It is definately for fatter gauge strings, won't turn into mud (i used it with 12's on ESP Eclipse II). It was higher output than my dimnarzio air zones (i don't like my pickups too hot) so that's why i took it out. Air Zone is about as hot as i'd want any HB. I liked the sound for heavier rock stuff, but i play 80's petty, tommy tutone, greg kihn, etc....hellabucker was too hot for me.