After reading Neal's reply, I decided to pull out the Hagstrom and I was profoundly reminded of the amazing difference between single coils (or single pick ups? I'm not sure the correct way to say it.) and humbuckers. Amazingly bright, and aggressive sound. Just bites right thru me. In my novice mind I thought it would be just a matter of cranking the EQ, but not so.
Now I'm torn which I want to play. :)
...so ever since then, I always hang on to the buckle.