I had a dillema whether I should go with the 2014 traditional or an earlier model with 57 classic pickups.
Ended up with both :-) Here are quick videos I shot comparing the two:
I don't think the videos cover 10% of the tone spectrum you can get from these guitars. The two instruments can be very different, depending how they are played and through what amps. They also react nice to tone and volume controls.
I like both the 57 classic and 59 tributes. They both sing beautifully imo. I think the 57s are a bit more creamy and mellow. Perfect for blues. 59s have a bit more top end and make it easy to squeez pinch harmonics. I think they will cut better through the mix or band. They're not harsh or anything like that, they're just a bit more glassy. Think of Jimmy Page's solo on Whole Lotta Love - you can easily get a tone like that with these pickups. If I had to pick...jeez...not sure I'd be able to. For playing on your own, without any other instruments, I think the 57 classics are a bit more pleasing, they also growl more easily. The 59s will shine in a mix though. Tough choice - buy both :-)