Active pickups tend to mask the true tone of the guitar. A guitars tone largely comes from the woods it is constructed of, among other things. When using high output active pickups all you really hear are the pickup's tone. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it is a major sin to others. If you do decide on actives, I defanately wouldn't use them with an expensive guitar. Find a cheap one that plays good (doesn't have to sound good) and replace the pickups with the actives of your choice. OR, just use real pickups (passives) and find out what true tone is all about :D I have a Duncan JB in one of my guitars, and it will absofreakinglutely rip your face off!