Firstly, the different wire gauge between the Mule and Abraxas only applies to the bridge models. The 43 AWG used on the Abraxas bridge is a more modern wire so tends to give it more cut, which is needed on a hotter wind that will naturally have more bass as a result. For the neck pickups, both use the same 42 AWG wire and are in fact, very similar. In actual fact, the Mule, Abraxas and Crawler neck pickups are all almost identical with the Mule being the brightest as it's the lightest wind. There will also be some minor differences in offsets. I have no direct experience of the Mule neck but I have had the very similar Crawler neck, which I found lacked enough cut. It was a lovely tone but a bit too rounded for my tastes. Tim tells me that the Mule neck feels quite different and should be more to my taste with it being that bit brighter and it's typical of the PAF tone you seem to like. Personally, my favourite neck pickup is the Emerald so I have the vintage PAF tone from the AIV magnet but it comes with the extra cut I like from the 43 AWG wire. Tim says that the Mule neck is the closest to that so it seemed reasonable to conclude that you'd like it, especially giving the bridge options you're considering, all of which have a slightly more modern feel. If it was me, I'd try either an Emerald or Holydiver neck if I was having the VHII or Black Dog bridge and go for the Mule neck if I was trying the Abraxas bridge. However, you're not me and based on what you've said so far (and not said) I just thought the Mule neck would be your cup of tea. :D
brushed nickel tends to look great in anything, in my opinion (even with gold or black hardware)
