Pickups...

[Inearthed]

I am thinking about throwing a new pickup in the bridge of my KV. Right now is a DiMarzio Evolution, and I'm mainly playing this axe in a thrash band (tuned down a full step) and I will also start using this in my melodic metal band (same tuning). The guitar will primarily be used with a Peavey 5150 and probably a JCM 800 (if everything goes according to plan).

I want a pickup that isn't sterile sounding, balanced, and has a lot of output. Passive preferred, but not absolutely necessary.

My bandmates have been hounding me to get a DiMarzio X2N, but I heard that it doesn't fair too well on the clean channel. Anyone have any experience with this pickup?

Any suggestions?

[DSS3]

Re: Pickups...

I'd recommend that you try out an EvoII if you like the overall tone of your current Evo. The II is supposed to be less harsh, and a bit thicker.

Aside from that, an EMG 85 would be perfect I think, but a Duncan Custom if you can live with the 14k output. It's a great pickup, even if it isn't insanely hot.



Shaded Enmity kicks ASS! [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[Dreamland_Rebel]

Re: Pickups...

emg 85 or duncan sh/tb-11 (custom custom)

ceramic mag's (emg 81, DD) have that sterile overtone to them - the alnico 2 (emg 85, tb-11) have that more open, hairy sound to them.

[toejam]

Re: Pickups...

[ QUOTE ]
I'd recommend that you try out an EvoII if you like the overall tone of your current Evo. The II is supposed to be less harsh, and a bit thicker.


[/ QUOTE ]
What the hell is an Evo II? [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img] DiMarzio only advertises the Evo bridge DP159 and Evo neck DP158. Never heard of a second version.

[Number Of The Priest]

Re: Pickups...

[ QUOTE ]
have that more open, hairy sound to them.

[/ QUOTE ]

You mean "airy" sound? [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Dreamland_Rebel]

Re: Pickups...

i was thinking more along the lines of cilia. or an italian lady's upper lip before she goes to the beauty salon. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

but you get the idea.

[DSS3]

Re: Pickups...

I don't think they've added the EvoII's to their site, but it was at the January NAMM, IIRC. I know B2D on the Seymour Duncan forum has a set in his MusicMan. You can have a dealer order them.

[Firebird V]

Re: Pickups...

Split coil tap the X2n with a pull/pot Volume. It will be fender clean. They sound really great that way for cleans.

[toejam]

Re: Pickups...

[ QUOTE ]
I don't think they've added the EvoII's to their site, but it was at the January NAMM, IIRC. I know B2D on the Seymour Duncan forum has a set in his MusicMan. You can have a dealer order them.

[/ QUOTE ]
Interesting.

[toejam]

Re: Pickups...

[ QUOTE ]
Split coil tap the X2n with a pull/pot Volume. It will be fender clean. They sound really great that way for cleans.

[/ QUOTE ]
Very true. The hotter a humbucker is, the better/closer it sounds to a single coil when split. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Inearthed]

Re: Pickups...

Well, I found an EMG 85 in my big "bin of guitar parts" so I'm going to run that for a while, and then perhaps give the X2N a try.

[toejam]

Re: Pickups...

There ya go! The 85 is a great pup. [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[Dreamland_Rebel]

Re: Pickups...

the 85 is a sweet bridge pup! just ask reb beach!

[Inazone]

Re: Pickups...

If the EMG doesn't work out, you might try a Duncan Full Shred. Great for thrash, sort of like a JB but without the muddy low end.

[Rupe]

Re: Pickups...

My favorite pup is the Tom Anderson H2+...pretty hot but cleans up nicely. I've got one in 3 different guitars right now.