A lot of guys in the '90s started switching to EMG pickups, which squashed their sounds down. That works for manure metal bands, but us '80s dudes know that if you want the real chunk, you don't get it from the pickup. You get a bluesy, clear pickup & put the distortion at the amp.
I am not trying to prove anything here or shout 'I told you so!' but when it comes from a pro, it is, at the very least, a proven engagement. Remember the simple formula- make your distortion count the most at the amp, every thing else should supplement this intensity.
