Not trying to jump in before Dave gets his CS bridge (no really I'm not :P ), but as mentioned elsewhere, I've borrowed a set of Cold Sweats from Hunter (thanks again CJ! 8) ). Today I finally tested them out in my Tokai SG.
Before changing the pickups, I played the SG with the stock Tokai vintage-style pickups - it does typical PAF tones, great AC/DC on the bridge pickup but a little thin maybe. I also compared with my PRS Mira, which is probably about the same output-wise but sounds a bit bigger and warmer (a bit too warm on the bridge pickup really, not enough crunch).
The first thing I noticed with the CS set was the extra power, but they're not super-heavy at all. The bridge is tight like the Rebel Yell, but without so much midrange - it's more balanced, I'd say. There is a bit of ceramic "edge" to the sound; with some distortion and the tone on 10 you hear the pick hit the strings and high notes have a bit of a "wah" sound. Clean, it can be slightly harsh, but in a good way - notes sound really snappy, there's even a bit of Tele-like quack.
I've said loads of times that I thought the neck pickup might be too bright, but it's not - it's a really good match for the bridge (I should never doubt Tim! :lol: ). Again, it's tighter than a vintage pickup - you can't get that loose, almost mushy tone on the low strings, but there's still plenty of bass in contrast to the bridge pickup. It's still a warm neck pickup sound, but with the "presence" turned up. I think it's a good jazz tone actually, because it never gets muddy. It's probably not the ultimate pickup for that really sweet, singing neck tone but it gets pretty close.
These are just first impressions - my hands are hurting, haven't played for weeks! Tomorrow I want to compare the SG+CS with some other guitars. But the CS set is definitely most excellent! :D
(Apologies to Hunter if he reads this, as he's already seen the above waffle in a PM)
