Re: How will Parallel Axis compare...
Generally, Parallel Axis pickups have improved sustain and enhanced harmonics compared to conventional pickups with similar winds. Also, tend to be wound 10-20% hotter than similar pickup due to coil geometry.
Depends on which pickups you are looking at. The PATB-2 Parallel Axis Distortion is an amazing gonzo metal pickup. Not as deep a bass punch as the Invader, more low-mid growl, but ridiculous singing harmonics and sustain. Least harsh ceramic bite/presence I've heard from a pickup with a ceramic magnet. It's extremely compressed, expresses dynamics as tonal shifts with much less volume variation than other Parallel Axis pickups.
If I played metal more exclusively, or had more guitars, I'd definitely have a PATB-2.
The PATB-1b Original Parallel Axis is a lock like a Custom 5, but mid-scoop is less problematic. Also, has enhanced harmonics and singing sustain. Can do amazing harmonics much like a JB, but they are broader, less harsh a midrange focus. Rolling off the highs with tone control gives it a surprising amount of Custom Custom character, though with more controlled bass than that pickup usually has.
I have a PATB-1b and love it, revived an Ibanez RG570 whose stock pickups I came to hate. Tried a JB in it, JB managed to be both ice picky AND flubby in the same guitar. Decent for some metal sounds, but rarely great. PATB-1b turned it into a new guitar. Does what I wanted from the JB, without any of the ugliness it had in this guitar.
One caveat: In my guitar, the PATB-1b's bass gets looser feeling depending on your pick attack. If you want a pickup that is consistent regardless of input, it'll drive you mad. If you want a pickup that responds to what you feed it, though, I've never played anything else like a Parallel Axis pickup. I find it fine for thrash rhythm, better than the JB was in my RG570.
PATB-3 Blues Saraceno is a great pickup if you want a hot PAF that isn't dark or overly compressed. Sounds remarkably like a bigger '59. But with the harmonics and sustain of the PA design.
Only one designed for use as a neck pickup is the PATB-1n, which is a lot like a Jazz neck, though a few say it has a bit of '59n. A few people have talked about PATB-3 as a neck pickup opposite a PATB-2. Depends on how hot a neck pickup you like.
