I've heard hard core magnets have more top end than soft core assuming the same circuit.

I have both L-495Ls and L-490Ls (L-610 and L-609, respectively) in various guitars. They are BOTH great pick ups.

The 495 gets me "Mississippi Queen" tone immediately but the 490 records better. The extra brightness and punch really settles well in the mix when multitracking (guitar harmonies rule with this pick up).