When playing clean, Blues Specials sound thick and rich, especially in the lows and mids. Additionally, they sound very open and clear without sounding too compressed. The 5% overwound coil gives the player 5% less highs and 5% more mids than the Vintage Hot Pickups. Expect the tone to have a light compression with distortion. You’ll notice a thick high-end with a low-end growl and a medium attack. Single notes sound thick and round, while chords have a full tone with an early breakup. This pickup sounds powerful and bold – a great way to take your guitar’s tone to the next level.