looking for advice from Fralin BS owners

[kaibu23]

Hi. I'm interested in checking out the Fralin blues special after much, much reading of pickup reviews and the like. I enjoyed just about every second of it....of course I still am looking for some more info!

I am aware that pickups are a personal preference thing but if any blues special owners could help me out I'd be very grateful...I have a few questions:

1. Do I want the stock or hybrid magnet stagger? (1b would you please explain what these are? I'm confused. :D )

2. I am considering replacing the bridge only at this point (too shrill for me), I like the neck pup in my 2003 American alder tele....my question is should I go with the set of Fralins? I've read some reviews of folks finding a "mismatch" when replacing one pup.

3. 5% overwound seems to be the choice of the majority? Anyone tried the other varieties?

Questions numbered for your convenience
Thanks so much.

[The Snowman]

I would get the set....in my trials....the Fralin's are made to work together....mismatching seems to be a common complaint amongst Fralin users...I have a stock set and a 5% overwound and the difference isn't that noticable untill you crank up the tone to drive the amp..then the 5% really makes a difference....

the pole piece is a matter of opinion....I really don't hear that much of a difference either way.......
The blues overwound will give you great tone/sound....I still, after 2 years, can't decide between Fralin's or Kinmans...I love em' both.....but I think Kinman's cost more....The Fralin's rock...but not to add any more things to think about.....

you may just want to try Van Zandt's......now we're talkin' pups........if you like that Texas Bluez tone.....that's the fer sure way to go...about the same $ as Fralin's and in fact...KBR can make you a great deal on them.....they have a very unique way of overdriving tubes that is really ..well....delicious.....later don

[kaibu23]

thank you for the reply Snowman.
I appreciate the other recommendations too.

[Captain Simian]

I have a standard Fralin in one of my guitars and I love the sound I get from it. I guess that I was lucky because in the neck position I have a Kent Armstrong P-94 and it sounds great with the Fralin.

And to add to your choices, I love Rio Grande & Vintage Vibe pickups too.