X2N vs. D Activator X vs. SD El Diablo
- Thread starter shredi
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Vostre Roy
New member
Re: X2N vs. D Activator X vs. SD El Diablo
I've played my main guitar with an X2N at the bridge paired with a D-Activator X in the neck, they worked really well together. Can't speak about a the D-Activator X in the bridge or the El Diablo though.
I've played my main guitar with an X2N at the bridge paired with a D-Activator X in the neck, they worked really well together. Can't speak about a the D-Activator X in the bridge or the El Diablo though.
Masta' C
Well-known member
Re: X2N vs. D Activator X vs. SD El Diablo
X2N: "70s & 80s rock/metal tone on steroids", hot and a bit compressed, but with decent amount of cut for being such a high output pickup
DAX: Hot, stiff, compressed, fairly flat EQ (not too bright, not too warm, plenty of mids), very "modern" sounding
El Diablo: Hot, mildly compressed, tight and articulate but not overly stiff, very full sounding, nice top end presence but not too bright, great dynamics
X2N: "70s & 80s rock/metal tone on steroids", hot and a bit compressed, but with decent amount of cut for being such a high output pickup
DAX: Hot, stiff, compressed, fairly flat EQ (not too bright, not too warm, plenty of mids), very "modern" sounding
El Diablo: Hot, mildly compressed, tight and articulate but not overly stiff, very full sounding, nice top end presence but not too bright, great dynamics
Re: X2N vs. D Activator X vs. SD El Diablo
I love the X2N
I like the DAX but it doesn't have the mid-punch as much as the x2n.
The DAX is a bit smoother and less percussive IMO. I agree it has the more modern/open/spread thing going on.
If I was playing through a Marshall-type amp I might well pick a DAX-loaded guitar,,,,,,,,,but with my stuff i like the x2n much better.
No experience with the Diablo but I sure would like to try one based off it's unique specs.
Sweetwater does have these and other SD-custom models in-stock sometimes for anyone who doesn't like to wait,,,,,,and the price is the same $160.
DAX-neck is of course a whole different model really.
IMO it's a great neck pup for a guitar that has some mids and isn't too scooped and boomy in the lows.
I have one in the neck of my warbeast (big thick maple neckthru w/nato wings & ebony),,,,, and it's a bit sterile(mid-lacking) in that guitar by itself.
I've decided to leave it though because it's such a great blender with the x2n in the bridge,,,,,,,,plus they do look darned good together in that guitar.
DAXn would be an especially great shred-neck in a more mid-rich guitar. (guitars with rosewood, basswood, or lots of good mahogany ect..)
I love the X2N
I like the DAX but it doesn't have the mid-punch as much as the x2n.
The DAX is a bit smoother and less percussive IMO. I agree it has the more modern/open/spread thing going on.
If I was playing through a Marshall-type amp I might well pick a DAX-loaded guitar,,,,,,,,,but with my stuff i like the x2n much better.
No experience with the Diablo but I sure would like to try one based off it's unique specs.
Sweetwater does have these and other SD-custom models in-stock sometimes for anyone who doesn't like to wait,,,,,,and the price is the same $160.
DAX-neck is of course a whole different model really.
IMO it's a great neck pup for a guitar that has some mids and isn't too scooped and boomy in the lows.
I have one in the neck of my warbeast (big thick maple neckthru w/nato wings & ebony),,,,, and it's a bit sterile(mid-lacking) in that guitar by itself.
I've decided to leave it though because it's such a great blender with the x2n in the bridge,,,,,,,,plus they do look darned good together in that guitar.
DAXn would be an especially great shred-neck in a more mid-rich guitar. (guitars with rosewood, basswood, or lots of good mahogany ect..)
metalchurch79
New member
Re: X2N vs. D Activator X vs. SD El Diablo
L500XL when youre done with the rest of them....
L500XL when youre done with the rest of them....
The JEM Ghost
New member
Re: X2N vs. D Activator X vs. SD El Diablo
I agree with metalchurch, if you did not try the Bill Lawrence L-500XL then you really should give it a shot, it's the best rail type humbucker I ever came across.
I agree with metalchurch, if you did not try the Bill Lawrence L-500XL then you really should give it a shot, it's the best rail type humbucker I ever came across.
metalchurch79
New member
Re: X2N vs. D Activator X vs. SD El Diablo
I may have an extra Bill and Becky shielded L500XL or two when im done with my pickup swapping. Let me know if you wanna try one out then....
I tried the X2N, and then tried it again in split mode, but i didnt care for it to be honest, but others use it with success with their setups and i actually like their tone, but for mine not so much. The L500XL was just better at everything that the X2N was capable of and then some.
Once again, i stress that for my setup thats what worked best for me. All of those pickups you mentioned are great pickups given the right components in your rig.
I may have an extra Bill and Becky shielded L500XL or two when im done with my pickup swapping. Let me know if you wanna try one out then....
I tried the X2N, and then tried it again in split mode, but i didnt care for it to be honest, but others use it with success with their setups and i actually like their tone, but for mine not so much. The L500XL was just better at everything that the X2N was capable of and then some.
Once again, i stress that for my setup thats what worked best for me. All of those pickups you mentioned are great pickups given the right components in your rig.