Mag swap for X2N... any thoughts?

[Jason G]

Hi everyone,

So I have this DiMarzio X2N from about 20 years ago. I haven't really used it since the mid-90's, but will probably go ahead and install it in bridge pos of my PRS Single Cut SE for a taste test.

I'm wondering if any of you have swapped out the X2N mag for an Alnico of some kind? And what did you like or dislike? I'm totally open to suggestions, estimations about how it might sound like with an A2/A3/A5 or perhaps an A8.

I've also considered making a few hybrids with each of the X2N's coils... I have several SD Screamin' Demons, an Air Norton, SD Jazz, some sort of old DiMarzio(?) and various other HB's I could rob a coil from to mate with the X2N coil. Anyone care to chime in on what coil(s) might be a good match for hybrids w/the X2N? ...AND a good match mag for the hybrid?

Also, I had given thought to having it rewound not quite so hot... any thoughts or suggestions on a service to do this for me? Or maybe I'll step out and purchase/build a coil-winding setup???

Thanks for reading and hope to hear some good feedback!

cheers on a Monday morning!,

Jason G in Amarillo, TX

 

[NoOnesFang13]

Re: Mag swap for X2N... any thoughts?

Can't be too much help but I love to demon with an a8... It's my new favorite magnet. If u just strait swap the magnet for an a8 it will be more organic with slightly rolled off highs. I would be curious to hear a hybrid of an x2n/demon with an a8 wired to a spin-a-split.

 

[bigheadood]

Re: Mag swap for X2N... any thoughts?

The X2N is wound to around 15k, so it's hotter than a Custom, but not as hot as the JB. It's power comes from the ceramic magnet and the large pieces of steel it has for pole pieces. Changing the magnet should radically alter the tone and output. Sounds like a fun experiment.

 

[Gplayerzzz]

Re: Mag swap for X2N... any thoughts?

The X2N is wound to around 15k, so it's hotter than a Custom, but not as hot as the JB. It's power comes from the ceramic magnet and the large pieces of steel it has for pole pieces. Changing the magnet should radically alter the tone and output. Sounds like a fun experiment.

Thats just DC resistance. The X2N is 510 MV. It has tons more output then the JB.

 

[dr. ad]

Re: Mag swap for X2N... any thoughts?

Thats just DC resistance. The X2N is 510 MV. It has tons more output then the JB.

that output value's only relative to other dimarzios tested/metered the same way

that will change when the big ceramic mag comes out; the blades' inductance and the 15K wind will be doing most of the work after a mag swap, so i'd expect it to perceive it being lower in output even with an A8 swapped in

 

[Gplayerzzz]

Re: Mag swap for X2N... any thoughts?

that output value's only relative to other dimarzios tested/metered the same way

that will change when the big ceramic mag comes out; the blades' inductance and the 15K wind will be doing most of the work after a mag swap, so i'd expect it to perceive it being lower in output even with an A8 swapped in

You have a point.

 

[DonP]

Re: Mag swap for X2N... any thoughts?

Hi everyone,

So I have this DiMarzio X2N from about 20 years ago. I haven't really used it since the mid-90's, but will probably go ahead and install it in bridge pos of my PRS Single Cut SE for a taste test.

I'm wondering if any of you have swapped out the X2N mag for an Alnico of some kind? And what did you like or dislike? I'm totally open to suggestions, estimations about how it might sound like with an A2/A3/A5 or perhaps an A8.

I've also considered making a few hybrids with each of the X2N's coils... I have several SD Screamin' Demons, an Air Norton, SD Jazz, some sort of old DiMarzio(?) and various other HB's I could rob a coil from to mate with the X2N coil. Anyone care to chime in on what coil(s) might be a good match for hybrids w/the X2N? ...AND a good match mag for the hybrid?

Also, I had given thought to having it rewound not quite so hot... any thoughts or suggestions on a service to do this for me? Or maybe I'll step out and purchase/build a coil-winding setup???

Thanks for reading and hope to hear some good feedback!

cheers on a Monday morning!,

Jason G in Amarillo, TX

Before doing any of this I suggest just putting the X2N in there and seeing what it sounds like, and then go from there.

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: Mag swap for X2N... any thoughts?

that will change when the big ceramic mag comes out; the blades' inductance and the 15K wind will be doing most of the work after a mag swap, so i'd expect it to perceive it being lower in output even with an A8 swapped in

+1.

I just swapped out an A2 in the Distortion neck model and found the perceived output to go WAY down. I think that huge hunk of ceramic was doing its job.

 

[King IzzO)))]

Re: Mag swap for X2N... any thoughts?

Bump, anyone ever tried this yet?

 

[Frogman]

Re: Mag swap for X2N... any thoughts?

Weird, my other guitarist has a X2N in his LTD.
I was thinking how much better it would sound with a A8.
Little warmer, fatter, and organic.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Mag swap for X2N... any thoughts?

A warmer X2N? In the axes I've heard it, the X2N aint had a lot of treble to spare. I'd be more interested in a hybrid using a X2N coil and something bright and twangy like a PAF Pro.

 

[dr. ad]

Re: Mag swap for X2N... any thoughts?

^ dude, that's a megadrive
they're discontinued but the DMZ custom shop stil makes em, if you can't be arsed getting 1 of each and doing it yourself

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Mag swap for X2N... any thoughts?

I personally predict a loss in clarity and cut with an alnico mag. I think Christian said the rails are actually mags too and that's where the output comes from.

In any case Dmz bobbins aren't as heavy made as SDs so I doubt they'll take many rebuilds.

Luke

 

[King IzzO)))]

Re: Mag swap for X2N... any thoughts?

Bah, I've pulled apart a DMZ with no problem, just gotta be a careful. I didn't think the bars were the magnets though, I'm pretty sure I saw someone say they have done this before, but I'm not finding it, which is why I'm asking. I thought this was another 3 magnet pickup, like a 500T or Invader, in which case I think 1 A8 could be cool. My Detonator with the A8 is a bit brighter than an Invader, I'm thinking this could end up with a similar result.