I got a used Strandberg from Ebay - the OS model, so already couple years old. It was loaded with a very popular brand of active pickups, that sounded cheap, hollow and like the approximation of a guitar tone. Safe to say I wasn't happy, since the guitat itself played beautifully. It sounded nice acoustically. The problems started when plugging in.
So I started my search and it seems Lundgren PUs have made a name for themselves over the last couple years. Expensive? Yes. Absolutely. But in the end they are boutique pickups, so.. well. I bit the bullet. Did a total rewiring.
First off: The CEO was absolutely awesome! Unbelievable support to all the questions I through at him. Already there I was totally okay paying more, since I received proper replies from the guy who damn well made those pickups. He helpes me out and it did not take more than a week before the set arrived.
Put them in.. and what can I say? The guitar now is a totally different instrument. The distortion is clear, with an aggressive growl, never overbearing in the bass, while the highs sing. The cleans I get out of the neck are so very melodical and full, it's just a joy to play. Sure, those pickups are made to match "the Meshuggah tone". But don't underestimate the versatility.
One crucial thing I needed to find out: Be very patient when it comes to setting up pickup height. Mr. Lundgren already told me that because of the soapbar construction, the output is a tad lower than the uncovered ones. So pickup height is key. I don't know if this is recommended, but my bridge is at roughly 1.5-2mm from the strings on both sides now to compensate. Sustain is still no issue, but I started with the pickups way, way, waaaay lower and at first was not really a fan of what I heard. So long story short: If you don't like the sound, try increasing the height and getting the soapbars closer to the strings than you would normally do with any other PU.
Thanks again! If at some point I have the spare money, maybe I'll try another of your beautys. ;)