Nice and detailed review, you made a good job, and I appreciate that you took some time to explain your reaction and feel about the ABomb (in fact I think you should add it to your first post, really).
You know ("you I and I we've been thru that" to quote a famous song) we just don't have the same experience of the ABomb - mine being in a rather dark SG - and I think your mention of "quite a bit of mahogany" must be what makes the difference. At least I and my band mates can testify that I get some great hard rock, classic rock from this guitar and pickup, and even bluesy tones when mixing it with the neck Mule.
But anyway - as I said, pretty nice review with enough context and balance to make it really useful.
I forgot to reply to this the first time I visited this thread. Funnily enough, I've had both of your experiences with the ABomb.
Two strats they are. First my strat (alder with maple top, maple + rw neck) the pickup is a bit closer to the bridge, and the guitar itself is bright and clear. I originally had the Abomb there, but it did have metallic edge to the tone which I grew to dislike. I put a HD there and it worked a lot better. Aggressive, throaty, but clear as water and very versatile. Can do anything.
Now the other strat, alder body and an all-maple neck: ABomb works wonderfully. The pickup is a bit further from the bridge than on mine, and the guitar itself has more center mids than mine. Chimey though, very clear. The Abomb just works there; it's thick and aggressive, but still manages to sound warm and woody. I guess that 'edge' that didn't work on my guitar, here picks up a clarity that works to get that woody tone I mentioned. Again, very versatile.
-Zaned
