THESE! My favorite of the xx/xx series are the Artist V's. However, for some reason, I haven't liked the 57/08 or a proto-59/09 in the bridge of a couple Cu24's I've owned. Generally, I've found them to be weak and too bright, no matter how I adjusted the height, etc.. Very strange.
So, I'm puzzled by what must be in the Artist V's that make me like them so much more. Maybe it's just the 22 frets vs 24? Especially since I like the 57/08s in SCs and in a McCarty. And I like the DGT bridge, which should be in the ballpark of 59/09s?
Anyways, I'm intrigued by the 85/15's since they seem to be designed for the Cu24 and sound beefier, but I haven't had a chance to actually play them yet...
It sounds like your choice Of amplifiers Could be a Factor, Or overuse of distortion pedals, the rig or set up is very critical when using good pickups, A slight booster pedal into the mark III setting Of my Mesa boogie, and/or into JVM Marshall amplifier. SC with 59/09's produce easily guns and roses type of hard rock. Just beautiful fantastic blooming harmonics, tight power chords. Knock knock knocking on Heaven's door.
Often times people expect a good pickup to do everything in the world, I'm just not satisfied it doesn't do everything.