some have mentioned the RY being so much brighter, but I'm not hearing it. I'm also the type that first started with the JB and don't hear where people say that one has that ice-pick quality...probably from building my sound around that characteristic for almost 30 years. so when I put the HD and the RY in the same guitar, the RY wins my ear.
Out of the BKPs that I have (HD, VHII, RY), if I'd have gotten the RY first, I might have stopped there. in fact, although the HD is a nice model, I'm not totally sure I wouldn't swap it out for a RY if given the chance. hmmmm... my inbox is open if someone would like to discuss something like that. :lol:
EDIT: after going back and spending more time with both this afternoon, I'll have to recant the idea of swapping. everything is fine where it is. lol! but I do maintain that the RY would've stopped me dead in my tracks if I'd have tried it first.