Then if it's the lead tone, go for Alnico IV Mules.
It's a classic 'P.A.F' tone he has there, but the other BKP classics such as Riff Raffs, VH11s black dogs and Emeralds etc. may be a bit too biting/spiky for your needs. (I like the same sweet rounded quality as you).
The next logical question in my mind is
"can the SM's produce the cream ?".
My only doubt is that Alnico IV magnets in a slightly hotter ( yet still classic) pickup like the Mule definately do. I hear the weaker Alnico II SM can become less focused at high gain, especially in the bass. Not a problem whilst playing Jazz/soul/blues through a sparkly clean amp etc.
As another comparison, look on youtube for Snowy white playing " Bird of Paradise" - as Tim advised another user the SMs would get all that contrast between the very clean chords and the creamy lead. It's just that in a Les paul, I found the SM's where better at the chord voicings, but the Mules hit the lead work better.
I gather the Mule is voiced around a late 50's PAF, whereas the SM is voiced around the 61/62 era when the S.G. first came in.
I think Guru Tim would be best hearing the clip and giving the definitive comment, but I hope my own observations help in some way.
Being a Semi, I would still opt for the SM's and enjoy the way they maximise the character of THAT PARTICULAR guitar. Borrow a heavy solid body if ever desperate to exactly emulate the lead voice of the video clip you posted. I just think a Semi sounds so good because it is a semi and is not meant to sound like a Les Paul.
If I ever had the pleasure of owning a semi, it would be the SM's into it for me with no doubt and then a third set/type of BKP altogether into the then empty S.G.
Hope that helps more than confuses !
Regards,
Derek.
