Re: pup advice Bridge- Strat for shred
Here's my advice if you're going for Malmsteen esque sounds.
First, forget the YJM pickups. They sound terrible (IMO) when compared to the much better HS-3 pickups. Supposedly the YJM is an HS-3 with 'vintage' staggered poles. I don't believe that. I've used both and have about 10 years of experience with the HS-3 pickups. While I prefer even Fender singles to the HS-3's in terms of tone, if you've got your heart set on the DiMarzios, don't waste your time on the YJM's.
For bridge, and I'm not kidding, get yourself a Full Shred bridge pickup. It is tight and clean, and perfect for Malmsteen tones. Now, I have nothing against the JB (which I have x3) or the Custom series, but the FSb just OOZES Malmsteen.
I believe that the Highway1 is routed s-s-h, if I'm wrong, someone correct me. So you shouldn't have a problem with the Hs3, Hs3, full size humbucker combo if you decide to go with that.
Mark