Muscular verstile PAF bridge

[donaldr]

I know nothing about PAF pickups but maybe I can suggest the EMG Fat 55 set (did I say I know nothing about PAF pickups?). They are medium output but more vintage than modern.
They are not like your regular EMG pickups as they are passives with an active preamp (hybrid???).They sound like passives to my ears. Funny enough there's output coming out without a battery connected...

I installed them in my newly acquired Ibanez SZ (after trying the 59 neck, Distortion bridge and the Screamin Demon bridge with regular A5 and also with A8/fillister screws mod) and I think they sound like what you are looking for. I don't know if they are muscular PAF but they sound more vintage than the Screamin Demon and less scooped than the 59. The sound is balanced across the board with the highs being what was described in this thread as PAF sounding.

 

[misterwhizzy]

Of the two you mentioned, Demon is the better fit, but you’ll probably want to swap in an A2 or A8. I have a hard time recommending A8, though, because I always get tired of it. I really think the best you’re going to get with your criteria is an A2 Demon.

 

[EmiAba]

Between the 2 my choice is perpetual burn. Only a matter of taste. Don't like the high frequency range of the screaming demon. But I'd go with pearly gates Bridge...

 

[Mikelamury]

I'm going to keep it simple and say go with the Duncan custom! It's a hotter PAF type that SD classifies as medium output. Metal, rock, it's all there. Great pickup that is pretty versatile too.