Dimarzio X2N vs. Duncan Sh-6 vs. Anderson H3+ for my lp-copy?

[p4vl]

So I'm looking to replace the pickups in my Agile 3100.

Current Rig is a PODxt into a Peavey xxx 2x12 combo with a DOD EQ pedal. Being that the models on the POD are inherently compressed, I'd need a pickup that has the least amount of compression.

I've had a rough time finding the perfect highoutput pickup to go with mahogany guitars. So many of the after-market pickups I've tried were too dark (Super 3 and Anderson HN3+), too compressed (SH-5) or if they have the upper mids and highs, were muddy (JB). Here's what I've narrowed it down to for bridge pickups:

X2n Pros:
Most of the reviews are pretty glowing, especially with mahogany guitars
Fast ****ing Eddie Clarke from Motorhead used X2N's
X2N Cons:
Looks silly
Has to be slung pretty low to avoid string pull
One Trick Pony (depending on who you ask)

Duncan Distortion (SH-6) Pros:
Also has the high end that my Agile lacks
Seems to be a little more versatile than the X2n
SH-6 Cons:
It's supposedly the JB with a ceramic magnet. I hated the jb. I've heard some clips of people on here using the SH6 and the muting was mushy. Also sounds kinda fizzy.

Anderson H3+ Pros (this is based on my experience with the HN3+, which has a different magnet and more mid focus):
Open, uncompressed sound, in spite of high output.
No fizz, very articulate, lotsa bass for muting. Very clear and cleans up well. Great for detuned stuff.
Anderson H3+ Cons:
I've heard other people complain that the Anderson's never really get vicious, even the hot ones.
Anderson Humbuckers are quite dark. I guess I could balance that out by getting a 1meg tone pot? Would that make a big difference?

If I've been misinformed about the Pro's and Con's of any of these pickups, speak now or forever hold your piss.

I should mention that whatever I choose, I'll probably buy a neck pickup from the same company: Dimarzio Eric Johnson or one of the many PAF's if I go for the X2n, Alnico II pro if I go with the Duncan, H1- with the Anderson.

Please help me I do not know how to live my life

 

[Fusion1]

Re: Dimarzio X2N vs. Duncan Sh-6 vs. Anderson H3+ for my lp-copy?

I think they'd all be winners to be honest. You couldn't go wrong with any of them.

 

[p4vl]

Re: Dimarzio X2N vs. Duncan Sh-6 vs. Anderson H3+ for my lp-copy?

One of my worries with the X2n and the Distortion is the emphasis on mids and high-end. My experience with the JB's muddiness and icepick sound makes me wary.

Does changing the Potentiometers make a big difference? If I were to use 250k's with a JB or distortion, would it tighten up?

 

[suislidE03]

Re: Dimarzio X2N vs. Duncan Sh-6 vs. Anderson H3+ for my lp-copy?

Go Full shred with an alnico 8 magnet. Problem solved! Hell, any alnico 8 equipped pickup will do what you want.

 

[Rowan]

Re: Dimarzio X2N vs. Duncan Sh-6 vs. Anderson H3+ for my lp-copy?

The x2n is a very even pickup. But it doesnt follow normal pickup height rules, you have to go by ear. The Distortion isn't as high output but has a bigger emphasis on lows, low mids and treble. In some guitars the distortion has too much treble and can be compressed and fizzy. In my experience, the JB has less treble and a sweeter sound but a much looser and diminished low end with a high mid spike. But all three pickups are great for lead work. The JB is the sweetest, the distortion is similar to the JB but with a ceramic tinge and the X2n is the loudest with in your face lead tones. The Distortion and x2n have a tighter low end than the JB, which can make a big difference depending on your amp and what you're playing. Honestly? Go for the new alt 8 man. The low end is just as big and nearly as tight as the SH-6 but with a more natural tone and rounded high end. It sounds great for modern music through high gain amps.

 

[Sludgenutz]

Re: Dimarzio X2N vs. Duncan Sh-6 vs. Anderson H3+ for my lp-copy?

I have tried the HN2+, and the H3, in my all mahogany Gibson solidbody and they are VERY different sounding in the same guitar. Every guitar is different, but I find the HN2+ to be very present (midrangey) in tone, and the feel is like early Judas Priest, ala "Grinder". It is very much a lead guitar players tone. The H3 was too dark in this ONE guitar, because I just could not get a detailed palm mute. I did find it to be perfect in my Epi LP, where it will NEVER EVER be replaced.

I have heard that the family of Anderson pickups tends to be darker sounding than other brands.

I think you have pretty good handle on the Andersons from what you describe. I like a darker tone, but the darker end of things may prove the H3+ a tad mushy for you????

As far as ferocity goes, don't forget that the amp and speakers have a big say in total equation.