I no worries nor need for niceties :D The bottom line is, I understand output when comparing dual to single pup outputs. This is, to me, expected and rather rudimentary. However, the issue (if it is indeed an issue) is that the neck, in single mode, is disproportionately lower in output than the bridge in single mode. And this isn't just the fact that bridges in general are hotter and brighter sounding - I'm aware of this as well. It's as though the SPL is literally about 50% that of the bridge (when both in single coil mode). Typically, going from the bridge to neck doesn't always effect SPL as much as we think we hear (due to the difference in 'brightness' and 'presence' inherent in the bridge output), but we're accustomed to a somewhat thicker, mellower, smoother sound from the neck - this sounds a bit less in volume when compared to the bridge. In my particular case, I can play with very soft attack on the bridge (in single coil mode) and it's very prominent and loud (and beautiful). I move into the neck position, all controls on the guitar being equal, and even with a strong attack, it's literally 50% the volume of the bridge.
I'm enjoying a morning coffee. I'll get onto my guitars later today and try this "clean versus crunch versus gain" test on 3 different amps. I may take samples to share on this site. To do this methodically and controlled, I would like to employ a close mic and an ambient mic - this way my console will also be able to tell me if the SPL is truly effected or if it's simply a matter of timbre change.
Best,
V.
