DiMarzio Forum

DimarzioForum.Com => The Pickup Place => Topic started by: CityofBlindingLights on August 12, 2008, 03:27:05 PM

Title: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on August 12, 2008, 03:27:05 PM
Since there are a LOT of repeat questions here that have been answered, I thought I'd post a bit of an FAQ.

-F Spaced?
F-Spaced was created because the saddles of Gibson's bridges don't match up with those of Strat bridges (different scale lengths, etc). At the time, DiMarzio created this "tremolo" spacing, and Floyd Roses were popular at the time, resulting in the name "F-Spaced." However, some Gibsons from the 1990's still need F-Spaced pickups because of the string spacing. As a rule of thumb, buy an F-Spaced pickup for your bridge slot if your bridge's string spacing is 2.1" (53mm) or larger, and an F-Spaced pickup for your neck slot if your nut width is 1 11/16" (43mm) or greater. You can also slant a regular spaced humbucker in order for it to match up with F-Spaced size bridges. All DiMarzio single coil pickups are already F-Spaced.

-Custom Colors?
DiMarzio gives you the option of having colored bobbin tops (see DiMarzio's website for available colors), as well as a variety of chrome, gold, or black polepieces on pickups (silver or black for bar coils, and all single coil rail pickups have black rails). Standard bobbin colors are double cream, double black, or zebra (outside coil black, inside coil cream) and standard polepiece colors vary from pickup to pickup (e.g. silver for PAF Joe, black for PAF Pro, etc.; see below for details). The upcharge for custom bobbin colors is ususally ~$5, and the upcharge for custom polepieces is $10.

The following are considered "standard" pickup bobbin colors from DiMarzio and are available for order at no extra charge:
Double Cream
Double Black
Zebra (One coil black, one coil cream)

ALL Pickups come with chrome polepieces as standard with the exception of the following:
DP102 - X2N (Black)
DP151 - PAF Pro (Black)
DP152 - Super 3 (Black)
DP158 - Evolution Neck (Black)
DP159 - Evolution Bridge (Black)
DP200 - Steve Morse Model Bridge (Black)
DP205 - Steve Morse Model Neck (Black)
DP215 - Evo 2 (Black)
DP221 - D Activator-X Neck (Black)
DP222 - D Activator-X Bridge (Black)
DP705 - X2N 7 (Black)


-Custom Ordering Options?
As stated above, you can order custom bobbin colors for an upcharge of ~$5 for most non-standard pickup colors (with the exception of camoflage and chrome bobins, which are both and upcharge of $50) as well as custom polepiece colors for an upcharge of $10. You can also order single coil stratocaster pickups without the triangular flange on the bottom (similar to EMG pickups) for no extra charge, and non-stagger the polepieces in pickups that would otherwise have staggered polepieces for an upcharge of $45.

-Airbuckers?
Airbuckers are humbuckers that have a gap of air between the pickup's magnet and polepieces. This weakens the magnetic field of the pickup, allowing greater string sustain and a slightly more vintage voicing.

LuredMaul has posted a very nice thread regarding the airbucker mod and how to perform it, found here: http://www.dimarzioforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=1697.msg13440#msg13440

-Virtual Vintage?
On pickups that have Virtual Vintage technology, DiMarzio adds some material between polepieces, usually headless screws. This is not visible on humbuckers as they are covered by the bobbins, but if you remove the cover of a single coil they are visible. Virtual Vintage technology essentially smooths out the highs and tightens up the lows, which can smooth out a pickup without letting it get muddy. In tech terms, VV technology increases inductance without affecting resistance or capacitance.

More info here, courtesy of our admin, budd: http://www.dimarzioforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=420.0

-Dual Resonance?
Dual Resonance technology is when DiMarzio tunes the two coils of a humbucker to different frequencies, allowing harmonics to jump out a little more and bringing out a lot of interesting overtones, depending on the pickup. A lot of unconventionally-sounding humbuckers (Humbucker From Hell, FRED, Evolution, etc.) have this technology, providing for a kick-ass pickup. Though, that's not to say that other "conventional" humbuckers don't have it (Tone Zone, for example).

