Tim, tried various pick ups, Truetone, GL PF 1+2, E66, original ShoBud, Mullen, but much prefer the Alumitone, it has the top end of the Truetone but without the harshness, passive pickup but with the properties of a humbucker.Have not tried the Telonics as they are pretty expensive, but have heard them on lots of different steels, sound good, but not enough difference to justify price difference.