DiMarzio X2N - classic pickup?

[gwEm]

It seems like a few guys in the early 80s played one of these - Fast Eddie and Dennis Straton for example.

Was it really considered a toneful pickup at the time? I've always imagined it to be uber-output but pretty much devoid in tone. Did the guys back then really need all the output they could get to push a plexi or something?

I've played a few super distortions from different eras, and they all sound different. in best case they sound nice and warm (i think the current production one is 'not bad'), and in worst they sound horrible and nasally. i'm sure the first iron maiden album features alot of x2n and super distortion - and i don't like the tone on that album.

what track would be a 'best case' x2n tone?

the blade look is pretty cool - tim states a ceramic magnet is needed to get them to work though, and i guess he prefers to stick with pole pieces for cost/tooling reasons. or maybe blade pickups in general sound like arse, i don't know.

[gingataff]

Some reference points for the X2n would be Chuck Schuldiner in Death, Steve Vai on Flex-Able and Alcatrazz's Disturbing The Peace, and Leslie West also played one for a while.

[Philly Q]

And Larry Mitchell.

Didn't realise about Leslie West, I know he used the MegaDrive which has one blade/bar coil and one with polepieces.  I believe his current Dean model uses a MegaDrive variant, although it's covered and looks like a regular pickup.

I've never tried an X2N, but I always got the impression it was more about power than tone.   I can't recall ever reading an interview with anyone particularly praising it.

[gwEm]

sounds quite cold, hot and bright...

thanks!

[gingataff]

And Larry Mitchell.

Didn't realise about Leslie West, I know he used the MegaDrive which has one blade/bar coil and one with polepieces.  I believe his current Dean model uses a MegaDrive variant, although it's covered and looks like a regular pickup.

Ahh, I might be wrong about Leslie, it could be the megadrive. But I seem to recall a picture of him with a Steinberger with X2N with coloured bobbins back in the 80s.

[FELINEGUITARS]

Jeff Labarr from Cinderella
Sounded great on Nightsongs

[ToneMonkey]

Daggnabit - Can't post the photo. Oh well, long and short of the post was that I have a spare X2N and the matching HB that came out of the same axe.  I was going to put them in my Patrick Eggle but I'm fater something more bluesy.  Willing to swap if you want.  Pups are uncovered with cream bobbins.

Drop me a PM and I'll try to get the photos to you that way.

EDIT:  As I'm an alright geezer, I'll post them first so you can give them a go before you decide if you want.

[HTH AMPS]

Jeff Labarr from Cinderella
Sounded great on Nightsongs

Do you think he's in the mix though Jonathon, Tom Keifer lapped up the limelight in that band as the singer and took all the solos too.  Didn't leave much for Jeff to do.  I saw them on the Hearbreak Station tour, great rock band, not sure sure about the early glam image though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKt75BVusCM (slide sounds a bit 'out' at the start, but Keifer's vocals are fantastic).

[gwEm]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktkRt2I1_Eg

looks like dave murray used one as well occasionally

[HTH AMPS]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktkRt2I1_Eg

looks like dave murray used one as well occasionally

early 'Maiden, awesome.  I love the tone of Murray's wah on this one... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWfx2bY37no&feature=related