Unless the Fralin has the slightly mis-matched coils and you're talking about the "Unbucker",it's not going to have the harmonic content or the articulation of the Jazz/59N Hybrid...I get the feeling the Fralin is in fact articulate,chimey,clean,and jangly on top also from my readings? I should be all done now....I'm really very happy with both Hybrids in my Love Rock LP....:dance:
When I Pulled the bridge 59B/Custom A2 Hybrid out and went with an A2 59B,I noticed something missing...It was the added harmonics and a ballsier tone I was getting from the Hybrid...I'm sold on them actually...
My Gibson SG has a nickel covered Dimarzio Fred and this is another mis-matched coil design rated for around 10k but I actually left the A5 magnet in this pickup..
Bachtorock's Great Quote and info about the Hybrid...
"The Hybrid sounds like a 59 with more balls... unlike the Custom 5/Custom Custom it does not get compressed sounding... it really nails the early Van Halen tone better than any other pickup I have heard... it almost has a vintage P-90 vibe to it... since the coils are mis-matched you get that clarity in the low notes and the extended treble that are characteristic of a single coil along with a tiny bit of hum... a humbucker with symetrical coils not only cancels hum, but many harmonics as well... plus, since both coils have the same resonant peak it tends to sound "one notey".
This is why the original PAF's sound so magical... their coils were wound to loose tolerances and there were some pretty large mis-matches in the process.
The advantage of the 59/Custom Hybrid is that when you go to a 43 guage wire like used on the Custom coil you get a whole new response and range of harmonics added to the equation. When combined with the 42 guage 59 coil it is like a fine Meritage Red Wine... different flavors combined to make something unique and tasty!"
