Reliable source told me Rene put a set of SVL pups in one of John's Strat he though it was a little dark sounding. Nobody, not even Tomo know for certain what's in his guitars, as he's a gear nerd and obliviously has tried a couple sets at minimum, which would be common. Mystery, and I think John likes that, and or, doesn't want endorse a winder for free....understandable. IMO, he likely got turned off by TR using his name/sig amp reference in most offerings.