Replacement Single Coil for BFP?

[Dunadan]

Okay, I've browsed all of the archives, and can't find a specific answer to my question... but just for the record, I apologize to all of the regulars if this topic has been debated countless times.

I have a stock BFP that I love, but I'm just not a big fan of the Jem single coil. It's too thin and compressed sounding for me, and it's a poor volume match for the PAF Pros. Any suggestions for replacing the single coil?

The Ibanez sound I like the most is the "S1" single coil from my '92 RG550. Should I just drop one of those in? I DO NOT want a stacked or rail-type single coil; I want a traditional sound. Otherwise, I have no allegiance to particular brands. If you think a Fender pickup would sound better than a DiMarzio, my feelings won't be hurt.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!
Spencer

[Jeff]

Personally, I don't think a mid-single coil position is going to give you much of a useable sound no matter what pickup you throw in there. That's just my opinion. I would probably go with a Dimarzio Blue Velvet, I think a lot of Jemsiters use that.

[Dunadan]

Jeff--

Thanks for the recommendation. I play clean as much as I play with distortion, so that's why I'm looking for a pickup that sounds more like a traditional single-coil. And I'm impressed with the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th positions of my RG550; they're versatile and well-balanced. I think the Jem's PAFs are pretty close to the 550's pickups in terms of output, but I'm not sure. That's one of the reasons I wanted some feedback.

Thanks again for your advice!
Spencer

[BeastofLove]

Just a quick sidenote-
I had the same feeling as you re: a new single-coil for my PGM300, which has the Jem single as well. After putting in the Blue Velvet, I was a bit disappointed. Alone, the BV sounded great, but the problem was that the notch positions that I frequently enjoy had... too much 'body' to them. They weren't as spanky or crystalline sounding anymore. Just something to consider. I eventually reverted back to the Jem single.

-Ben

[kennydoe]

I've been loving the Blue Velvet that's in my new J-Custom.
I have a Virtual2 bridge model in the middle of my BFP, which is also good. It's a stacked humbucker, but i wired it as a single coil.

~K

[The Euphor]

Maybe not what you're after, but I've got a Fender VCustom Shop '54 single coil, and that matches the Tone ZOne and Air Norton very good. $.02

[Dunadan]

Thanks to everyone who's written in--I really appreciate the info! I can make a much more informed decision now.

Regards,
Spencer