-How do I know what technologies are in my pickups?
Go to DiMarzio's website, look up the pickup, and the pickup will have a specified Patent Number(s, if necessary). There are some exceptions, like the Mo' Joe has Virtual Vintage technology and Dual Resonance, although DiMarzio only has the patent for Dual Resonance on their site.

Courtesy of Schneidas:
Quote from: Schneidas
Here are the various DiMarzio patent numbers:

-Dual Resonance: 4,501,185
-Airbucker: 5,399,802
-Virtual Vintage: 5,908,998
-Stack design (e.g. HS-3): 4,442,749

there are also 2 other patent numbers that I'm not sure about:

-5,908,802 - found on the Virtual Solo & Virtual '54 Pro - could be either a mistake on the DiMarzio site (maybe they meant the VV technology - 5,908,998), or they used someone else's patent on that pickup (if you look it up, it shows that it's a patent issued by some other company)

-5,811,710 - found on the VV Solo, Solo Pro, Blues - I guess it's again the stack design in slight variation

-Pickup Output?
This is a common misconception. Many people believe that high-output pickups can't clean up, and that low-output pickups can't handle distortion. All that output really means is how easily a pickup can drive an amp into full overdrive or distortion. That's not to say, though, that an EJ Custom or Air Classic can't be used for thrash metal, or that an X2N can't be played clean. It just means that they'll be better suited for their respective jobs. Remember: Overdrive and Distortion come from either an amplifier's preamp or an effects chain, not the pickup itself.
All that really matters is that your bridge pickup should have equal or higher output than your neck pickup, because the neck pickup slot is closer to the antinode of the string, which vibrates more freely and is hence louder. In order to balance out your pickup set, put a pickup of the same or higher output in the bridge than is in the neck. You also need the middle pickup in three-pickup arrangements to have equal or less output than the neck pickup, as to why I honestly don't know.

Output is measured as such:

In case anyone else is interested in measuring output of Dimarzio pickups, here's the specifics (from a Dimarzio tech via email)

we measure the RMV voltage from
the pickup into a 20K ohm load 333 ms after the initial voltage peak
using only the A string with all other strings muted.

-What's the output of pickup ____ ?
Our admin, buddroyce, has so kindly provided us with this chart: http://www.dimarzioforum.com/output.html

Pickup Height?
Recently, there have been issues with the rout size of certain guitars (namely, the RG 1570 from 2008ish) and the height of certain DiMarzios. Supposedly, the pickup rout is too shallow to accompany the height of most ceramic magnet pickups, causing the strings to lay on the pickup. Here is a chart as to which pickups have which height dimensions:

Pickup Heights (http://img8.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fspaceddim1.gif)


