Not a slam against the HD, but I think I've moved on into a different place in my musical life. The HD is infinitely better than the JB I once loved, but I'm over the hotter pickup thing. I really miss the Abraxas I had in this guitar. I find the guitar to be less versatile now; the split tones aren't nearly as authentic in the bridge, so no more Tele vibe and balancing with the Apache in the neck is a no-no. The guitar lost it's woody vibe and I find that I prefer the lead voice of the Abraxas. At least I know now, I'd not have had peace otherwise.
Now, Apache VS the 63 Veneer? The 63 handles heavy OD much better IMHO, but from clean up to grit, the Apache is a winner. This is the space the neck pickup lives in with my guitar, so it's a keeper.
