Re: Seymour Duncan Crazy 8 vs Screamin Demon Alnico 8?
I have much experience A8 in all kinds of pickups. Most of my stash of 30 plus humbuckers had a A8 at one time. I am a big fan of screaming Demon A8, which is currently in my alder/maple neck superstrat. I also like the Pearly Gates A8 very much. My point is, an A8 works best in lower wind pickups which need more mids and beef.
One big exception from the rule might be the Crazy 8, since the PATBs are all very clear. To be honest i never played the Crazy 8. From my experience i could recommend the Alt8, which will be a tad darker and a tad more minds. The JB8 which is a bit briter than the others and has more high mids. The Crazy8 should be the stoutest of all here mentioned, but what i heard in vids still transparent sounding.
Saying that all i liked some ceramic pickups in mahogany guitars sometimes. So take also a look at the PATB-2, depending on your music.