Yeah, I like a lot of chug; but it sounds like with some of the higher output pickups, the chugging sounds compressed and lacks character. Does that make sense?
I've re-read your original post to see if I missed anything and there's nothing in there that would suggest an Abraxas to me as the first, second or even third choice.
'I may try tuning the Telecaster down to Drop C' - The Abraxas certainly isn't known as a pickup for lowered tunings, partly because it's not quite bright enough and partly because it's not tight enough.
'I use a lot of palm-muting, string muting and harmonics. I'm a big fan of Adam Jones from Tool' - I'm not saying the Abraxas can't do this but there are a myriad of pickups that are more likely to get that sort of tone for you.
'My playing borders on DJent' - I've never heard of anyone using an Abraxas for this style before, largely because there are so many pickups in the range that would do it better.
'I love really defined, powerful sounds' - Well, all Bare Knuckle pickups are pretty defined and powerful compared to most stock pickups but again 'really defined' and 'powerful' aren't phrases you immediately associate with an Abraxas as so many others fit the description better.
'Good cleans are important' - You'd certainly get that with an Abraxas
'plenty of upper mids' - No, that's definitely not an Abraxas at all.
Now I'm aware that it sounds like I'm knocking the Abraxas and I'm not. It's a fine pickup that encapsulates many of the characteristics I love in a pickup and I'm not saying it can't do what you're after because, to a greater or lesser extent, every pickup in the BKP range can do what you want, BUT I am saying that based on what you stated you wanted, there are better options. Kiichi would know better than me but I'm thinking that you might even like a P90 instead of a humbucker for what you're after. However, the bottom line is it's your money and if that's what you feel is right for you then I hope it's good enough for you.
