Pros:
- Punch, girth and cajones (for lack of a better term).
- Fan-tastically articulate (especially on the bottom end).
- Surprisingly dynamically responsive for a pickup of this output (in other words, it cleans up fairly well when the volume pot is turned down).
- Beautiful, singing leads; authoritative, present rhythms.
- Less compressed feeling than one might surmise.
Cons:
- Comes in one color with a specifically styled cover and a steep asking price (I got mine $21 off sticker, thank you early Memorial Day sales).
- Will likely play nicer with brighter instruments.
Overall, a great pickup! If you need something to add some serious size to your sound and get your instrument to people's ears, look no further. The EQ curve was initially what peaked my interest with this one (my guitar likes p'ups with lots of mids and darker highs). Ever since I tried the Imperium, I haven't been truly happy with any other pickup, but this one... maybe. I think they're evenly clear/articulate (albeit in slightly different ways). Obviously the SonEc is much higher output (I could take it or leave it personally; output is much farther down my list than feel/EQ/tone). The Imperium is smoother... I don't know, time will tell for me (I don't have a second electric so that both have a home). For me, it's too much like comparing a professional, velvet-gloved assassin (the Imperium) to a middle-weight MMA fighter (the SonEc).
Overall,
