X2N vs Invader vs Dimebucker

[Big Red]

Hi Folks,

I have major GAS right now, and I am toying with putting one of these pick-ups in the bridge of a mahogany (neck-thru) guitar that I am thinking about buying. I have checked the Duncan for the first time ever, and was disappointed that they don't list the output (in millivolts) or their pickups. Anyways, I checked the DC resistence of all three pick-ups, and the X2N seems to be the lowest. I listened to several X2N samples (Eg. Shredcows, the new video by a fellow Jemster, and a Death sample on Amazon.ca), and I heard the Invader sample on the Duncan website. Even though there is isn't a Dimebucker sample on that site, I am well familiar with Darrel's tone.

How do these Duncans compare to the X2N in sheer output?

Do these particular Duncan pickups even equate with the X2N, or are they more in-line with the Tone Zone (or Super Distortion)?

Has anybody managed to do a back-to-back comparison?

Thanks in advance.

[SpikeSocietySucks]

I havn't been able to do a back to back, But I do have an invader, and have heard a few samples of the X2N lately.

Sonically, I think the X2N Is Litterally what it looks to be, A Pafish Dimarzio with massively souped up output and the same features you know and love.

The Invader Is the same thing for duncan, in that save for the livewires, it's probably their highest output.

The invader's a nice pickup Becasue it has a tight bass similar to a JB, but doesn't have that anoying upper midrange spike, it's smoother. It's very fat, but there's enough cut to get through with 500K Volume pots. THe single settings worthless, so don't even go there.

Out of both of them, the X2N looks like a more versitile pickup to be honest, but maybe a little compressed?

[C.Thep]

I know the Dimebucker pretty much sucks.

[SpikeSocietySucks]

All high end.... avoid..

[Lefty Robb]

Originally Posted by SpikeSocietySucks

All high end.... avoid..

[Big Red]

I guess I should mention that I looking to buy a Dean V 79' re-issue. From what I understand it is about 7.3lbs, as opposed to 10lbs for a Les Paul/Explorer style guitar. My RG weighs about 9lbs. I was just on the Duncan forum, and have read that the Invader is muddy (like a Tone-Zone), and the X2N is very sharp and articulate.

I get the REAL question I should have asked is: what are the best pick-up options for a Flying Vee? The Dimarzio pick-up selector doesn't have a Vee option on that part of their webpage.

Thanks

[ShredHead42]

Read some of the reviews on harmonycentral.

Just be sure to take them with many grains of salt.

[Shredcows]

Big Red, how about just getting a pup you are familiar with, or one that has a description or reviews (on average) that just matches what you want?

I see you want really high output pickups but perhaps you would like to consider taking a different view point to getting the high gain tone in your head. Consider using dirt pedals or an extremely hi gain amp to achieve the distortion you want, rather than get high ouput pickups, which would immediately limit your tonal options. At least, with a medium output pickup, you would have less compression than the overOverwound high output ones plus you would get a more natural/woody tone.

IMO, it makes more sense to get a pup that has a tone you really like, regardless of its output, then pump it up with gain if you wish to go crazy.

Oh, the X2N rocks. Hehehe....

[nyck]

I haven't tried those other pickups, but the X2N is a great pickup. I'm getting my second one soon. They sound awesome.

[SpikeSocietySucks]

The invader rocks in alder guitars that are light, as does the tone zone, but they muddy up in mahogany guitars.

I think it's more the wood you need to worry about that the weight

[Big Red]

Originally Posted by Shredcows

Big Red, how about just getting a pup you are familiar with, or one that has a description or reviews (on average) that just matches what you want?

I see you want really high output pickups but perhaps you would like to consider taking a different view point to getting the high gain tone in your head. Consider using dirt pedals or an extremely hi gain amp to achieve the distortion you want, rather than get high ouput pickups, which would immediately limit your tonal options. At least, with a medium output pickup, you would have less compression than the overOverwound high output ones plus you would get a more natural/woody tone.

IMO, it makes more sense to get a pup that has a tone you really like, regardless of its output, then pump it up with gain if you wish to go crazy.

Oh, the X2N rocks. Hehehe....

Wise words. In fact, I re-thought my approach to this even before I read your advice. I spent 2 hours this afternoon at my local music shop (Steve's in Toronto), trying out guitars, and guitars with specific pick-ups that I had never tried before. I'm a regular customer there so they are happy to help me.

Anyways, conclusions from today's adventure:

a). I tried playing with a Vee, and it was very uncomfortable/impossible to hold on to due to fact that I play sitting down. Don't laugh... I play by myself in my small apartment as a private hobby, I don't feel the need to stand. And yes, I tried playing it in a classical position. One word...awkward. So, the option of getting a Vee is now gone!

b). I tried an SZ 4XXX with the Duncan/IBZ pick-ups... very nice pick-ups, and there was plenty of gain thanks to the amp.

c). I tried an RG 1570 with the V7/V8 pick-ups.... better than average pickups, and far better than the INF3/4 that originally came with my RG 320FM. I replaced my stock pups with a Super Distortion and a PAF-Pro a few months ago, and the SD is hot-hot-hot! Thinking more deeply about this, I don't need them that hot.

d). I have already played various RGs with the Dimarzio/IBZ pick-ups, and I don't see anything wrong with them at all. They are hot enough, and have enough clarity for what I want to do.

e). I'm still keen on a fixed bridge model guitar. A few weeks ago I posted on this site saying that I was in the market for either a 220A or a 2620. That option is now toast.

f). I am now deciding between an RGA121 or RGA321. The store didn't have any in stock, and they told me they will get them late-November/early-December for the holiday season. I want to try one before I buy.

g). I am good on pedals and a high-gain amp, so I don't need the hottest pickups due to the fact that I want decent cleans as well.


Cheers