cYberkYller said:
I use Ernieball RPS Extra Slinky Strings (08 - 38 I think) but I bought some new Super SLinky Ones (09) Because I want to pick the strings with more conviction! (Pablo Gilberto kind of picking) I'll buy soonly some tone ZOne pickups and I was wondering if X2N would be a great choice (I did'nt know that mike is using these!) ..... Is it the real topic of this thread???
Pickup variety depends on your personal preferences. To form a preference, though, you really need to listen to the choices through your own system. The Tone Zone is a pretty hot pickup with pushed mids. Paul Gilbert really likes these pickups in the bridge, and Romeo uses one in the neck. It's a monster pickup for the neck, but since the X2N is so hot in the bridge perhaps it is a good choice for balance.
Your rig will also dictate what pickups you like. The best means of finding what you like best is obviously to try them all at home, but that's quite expensive. DiMarzio has a great website with all the specs you could ask for on each model. It's hard to chase pickup models based solely on what your favorite player uses though because their rig and their styles (abilities) have much to say in the final tone coming out of the speakers.
I tried the Petrucci set up (Steve's Special in the bridge and Air Norton in the neck). I'm not too happy with the Steve's Special, but it is more my set up than the pickup, I think. That, plus a failing selector switch. I really dig the Air Norton though.
I also have the standard TZ/PAF Pro set up as well, and it works well, though I need to get rid of a buzz in the electronics before I am really happy.
My first aftermarket pickup set was an EMG 81 in the bridge and an EMG 85 in the neck. No, I didn't copy that from Kirk Hammett - I've had this installation since '87-'88, before I had even heard of Mr. Hammett. I've gotta say I love those pickups though.
If you do get the X2N, prepare to feel some heat though. I'm looking for the right price on one on Ebay.