sh13 vs Dimarzio Super 3 and X2N

[youownastore]

I'm a little confused as to what's more powerful. I've heard that the DiMarzio X2N is noted as being the most powerful humbucker with the Super 3 closely bringing up the rear. I'm comparing them to the SH 13, which I'm leaning more towards for my Ibanez RGT42, and what I don't understand is why the dimarzio x2n with its dc resisstance of 15.8k (which is less than the sh13's 16.25k) is more powerful than the Super 3 which has a dc resistance of 28.8k. on the DiMarzio site it lists the x2n as having an output of 510 where as the Super 3 has an output of 435, this is where I get confused. Whats the best for fingertapping and power SH13, the X2N, or the Super 3? could anyone clear this up for me? and if dimarzio lists their outputs does anyone know what the sh13's is? Any infomation will be extremely beneficial, please get back to me

Thanks,
Firecrotch

 

[sufferinrewind]

Re: sh13 vs Dimarzio Super 3 and X2N

DC Resistance doesn't always have a direct relation to output.

Examples: DiMarzio's Super 2 and their HS-3 noiseless Strat pickup. The Super 2 has the same DC Resistance of most PAF type pickups, around 8k or so, but it's output is the same as the Super Distortion or Super 3. Far from a PAF type pickup. Also, the DiMarzio HS-3 have a DC Resistance of about 23k, yet it's one of the lowest output pickups you can find. Far from being a hot pickup.

In a lot of cases, DC Resistance and the pickups output are similar. But, as you can see with these examples, that's not always the case. The DiMarzio Tone Zone has a DC Resistance around 17k, the Super 3 has a DC Resistance of about 25k, and neither are as hot as the X2N. So, if you're looking at strictly which of those is the hottest, the X2N is it.

 

[baritone]

Re: sh13 vs Dimarzio Super 3 and X2N

The DC resistance is a general guideline, but the final result of the design of different pickups varies. With DiMarzio, their "output" value is a more accurate basis of comparison among their different pickup models, but I'm not sure if they are using a standardized technique to derive this. If you're looking only at DiMarzio pickups, this is the most accurate way to go about it. But the DC resistance of other manufacturers' (SD, for example) pickups would lead you to a close approximation. The importance of the DC resistance and the resonant peak values is that, aside from volume, these values reflect the dynamics and the response to string/pick interaction more significantly. The volume difference is less significant if you can just turn a few knobs on your amp or pedals. Take into consideration that the Tone Zone and the JB both use alnico 5 magnets, while the majority of other high-output bridge humbuckers in that class rely on ceramic magnets.

 

[devastone]

Re: sh13 vs Dimarzio Super 3 and X2N

The Super 3 is very warm and midrangey with tight bass and dark highs, yet harmonics still come out nicely.

The SH13 is much brighter with high output, less mids and thinnner sounding than the SH3 and tight bass, people here either love it or hate it, not much middle ground.

I haven't tried the X2N, but I've heard it is pretty bright with tight lows.

As far as output, all of them have alot, there is no standardized way to measure output of a pickup. You can compare DiMarzio's mV output between their pickups, they do have a standard way to test their own, but no one else uses it. DC Resistance is a measure of the wire in the windings, it isn't that great of a measure of output.

You can get great tapping and shred sounds with a '59 through the right amp/preamp/effects, so you have to decide what kind of tone you want to start with.