Re: Best HHH single coil sized humbucker set
Regarding the stacked pot, do you find yourself using the full range of the variable shunt, or do you typically adjust it to the same position? I've find myself doing the latter. One of several upsides is that I can use the fixed value as part of a switch, giving me one less thing to have to adjust when going from one tone to another.
Back on topic, I really like a side-by-side in the neck position. Can't figure out which I like better between the JB Jr. Neck and the Hot Rails Neck. I went with the Hot Rails Neck in order to improve the parallel mode tone, but it still isn't where I want it to be. The next step would be the Cool Rails Bridge, but I fear the series mode would be too dark. That aside, I definitely am not a fan of the Cool Rails Neck because, for me, it doesn't sing like the JB Jr. or Hot Rails.
I can make tons of recommendations, but it depends on what you hope to get out of each of the positions. If noiseless quack with single-sized neck and bridge humbuckers is important, I'd choose an Area 67 over a Cruiser or Vintage Rails in the middle spot. If quack isn't the priority and you just want great single coil-esque tone from a side-by-side humbucker, I'd go with the Cruiser.
Regardless of my preferences, both Duncan and DiMarzio make great products for that form factor and these products fill quite different needs without much overlap. For a consumer that's a big win in terms of the sheer number of options.