Alnico Fat PAF, until I found out that I'd have to wait roughly a month before receiving it! Too bad - this one seems to be exactly what I'm looking for. The GFS's below and above seemed too tame or modern/too high output.

About 5 years ago, I ended up exausted after researching hundreds of different Tele pickups, only to end up back with my tried and true favorites - the SD V54 and the Rio Grande Tallboy...

...I'm trying not to repeat this same thing again. Vendors like GFS don't help, with the low prices and tons of options.:confused:

I use DiMarzio PAFs in everything, for bridge pickups anyway. About 8.3K.

I have heard good things about the GFS pickups and there are hundreds of boutique PAFs out there. I have tried/played many of them and still keep digging the DiMarzios. I guess the original aftermarket PAF is still the best in my book.

You might want to check out the Tonerider selection of humbuckers:

http://tonerider.com/hb_main.shtml

You can get a good price from Ralph:

http://www.reranch.com/reranch/viewtopic.php?t=13131

CMA

I'll second the Toneriders. I just got a set of the Alnico IV Classics from Ralph and they're as nice a PAF as I've heard, including '57 Classics and Seth Lovers. The price was way nice, too :mrgreen:

http://www.visi.com/~sstolle/toneriders_installed.jpg