[Toshiro]

Originally Posted by The Dark Wolf

DS7, bro man. If it was straight up DA7 vs. DS7... eh, I could go either way. The DA7 is much quieter than the DS7, and I like it's clarity and punch. But it's a bit too loud and too even, whereas the DS7 output is perfect, and the tone, while not QUITE as balanced, is a little edgier.

But all that is moot, because my custom DS7 beats both, IMO.

That killed that GAS attack, thanks.

[jalguitarman]

Originally Posted by The Dark Wolf

DS7, bro man. If it was straight up DA7 vs. DS7... eh, I could go either way. The DA7 is much quieter than the DS7, and I like it's clarity and punch. But it's a bit too loud and too even, whereas the DS7 output is perfect, and the tone, while not QUITE as balanced, is a little edgier.

But all that is moot, because my custom DS7 beats both, IMO.

Do you think that i would find the ds-7 to be clearer than the da-7?

[EdgeCrusher]

I've found that the DS7 is cleaner and just a bit clearer than the DA7 when comparing them. The DS7 is like a sharp knife, while the DA7 is like a large blunt object, lol

They're both great, but I'm with TDW; if I could only have one, it would be the DS7.

[jalguitarman]

Originally Posted by EdgeCrusher

I've found that the DS7 is cleaner and just a bit clearer than the DA7 when comparing them. The DS7 is like a sharp knife, while the DA7 is like a large blunt object, lol

They're both great, but I'm with TDW; if I could only have one, it would be the DS7.

Would you say the lows are tighter on the DS-7?

Originally Posted by EdgeCrusher

I've found that the DS7 is cleaner and just a bit clearer than the DA7 when comparing them. The DS7 is like a sharp knife, while the DA7 is like a large blunt object, lol

They're both great, but I'm with TDW; if I could only have one, it would be the DS7.

Would you say the lows are tighter on the DS-7? And what of the midrange of them both? (differences)

Got to thinking maybe you by blunt vs sharp your saying the Da-7 has more punch in the mids than the Ds-7 and that the highend response on the Ds-7 is shapre. Ok! i think i got it.(sorry i am a little slow at times).

[The Dark Wolf]

Originally Posted by jalguitarman

Got to thinking maybe you by blunt vs sharp your saying the Da-7 has more punch in the mids than the Ds-7 and that the highend response on the Ds-7 is shapre. Ok! i think i got it.(sorry i am a little slow at times).

Exactly!

The DA7 is a bit tighter in the lows, in that it has less bass, and is super, super focused.

But the DS7 is more 3D, with more depth and character. Tonally, there isn't a HUGE difference. The main difference is how the DA7 reacts to playing, and how it feels. It's unlike any passive around, whereas the DS7 reacts just like a high/medium output passive humbucker typically does.

[zimbloth]

Interesting analysis. From what you're describing, the DA7 doesn't sound too great. I still would like to try out a DA7 through a tube amp before judging though.

[The Dark Wolf]

Originally Posted by zimbloth

Interesting analysis. From what you're describing, the DA7 doesn't sound too great. I still would like to try out a DA7 through a tube amp before judging though.

It's just really odd, and kind of hard to describe.

It feels like an EMG 81, but sounds like a passive. So, it's cool, I suppose, in that it's unique. But what most people love about the EMG 81 is the tone, but not the feel. So...

You have to play it yourself to get it. But it's still kind of subtle, in the big picture. For simplicity's sake, you can say that the DA7 is -

1. LOUD
2. Balanced
3. Focused/compressed
4. Tight

It's also, as a sub-category, pretty clear, but in a very different way than most passives. The DS7 is 'clearer-er', however, if I had to judge between the two. But consider this... I play a single low note on the DA7. It is super punchy, and very articulate. Moreso than the DS7. But then I play a diad, or a triad, 2 or 3 notes at once, and then the DS7 has more definition and clarity, whereas the overwhelming punch and focus of the DA7 makes the notes blend together more. Nothing like the TZ7, mind you, but still...

Very odd.

[Toshiro]

Originally Posted by The Dark Wolf

It's just really odd, and kind of hard to describe.

It feels like an EMG 81, but sounds like a passive. So, it's cool, I suppose, in that it's unique. But what most people love about the EMG 81 is the tone, but not the feel. So...

You have to play it yourself to get it. But it's still kind of subtle, in the big picture. For simplicity's sake, you can say that the DA7 is -

1. LOUD
2. Balanced
3. Focused/compressed
4. Tight

It's also, as a sub-category, pretty clear, but in a very different way than most passives. The DS7 is 'clearer-er', however, if I had to judge between the two. But consider this... I play a single low note on the DA7. It is super punchy, and very articulate. Moreso than the DS7. But then I play a diad, or a triad, 2 or 3 notes at once, and then the DS7 has more definition and clarity, whereas the overwhelming punch and focus of the DA7 makes the notes blend together more. Nothing like the TZ7, mind you, but still...

Very odd.

This about what the difference between the DS7 and X2N7 were for me. I'd imagine most of the difference between the X2N7 and DA7 is feel related.

[jalguitarman]

Ok guys. i think i have scrapped any inclination for the blaze bridge. So bearing body woods and amp in mind if it comes down to DS-7 or DA-7 what would you say? As for how actives feel i have not a clue. I will say that what i have heard of the DS-7s being noisy doesn't please me but thing is the c26 is bit noisy as well so if it sounded good enough i guess i could live with it. Thing is i realy want to get this right as whatever i get will have to be ground down because i can't afford to have i my guitar routed and don't want to be stuck with something i will hate. I have mulled this one over very seriuosly and have bounced back and forth a bit. I wish carvin would use a standard humbucker size instead of having to make things such a hassle. Thanks for your help and patience guys.

[RG1820X]

I really like the DA-7 (neck and bridge) more than the blaze, although I have never tried a DS-7. Dimarzio gives you 30 days to try a pickup. If you choose one to get a DS-7 or DA-7 and dislike it, send it back for the other. I've spent a lot of time researching pickups and can tell you that the best thing to do is just try one. The available literature only tells half the story, your ears tell the rest. Good luck