Good decision to keep the Herc, also for contrast

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I hear ya on classic as description for the 5909s. I find them a tad weak at times, but wonderful for cleans and slight drive. The neck pickup is very responsive in my Cu24, but mine are covered so I wonder if some heights are missing.
The trem is cool indeed. Did you have to lower or angle yours? I could not tune in the action I am comfortable with on mine and lowered/angled it a bit forward, now its great.