Advice needed - PRS HFS/VB vs. tremonti vs. 59/09

[bowo]

Hey folks.
I love the HFS/vintage on my CU24, but I'm curious as to how they compare to other pickups from PRS.
How's the tremonti, are they like higher output, "metal" version of the HFS? I definitely hear similarities between my tone using HFS and mark's tone in his latest album.
From information I gather, the 59/09s are described as hot PAF, are they any good for saturated metal chugging?
Also, I'm very curious, what makes the 57/08 and 59/09 so coveted by players? What qualities do they have?

[AaeCee]

Many love them for the reason you mentioned....they're like warmed up PAF's, the 59/09 being the hotter of the two in the bridge at least. I'm one of the seeming few that never heard their magic though, and I've tried/owned them in many PRS models including a Cu24. However, I LOVE the 53/10's which are more akin to a slightly underwound PAF, so as with so many similar variables, YMMV. BTW, like you, I adore the HFS/VB in my Cu24 and would never dream of changing anything in that guitar.

[slev]

59/09s are a very different animal than Tremontis in my opinion. That said I think the 5909s in your CU24 would be pretty great. Had them in my CE24, replaced the stock VB/HFS which I really liked and never looked back. I think you could cover most metal with a 5909 loaded CU24.

For the record, I replaced a Tremonti bass with a 5310 bass in my SC and I loved it. Smooth and rich tone but again vintage tone and very different from the Tremonti.

[aduayer]

I feel like the 5909's are hot PAF's. Tremonti, to me, is the ultimate high output pick up. Has punch and definition, things that you can find very easy in high out put pick ups. HFS/VB are not the kind of pick ups I like. NEver spent much time with those, but couldn't find a sound I am comfort with. Saying that, my favorite rock/hard rock pick up combo is the Tremonti bridge with a 5909 on the neck. heaven on earth