Not loving the Super 2 anymore... what now?

Alright, so Evo Neck is in!

I dig it. It's got more of a cutting upper midrange than the harsh and scratchy treble of the Super 2. It's not as hot, but it works regardless. It's not like super FAT, but I like that because it's not muddy. I like how it matches with the X2N.

So yeah, I'm happy! For now, anyways.

See you in couple months for the next swap!
 
Haha, you guys know me all too well. Yeah, even if after a couple of months I still dig it, it's probably going to be changed eventually. What can I say. I like trying different pickups out. :lmao:
 
I meant in general. Not many guys use x2n level output these days, with all the modern amp gain and huge array of pedals.

It’s almost as hot as a JB/Distortion/Invader. Those are 16.6k. Lots of people use those (basically all three are the same pickup with different magnets/poles). The DiMarzio is 15.83k.


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Alright, so Evo Neck is in!

I dig it. It's got more of a cutting upper midrange than the harsh and scratchy treble of the Super 2. It's not as hot, but it works regardless. It's not like super FAT, but I like that because it's not muddy. I like how it matches with the X2N.

So yeah, I'm happy! For now, anyways.

That is great. I have an Evo-n matched with a super3 in my full-maple Carvin. That is really a sweet and versatile neck for a ceramic based model.
 
It’s almost as hot as a JB/Distortion/Invader. Those are 16.6k. Lots of people use those (basically all three are the same pickup with different magnets/poles). The DiMarzio is 15.83k.


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resistance doesn't equal output. Magnet strength does.

The x2n Is a class higher in output than a jb. The jb is in the tone zone ouput class (375 to 400mv on dimarzio's scale), where as the x2n is 500mv.
a super d is 425 mv for reference.

D'activators are also high 400s to low 500s output. The dactivator bridge is only 11.4k.

The steve morse set is 450mv bridge/9.94k, while the neck is 250mv/21k. For comparison the tone zone is 375mv/17.35k

I think maybe the wilde l500xl and emgs are the only pickups that are higher output than x2ns.

i think the gibson 500t and dirty fingers are too, but dont quote me on that.
 
The X2N is hotter than the EMG 81, IME.
Yeah the EMG 81 set as close to the strings as possible is comparable to a Dimarzio Evolution set at a normal height. A Duncan Distortion is hotter. I expect the X2N is noticeably hotter than an 81. People often overstate the output of EMGs.

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Plus the standard emgs at 9v are already "softened" from the slight squish/compression or whatever you call what the boost does. I mean they are not near as jolting as an x2n.
 
Yeah the EMG 81 set as close to the strings as possible is comparable to a Dimarzio Evolution set at a normal height. A Duncan Distortion is hotter. I expect the X2N is noticeably hotter than an 81. People often overstate the output of EMGs.

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I never thought of EMGs as hot. Just very clear and even across a wide range of frequencies. That's why with distortion, harmonics really pop and you can get some serious sustain. And because the magnet strength isn't over the top, you can get them closer to the strings.

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I'm curious to hear your thoughts on that one. I've listened to demos of it before and I thought it was pretty similar to the PAF Pro.

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Had both not in reality close. The A 5 PAF pro is a big open sounding over wound PAF while the ceramic Evo neck is a much different animal. Much sharper in attack brighter and hotter.
 
Had both not in reality close. The A 5 PAF pro is a big open sounding over wound PAF while the ceramic Evo neck is a much different animal. Much sharper in attack brighter and hotter.


I actually think it's the opposite. The PAF Pro has way too much attack for my liking. The PAF Pro is one of the brightest neck pickups I've tried, personally. The Evo, while it's not dark, it's not nearly as chirpy. It's more high-middy rather than trebly like the PAF Pro.
 
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Tone words are always tough to agree on. I'd describe the Evo-n as crisper and with more relaxed mids,,,,,,and the Pro as more open in the lows and mid-forward.
 
Tone words are always tough to agree on.
For sure. Plus everyone hears things differently.

I will say, however, I've never found the PAF Pro mid-forward. I've never heard the whole "AW" thing people talk about with it. I've had the same three PAF Pros in like 6 different guitars, and while it's sounded fine in some, never has made me fall in love. It's the attack. The PAF Pro is very snappy to the point of being scratchy under gain. It does have a nice chime-y clean tone, though.

I remember I used to have it in an Ibanez RG570 alongside a Dominion in the bridge, and I hated how my neck pickup was brighter than my bridge pickup, LOL.

I will say, though, I've never actually had the PAF Pro in a 22-fret guitar. Always 24. Maybe that has something to do with my perception.
 
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