MartyGrass

To be candid about this, around a decade ago I really didn't like HRWs, at least in the bridge position in solid bodies. The high frequency output was too sharp to my ears. Eventually I sorted it out. The neck position was always fine. It's odd to me because I've never had an issue with Schallers. I'm pretty sure HRWs were cryo treated. I asked Ren once. He just smiled. In that particular context it would have been easy for him to say something like there's more to the story. He didn't. This conversation occured when I brought in a Johnny Smith with a Floating #3 pickup and asked about getting a tone control added. He did the work while I was there, which took maybe 15-20 minutes. He charged very little, no more than $50.

Where did this idea come from?

You're right about the dot. I've put HRWs in my guitars a couple of times and did this. Clever guys!

We've gone down this path.

I have always liked HRWs sometimes! The right guitar and amp settings can bring out a very pleasant brightness and sparkle. The secret about making these pickups, as best I can guess, is a cryo treatment of the magnets. I've asked Ren Wall a couple of times over the years about cryo treatment. He just smiled and wouldn't comment further. I'd like to put this to rest. What's the truth?