I finally tried an RGA121

[NeglectedField]

I used it to try out some heads, it's just perfect playability wise, but does anyone else find their picking arm gets really achy? Also are V-series pickups supposed to sound so twangy?

[Johnny Two Tone]

The V-series PUs are ****e. I found that DiMarzio Breeds sounds incredible in the RGA (so does the X2N - a Breed neck/X2N bridge combo rocks in the RGA).

As for the picking arm ache; I think it's just the position you're used to. I have a 24.75 scale Les Paul that gives me harsh aching in my picking arm (elbow) because of how it sits in my lap but I'm fine with the RGA, which sits farther forward.

[RG_FANMAN]

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Speaking of the X2N, i've never used one before, and i hear mixed reviews about them. How are they (sound wise), and what styles of music do they fit in with the best?

[Johnny Two Tone]

The X2N needs to be in a bright guitar, like the RGA. It's the hottest passive PU there is so its got tons of power. I thought it sounded wicked in my RGA121 but it was, "meh" in my Les Paul (which is a naturally dark guitar). It's best known for being the exclusive pickup used by metal legend Chuck Shuldiner. The sound is sharp highs but with a lot of chunk - it's perfect for old school metal.

The main problem with it, though, is that since it has such a high output it pulls a hell of a lot on the strings and so you have to set the hight properly so you don't lose sustain. And like I said; in a dark guitar it doesn't sound great. I should mention that with a guitar that screws its pickups right to the body (instead of in a bracket) the body needs to be bored slightly since the X2N is so thick.

Point is when I had the X2N/Breed combo in my RGA121 it was the best sounding thing ever. But a set of Breeds is sweet sauce too!

[RG_FANMAN]

Wasn't Chuck's Stealth made of Mahogony?

[waylay00]

Originally Posted by Johnny Two Tone

The X2N needs to be in a bright guitar, like the RGA. It's the hottest passive PU there is so its got tons of power. I thought it sounded wicked in my RGA121 but it was, "meh" in my Les Paul (which is a naturally dark guitar). It's best known for being the exclusive pickup used by metal legend Chuck Shuldiner. The sound is sharp highs but with a lot of chunk - it's perfect for old school metal.

The main problem with it, though, is that since it has such a high output it pulls a hell of a lot on the strings and so you have to set the hight properly so you don't lose sustain. And like I said; in a dark guitar it doesn't sound great. I should mention that with a guitar that screws its pickups right to the body (instead of in a bracket) the body needs to be bored slightly since the X2N is so thick.

Point is when I had the X2N/Breed combo in my RGA121 it was the best sounding thing ever. But a set of Breeds is sweet sauce too!

I somewhat disagree. The X2N is a bright pickup, and I think it sounds best in darker guitars, as the two balance each other.

[Johnny Two Tone]

The Stealth is a super thin X guitar, it's not going to have the warm characteristics of a full bodied Gibson regardless of wood. Plus, his guitar was a neck through so the whole pickup part of the body and the neck were likely maple - not completely sure.

As for the X2N being bright I guess it all comes down to personal preference either way. I think it rocks in the already bright RGA121... so, whatever floats your boat.

[RG_FANMAN]

I saw an X2N in a Ibanez S470 (no maple top or anything), and it had great low end, and screaming highs (without being harsh). Out of curiousity, how are the cleans on the pickup?