Great clips! You have impeccable taste, I am a big Gregor Hilden fan as well. :D
I have been reading this post with intrigue. I understand your predicament, it's one I have had several times as well.
Here is what I think:
Those clips you provided can be done with relative simplicity with the SM's and Mules. Basically, you can't go wrong!
But, I know you want to get it perfect the first time. I have played the AII and AIV SM's and I think the AIV's do that sound better. They are VERY pristine. Crystal clear and definitely a bit tighter or "snappier" in the low end than the AII's. That is not to to say that the AII's are flabby or not as good, simply a bit "mellower" under such applications and not quite as defined as the AIV's. I felt from the beginning that there is something very special about the AIV magnets that Tim uses. The voicing is just different. They make you smile when you pluck those strings! :D
Referencing back to your first post, the AIV SM's most certainly have tons of clarity. As a matter of fact, you won't find ANY BKP's that lack clarity. They are very defined and focused and very balanced.
The Mules that Tim suggested have a bit more behind them and certainly a more pronounced low end than the SM's. My first BKP set was a set of AIV Mules. The cleans are excellent and are very "vintage." For me, the neck's low end was just a touch more than what I wanted. I swapped for an AIV SM and haven't regretted it.
It is true than noone knows BKP's better than Tim. But, the poor guy can only give you guidance based on an email that may or may not truly define the tone that you are searching for. Afterall, putting tone into words is not all that easy.
Case in point: Tim suggested AIV Mules for me and after going back to read the email I sent him, I realized that I could have done a better job of describing exactly what I was looking for.
Anyway, back on topic. My suggestion would be AIV SM's. I don't think you are going to regret it. If they aren't exactly what you are looking for, Tim will swap them out within 14 days.
If you are still undecided, why don't you send Tim those clips and see what he says?
