My advice, bite the bullet.
Over the years I have been back and forth, trying to compromise with cost and result, believe me, you do not get there,
Take a serious look at NORSTRAND pickups, the character of the tone is faithful but the clarity is somehow enhanced, somehow the sound is all "under the fingers",
is this not what we are all looking for?
As a very good alternative you should also speak to CURTIS NOVAK if you can explain what you want he can make em, 'phone him,