Pickups don't make a difference in tone.

[Mincer]

Well, I think the premise of this was that they 'don't' make a difference. Not that they make the smallest difference. There clearly is a difference for 99% of players. How much that is isn't really relevant, as it probably is different for everyone.

[superpete]

if anyone here really thinks they dont make a difference, i'll gladly trade all my old epiphone, ltd, bc rich, & squier cheapies for your overpriced, overhyped name brand pickups.