Dimarzio D-Activator X (b) + Dimarzio D-Activator (n)

[deathmetal_mx]

Hi,

I want to have more opinions on this pick up config. I'm about to put on my guitar.

I bought a Dimarzio D-Activator X (bridge) a couple of days ago, but it couldn't find the D-Activator X (neck) anywhere, I'm from Guadalajara (Mexico), however, some other stores, have all the other Dimarzio models (Super Distortion, PAF Pro, Evo, D-Sonic, etc), and I was thinking on buying the D-Activator (bridge or neck model) and put it on the neck. I know there's some long time Dimarzio users, so I want to know what u think ?. I have checked the Dimarzio page and compared the sound specs, of each (high output) pick ups they sell.

1. I play Death/Thrash Metal. Whick pick up config. can do the job ? (D-Activator X + neck pick up)

2. I have the option of give the D-Activator X back, and get the D-Activator pair (bridge neck) paying a difference, will that be a better solution ?

3. I have the INF1 (Ibanez stock pick up) on the neck, should I leave it and just change the bridge pick up ?

Thank u all for your comments.

[reguv760]

I have this pup combo on a S5470... definitely works for death/thrash. The D-X is a loud pickup and the D-Activator neck matches it pretty well. Don't bother with a D-activator bridge in the neck, it'll be too hot and loud! Haven't tried a D-X neck though but i'm sure that works as well.
Try out the D-X first... if you don't like how it sounds/feels, then feel free to exchange it for a regular D-Activator bridge. Either way, you won't/can't be disappointed by 'em.

Reg

[moonlight]

I really like D Activator X sets and can tweak plenty of good tones out of them, not just metal tones. I would say use the DAX you got and keep the neck pup utill you find an DAX neck.

[_FR0D0]

There are alot of dimarzio pickups that should work for you in the neck with a DActivatorX in the bridge. The DActivator neck should work but is a very brigth pickup that needs IMHO a different amp setup than the X to shine, so I suggest you trying a darker pickup, like an AirZone or breed, I love the way the AirZone sound in my rg570 neck spot.

BTW if you tell more about the rest of your rig, like your guitar, effects, amp, etc. we can help you better.

Saludos y siga investigando

[deathmetal_mx]

Thank u all for the comments. About my rig, this is what I'm using now :

*Ibanez S320 (mahogany body, rosewood neck),
*Peavey 6505+ Head running through a B-52 Cab
*Sting Gauge : .10 -.52 (Drop C)
*I changed the pick up selector from a 5 way switch to a 3 way switch.

I also would like to know if there's another pick up I can put on the neck to record something with a crunchy sound, but not that distorted. I'm using a Line 6 UX2 interface for recording (Peavey Revalver for the guitar modeling) and Sonar 7.

[_FR0D0]

I think you should try Evolution Neck or Breed Neck for your DActivatorX Bridge

[deathmetal_mx]

What kind of sound can I get from an Evo or Breed on the neck ?. I'm more into metal than any other genre, however, I want to have good clean distorted tones, something kind of....Vintage but with edge and crunch, something like that.

What would u recommend ? Evo or Breed ?, or some other pick up ?

[jono]

Evo's sound really "modern".

If you want more vintage a Breed neck migh be he better bet out of those two.

[6fingers]

I have them on my prestige 1527.They sound awesome.
I like really heavy rhythm guitars and dactivators are awesome cause bass frequencies don't get muddy at all even on the neck position.

[deathmetal_mx]

"bass frequencies don't get muddy" I like that.

So having to pick one, between Evo v.s D-Activator, for the neck, what would u think might be the best option ?

BTW, this are the levels I use on the amp :

*Treble : 5
*Mid : 6
*Bass : 6
*Gain : 7
*Volume : 3

[moonlight]

If you find the D Act X's too bright, try 250 ohm pots and a .047mf orange drop.

[6fingers]

Nobody have the same ears so only you can find what you want.
The way I hear sound is different from you so I(we) cannot tell what's best for you.
YOU NEED TO TRY.
Dactivator neck fitts my mesa very well.
It all depends on your equipments and....your ears.

[deathmetal_mx]

I'll go with the D-Activator X + D-Activator combo. I'll look for an Evo just in case I might want to give it a try later on. I saw that the Evo is a Mid Output pick up, but some people claims it works better on the bridge than on the neck. Can someone help me out t understand why is it ?. Is it just because of the sound specs ?, volumes ?, wood ?

[jono]

There are two different Evo pickups, one neck which is medium output and one bridge, which is high output.

The Evo's have a very distinctive sound to them in particular the bridge pickup which is almost "Steve Vai in a Box" sound. I undeerstand it's the frequency response of the pickup itself and it keep that voice in basswood, alder and mahogany even though the woods do of course colour the tone a bit.

[deathmetal_mx]

I saw that Chris Broderick (Megadeth) is using an Air Norton in the neck and an Evo in the bridge, and it sounds great. I'll check the Evo neck later on, it might end up doing the work better for me than the D-Activator on the neck.