Seymour Duncan SM-3B Seymourized Mini Humbucker Pickup

I have enjoyed the Seymour Duncan SM-3B Seymourized Mini Humbucker Pickup as a replacement for my stock P100 (stacked P90 humbucker) bridge pickup. The guitar is a limited run Gibson Firebird nonreverse, so I wanted to be careful in how I modified its sound and appearance. Honestly, the P100 sounds difficult to tell when it's in humbucker or single-coil tap, so after looking at high-mid-low output graphs from several SD selections, I opted for the 'Seymourized" and it has provided a more well-rounded tone without sacrificing the gutsy trebly twang you'd expect from the mini - and from a Firebird. The nickel finish is Harley-good, and the guitar tech had little problems with installation and with a little work the SM-3 fits in a P100 or P90 route, which made things look cool, too. Wiring is 4-conductor so bonus!! I can configure for coil tap as well as humbucker (of course, not much signal in single coil mode, but you can get a good Strat sound with it). I would recommend this pickup and its neck version but since I've applied the guitar to live hard rock songs I must admit the output is pretty weak next to a full-on humbucker, even against a high-powered P90 single coil pickup. It's all in your taste, of course, and for blues or country this would be great, but while the SM-3B sounds unique and satisfying, I just need to find a mini that has more sustain and power and still fits in a P90/mini pickup route. Maybe check out DiMarzio DLX side-by-side P90 humbucker. Overall, 4.5.

Simply put, my original Les Paul Deluxe was always weak in the bridge PU. I did not want to change it out because it was vintage, yet it always had a weak squealy sound. Placed the SM-3B in the bridge with the original in the neck, and it rocks without overbearing the total sound and tone. I can still get the smooth clean sound and the two blend beautifuly. But now it really cuts through the mix without losing the "Deluxe Clear Sound". EZ to install after making my own spacers.