-What pickups does DiMarzio offer?
From their website, here is the complete list. I've also made some edits, adding in pickups that aren't there (True Velvets, etc.):
DP100 - Super Distortion®  - Available Today
DP101 - Dual Sound®  - Available Today
DP102 - X2N® - Available Today
DP103 - PAF®  - Available Today
DP104 - Super 2™  - Available from DiMarzio Custom Shop *Special Order
DP105 - DLX-1™  - Not  Available
DP106 - SCHB™  - Not  Available
DP107 - MegaDrive™  - Available from DiMarzio Custom Shop *Special Order
DP108 - VS-1™  - Not  Available
DP109 - TDS-1™  - Not  Available
DP110 - FS-1™  - Available Today
DP111 - SDS-1™  - Available from DiMarzio Custom Shop *Special Order
DP112 - Pre B-1™  - Available Today
DP113 - HT-1™  - Not  Available
DP114 - VT-1™  - Not  Available
DP115 - HS-1™  - Available from DiMarzio Custom Shop *Special Order
DP116 - HS-2™  - Available Today
DP117 - HS-3™  - Available Today
DP118 - HS3-T™  - Not  Available
DP119 - Class of ’55™  - Not Available  *Recommended Replacement DP175 - True Velvet™ Neck or DP175S - True Velvet™ Middle
DP120 - Model One™  - Available Today
DP121 - Model G™  - Not  Available
DP122 - DiMarzio Model P®  - Available Today
DP123 - DiMarzio Model J™ - Available Today
DP124 - VP-1™  - Not  Available
DP125 - X2N-B™  - Available from DiMarzio Custom Shop *Special Order
DP126 - DiMarzio Model P J™ - Available Today
DP127 - Split P™  - Available Today
DP128 - Alchemy 101™  - Not  Available
DP130 - Acoustic Model™  - Available Today
DP131 - Acoustic 2™  - Not  Available
DP132 - Acoustic Quick Mount™  - Not Available
DP133 - Quick Mount Pro™  - Not Available
DP134 - Elemental™  - Available Today
DP135 - Super Natural™  - Not  Available
DP136 - Super Natural Plus™  - Available Today
DP137 - Acoustic Bass™  - Available from DiMarzio Custom Shop *Special Order
DP138 - Virtual Acoustic™  - Available Today
DP139 - Reference Acoustic™ - Available Today
DP140 - Active Acoustic™  - Not  Available
DP141 - Active Model P™  - Not  Available
DP142 - Active Model J™  - Not  Available
DP143 - Active Model P and J™  - Not  Available
DP144 - Shock Wave System™  - Not  Available
DP145 - Will Power™ Neck  - Available Today
DP146 - Will Power™ Middle  - Available Today
DP147 - Ultra Jazz™ Neck  - Available Today
DP148 - Ultra Jazz™ Bridge  - Available Today
DP149 - Ultra Jazz™ Neck and Bridge - Available Today
DP150 - Double Whammy™  - Available from DiMarzio Custom Shop *Special Order
DP151 - PAF Pro®  - Available Today
DP152 - Super 3™  - Available from DiMarzio Custom Shop *Special Order
DP153 - FRED®  - Available Today
DP154 - DLX Plus™ Bridge  - Available Today
DP155 - The Tone Zone®  - Available Today
DP156 - Humbucker From Hell®  - Available Today
DP157 - MultiBucker™  - Not Available
DP158 - Evolution® Neck  - Available Today
DP159 - Evolution® Bridge  - Available Today
DP160 - Norton®  - Available Today
DP161 - Steve’s Special™  - Available Today
DP162 - DLX Plus™ Neck  - Available Today
DP163 - Bluesbucker® - Available Today
DP164 - DLX-90™  - Available from DiMarzio Custom Shop *Special Order
DP165 - The Breed™ Neck  - Available Today
DP166 - The Breed™ Bridge  - Available Today
DP167D - DiMarzio Soapbar™ (dog-ear)  - Available Today
DP167S - DiMarzio Soapbar™ (soapbar)  - Available Today
DP168 - DiMarzio Minibucker™ - Available Today
DP169 - Virtual P-90™  - Available Today
DP170 - Blue Velvet™  - Not Available  *Recommended Replacement DP175 - True Velvet™ Neck or DP175S - True Velvet™ Middle
DP171 - Blue Velvet™ Bridge  -- Not Available  *Recommended Replacement DP176 - True Velvet™ Bridge
DP172 - Twang King™ Neck - Available Today
DP173 - Twang King™ Bridge  - Available Today
DP174 - Red Velvet™  - Available Today
DP175 - True Velvet™ Neck  - Available Today
DP175S - True Velvet™ Middle  - Available Today
DP176 - True Velvet Bridge - Available Today
DP177 - True Velvet™ Neck  - Available Today
DP178 - True Velvet™ Bridge  - Available Today
