How do Dimarzio X2N's compare to PAF pros?

[Gex]

Well, I'm sorta new to Dimarzios

I have tried and didnt care much for:
Super Distortion
Air Norton
Fred


But I absolutley LOVE PAF pros. They're almost perfect in my eyes.

I have three Ibanez RG550s (love those guitars)

One has PAF pros in the neck and bridge, and a HS-2 in the middle.

The other two RG550s still have the stock pickups, and they need to get some dimarzios in it. I was thinking PAF pros again for one of them, but the other I wanted to put something different in.

The X2N has caught my eye. Ive never played one. How does it rack up against the PAF pro? besides being a hell of a lot more powerful. Dimarzio's description says it "Captures" the sound of the guitar, which is alot like the PAF pro's transparency.

I love Steve Vai's Flex-Able tone, which from what I understand is a 1977 Fender Stratocaster with a X2N and floyd rose -> Carvin X100B (which I have a Carvin X100B that I bought in persuit of THAT tone. That beautiful, raw, organic, but still smooth tone)

I would greatly appreciate any input from anyone who has tried and used both pickups and knows their tonal qualities pretty well.

Thanks guys.

[buddroyce]

I've always found the X2N to be a hit or miss pickup for people. If you're going to pair it up with a Paf Pro you will notice a significant output difference, but I can see how it could work. It's got some wicked drive when you run it through a high gain amp, but I've never tried it through a Carvin X100B.

I do recall Steve (Vai) describing the tone of the X2N as an Icepick to the forehead and it's always been another pickup I didn't mind trying again (I need to find someone to donate one first). Let me know what you think of the pickup if you get it.

[Shredcows]

I have not used a PAF Pro, but rather a PAF Joe.... I have used the X2N.

Between the PAF Joe (simliar to PAF Pro, but with a more hollow-ish, sweeter tone like a single coil) and X2N... its... erm... a world of difference.

Yeah, the x2n tone will change according to the guitar you use. Its retarded powerful, overdriving everything... its always on 11 kind of pup. Great for thrash metal (or anythign heavy) but IMO, articulate enough to play some nice classic rock stuff (with the gain down LOW).
X2N is very compressed... split and clean, surprisingly good for funk! But blues, no no no no no no way.

Anyway, talk doesn't tell the full story.

Hop down to http://music.download.com/Shredcows and listen to x2n Showcase... everything done with x2n in bridge, in an ibanez S520EX

[AirGuitarHero]

Shredcows got it right, and I think if you're after the Flex-able tone, the X2N is a step in the right direction. You know that screaming tone at the beginning of the solo in "Viv woman"? That is very easy to replicate with an X2N.

It IS an icepick to the forehead, but it's a NICE icepick, if that makes sense. It just screams without being shrill. It makes you want to play loud, mean and fast, and it's very compressed, but it's VERY articulate and allows you to retain the small nuances. It is in fact a fairly warm-sounding pickup if you set your amp right. Good harmonics too. Not smooth though, it's very precussive.

It is also true that retains the character of the guitar, but I find that true of most DiMarzios, and that's why I like them (and why some of them are hit or miss, depending on the guitar)

Paf Pros are much fatter and more transparent, but equally responsive.

[Gex]

Haha, Shredcows, your stuff is amazing. Im actually a fan of yours.

I actually have your stuff downloaded and burned onto a CD in my car, including the X2N showcase (which seems like it would be an awesome song,you need to just . . write the rest of it. .hehe). There are tons of "shredders" out there that I cant bear to listen too because they try to ripoff Steve Vai's spacey dramatic style and every one of their songs sounds like a FTLOG ripoff.

But your stuff seems to be aimed in a very original direction, I love your use of harmony and quick sweeps. Anyone can **** out a Phrygian **** ballad nowadays, just about everybody is sweep picking right and left. Your stuff has inspiried me, and made me realize that its not WHAT techniques you use, but HOW you use them. I hope to hear more of your stuff in the future. My Life With You, Freak Out, and the X2N showcase are my favorites. Its happy, feelgood shredding. Its very colorful.

I think I'll give the X2N's a try. Thanks guys.

[Shredcows]

Hey Gex, thanks for the kind words. I've just finished a new song, its on the multimedia section of Jemsite... its called Slinky Pinky Thingy. You might want to check it out?

Haha... well, I can't do big sweeps hence I'm going the small-sweep-everywhere trail. Glad to hear its working out somewhat!

Anyway, like what buddroyce said... the X2N is superb on drive! And right now, I just have the urge to pick one up and plonk it in my axe again. Sheesh... I need another guitar....

[Gex]

Just listened to Slinky Pinky Thingy.


As usual, awesome. I think it ranks right up there with Freak Out and My Life with You.

Do you know what FX/amp you were running for the X2N? Was it the same as the Slinky clip? (that way, I can make a good tone comparison, since I know what a Fred sounds like it gives me a good frame of reference)

[Shredcows]

Thanks for the kind words again Gex.

Ah.... the X2N showcase thing...
http://www.jemsite.com/forums/showth...light=showcase



Its all there.

For the Slinky clip... I went thru a totally different setup. Its mainly a Tech21 TRI AC thats lined out to the laptop. The pups are different too, went thru some changes, Breed neck in bridge, FRED in the neck and changed to Double Whammy and so on. Same old S520EX. There was the use of a Danelectro French Toast fuzz... cheap and ridiculously good. If that were modded, tweaked, it would be a Foxx Tone fuzz.

[Ant1981]

I have a 550 with Evolutions in the neck and bridge, your jaw will drop at the awesome tone and overdrive kick the evo's will give you.

Also I have another 550 with an Air Norton in the neck (dont know why you didnt actually like the AN) and the Tone Zone in the bridge, that also is an amazing combination!

I have loads of Paf Pro Ibanez's too, I think they give a more 80's early 90's (maybe vintage?) kind of rock sound, but they are a good set.

[Shredcows]

hmmm... Also, do note.. the PAF Pro is alnico magnets while the X2N is ceremic mags.

you'll be getting a more raw, gritty (harsh?) tone from the X2N... and in Dimarzio's terms, more harmonic responsiveness.

[Gex]

Is it as gritty as the Super Distortion?


Ive considered Evolutions too. They're in the trial lineup, it will give me an excuse for yet ANOTHER RG550

[Shredcows]

Never tried the SD. But did try a Dual Sound! Hehe.... The X2N has more balls and grit than that for one. And its not as vintage sounding.

Evos in a mahogany body should rock aye? Like a Les Paul.

[Ant1981]

Originally Posted by Gex

Is it as gritty as the Super Distortion?


Ive considered Evolutions too. They're in the trial lineup, it will give me an excuse for yet ANOTHER RG550

Oh yes, the RG550 is a sweet princess

[Gex]

Yes, I still need a white one and a road flare red one to adaquately "round out" my collection.


And I need a freakin sunny day so I can take some good pictures of my RGs. (its rained all week, either that or its been cloudy, windy, and chilly.)

[Ant1981]

Now you're talking! I'm going to have a 550 sprayed white and customized later in the year!