I've had this EVH model since I bought it new in '95 (made in last month of production). From day one I absolutely loved the pickups! I had a Les Paul prior to this and a few other lesser guitars, but I had never had one that could pound out some heaviness, but at the same time keep things clear and crisp if that makes any sense. So of course one day for reasons I can't remember my bridge pickup went out and I had to order another. I put it in and although was thrilled to have the guitar playable again but kept feeling the pickup was missing something almost barely noticeable, barely to the point that I assumed it was just all in my head (and very well may have been). Lately though it's as if it's running split coil, although it isn't. I even went through and double checked and re soldered some connections, but I'm convinced its not in the wiring. Is it possible for a pickup to loose some spunk for any reason at all? I personally have never heard of it happening. I've measured the output and from what I can tell, it should be at 18.07k, however mine came in at 17.52k. So now I wonder is this enough of a difference to be noticeable? Any feedback on this would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys!