ASAT Classic and Joe Barden Pickups - I need advice please

I have been unable (after Many tries over a period of years) to keep my ASAT Classic Bridge pickup from Squeeling. It;s been potted and replaced (thank you G&L). I need this guitar up and running. I bought the Joe Barden T set pickups.

Upon inspection, the Joe Barden Neck Pickup is less tall than the G & L pickup. I see I have two options: 1) To install it in the neck using the spring under the screws to increase the height, or 2) Mount the pickup on the pickguard. (The original neck pickup was screwed securely to the body. Will anything else affect the pickup tone?)

Has anyone here been through this process? What have you done or seen done with Joe Barden T-Set's and an ASAT CLASSIC? How do I BEST get the neck pickup in place.

Thanx

Hi funkmeister, and welcome to the forum.

I'd suggest mounting it to the body, but using rubber tubing rather than springs to increase the height. I've done this on one of my ASATs with a set of Don Mare pickups and it sounds fine.