[matt7]

Hi all, I'm thinking about getting an X2N7 brigde pickup, is it any good? I'm in a prog-rock band ala Dream Theater but we do some classic rock covers and some random stuff. I like blues too and Jazz.

Would the X2N coap with all that and if so, what would be a good neck to go with it?


Matt

[Edroz]

the X2N7 is a pickup you just have to experience for yourself. it's hard to describe, those who think it's muddy or uncontrollable don't know how to eq their amps or have it set too close to the strings, i think it's a more versatile pickup than it's given credit for. coil splits sound great with it. because it's output is sooooooo high, it's tough to find a good match with a neck pickup... the AN7 holds up with it well with a minimal volume drop, i've found that the blaze bridge matches up perfect with it, i currently have that combo in my agile interceptor.

[noodles]

I guess I am on the other side of the fence, because I think the X2N7 is an absolutely useless pickup. Way too much output, completely undefined bottom end, way to harsh highs, and a craptacular midrange. That pickup is absolutely horrible.

Classic rock, jazz, and blues? Waaaaaaaaaay wrong pickup.

[matt7]

Hmm looks like I'm between a rock and a hard place...

I've heard good thinks about the blaze custom, any input on that?
BTW I have a basswood 1527 if that helps at all?

Still searching for a neck pickup, I really like the PAF-PRO but unfortunatly Dimarzio don't make a 7 version..

[noodles]

I *think* that the Dimarzio PAF Pro and Duncan '59 are very similar pickups. If so, Duncan does make a '59-7, but good luck finding anyone who stocks a bridge version. It is typically a neck pickup.

According to Duncan, it works best with mahogany bodies and rosewood fretboards (read: Les Pauls), so I'm not sure how it would hold up in basswood. It does have a slightly scooped midrange, which should match up with the midrange spike of your guitar, but I'm still hesitant on recommending it. As a general rule, Duncans fart out in the low end of basswood guitars.

[noodles]

I was going to do some legwork for you and compare the specs of some Duncan's to Dimarzio's, but it appears Dimarzio's site is down.

[matt7]

Thanks man, but I was thinking the Blaze Custom in the bridge and the paf-pro (similar) pickup in the neck. Also, I'm not to fond of duncans... there's just something missing that Dimarzio's have..

[noodles]

That's because you're an Ibanez player. Duncans are just lousy in basswood.

[Bartok]

I like the X2N, but then I like invaders in bass wood too

[angryman]

have you tried the Blaze yet? It's a quality pup in it's own right & I love the tone I'm getting at the moment & I have the 1527 too. That said I've heard really good things about the Evolution in Basswood too, so I'm eager to try one out.