DP180 - Air Nortan S™ - Available Today
DP181 - Fast Track 1™  - Available Today
DP182 - Fast Track 2™  - Available Today
DP183 - Fast Track T™, Now DP381 - Fast Track T™
DP184 - The Chopper™  - Available Today
DP185 - Half Track™  - Not  Available
DP186 - The Cruiser® Neck  - Available Today
DP187 - The Cruiser® Bridge  - Available Today
DP188 - Pro Track™  - Available Today
DP189 - The Tone Zone S™  - Available Today
DP190 - Air Classic™ Neck  - Available Today
DP191 - Air Classic™ Bridge  - Available Today
DP192 - Air Zone™  - Available Today
DP193 - Air Norton™  - Available Today
DP194 - PAF Classic™ Neck  - Not Available  *Recommended Replacement DP190 - Air Classic Neck™
DP195 - PAF Classic™ Bridge  - Not Available  *Recommended Replacement DP191 - Air Classic Bridge™
DP196 - Virtual PAF™ Neck - Not Available  *Recommended Replacement DP103 - PAF®
DP197 - Virtual PAF™ Bridge - Not Available  *Recommended Replacement DP223 - PAF® Bridge
DP198 - DiMarzio Hot Minibucker™ - Available Today
DP200 - Steve Morse Model™ Bridge  - Available Today
DP201 - Al DiMeola Model™ Neck - Available from DiMarzio Custom Shop *Special Order
DP202 - Al DiMeola Model™ Bridge - Available from DiMarzio Custom Shop *Special Order
DP203 - Rick Derringer Model™ Neck - Available from DiMarzio Custom Shop *Special Order
DP204 - Rick Derringer Model™ Bridge - Available from DiMarzio Custom Shop *Special Order
DP205 - Steve Morse Model™ Neck  - Available Today
DP206 - Brian May Model™ - Not Available
DP207 - D Sonic™ - Available Today
DP209 - P-90 Super Distortion™ - Available Today
DP213 - PAF Joe™ - Available Today
DP214 - Virtual Hot PAF® - Not Available  *Recommended Replacement DP223 - PAF® Bridge
DP216 - Mo' Joe™ - Available Today
DP217 - YJM™  - Available Today
DP218 - Super Distortion S™ - Available Today
DP219 - D Activator™ Neck - Available Today
DP220 - D Activator™ Bridge - Available Today
DP221 - D Activator™ X Neck - Available Today
DP222 - D Activator™ X Bridge - Available Today
DP223 - PAF Bridge® - Available Today
DP224 - AT1™ - Available Today
DP225 - BC-1™ - Availablle Today
DP226 - BC-2™ - Available Today
DP227 - LiquiFire™ - Available Today
DP228 - Crunch Lab™ - Available Today
DP318 - Super Distortion T™ - Available Today
DP380 - Air Nortan T™ - Available Today
DP381 - Fast Track T™  - Available Today
DP384 - The Chopper T™  - Available Today
DP389 - The Tone Zone T™  - Available Today
DP401 - Virtual Vintage® 2.1 - Not Available  *Recommended Replacement DP415 - Area '58™
DP402 - Virtual Vintage® Blues  - Available Today
DP403 - Virtual Vintage® Heavy Blues - Not Available  *Recommended Replacement  DP409 - Virtual Vintage® Heavy Blues 2
DP404 - Virtual Solo  - Available Today
DP404 - Virtual Vintage® Solo  - Not Available  *Recommended Replacement DP420 - Virtual Solo™
DP405 - Virtual Vintage® ’54 - Not Available  *Recommended Replacement  DP408 - Virtual Vintage® '54 Pro
DP406 - Virtual Vintage® ’54 Bridge - Not Available  *Recommended Replacement  DP408 - Virtual Vintage® '54 Pro
DP407 - VirtuAL 2® Neck, Now DP416 - Area '61™
DP408 - Virtual Vintage® '54 Pro  - Available Today
DP408 - VirtuAL 2® Middle - Not Available  *Recommended Replacement  DP408 - Virtual Vintage® '54 Pro
DP409 - Virtual Vintage® Heavy Blues 2  - Available Today
DP409 - VirtuAL 2® Bridge - Not Available  *Recommended Replacement  DP409 - Virtual Vintage® Heavy Blues 2
DP410 - Virtual Vintage® 2.2 - Not Available  *Recommended Replacement DP416 - Area '61™
DP411 - Virtual T™ Neck - Not Available
DP412 - Virtual T™ Bridge - Not Available
DP413 - Virtual Hot T™ Bridge - Available Today
DP414 - Virtual Vintage® Solo Pro - Not Available  *Recommended Replacement DP420 - Virtual Solo™
DP415 - Area '58™ - Available Today
DP416 - Area '61™ - Available Today
DP416 - Area T™ Neck - Available Today
DP418 - Area T™ Bridge - Available Today
DP419 - Area '67™ - Available Today
DP420 - Virtual Solo™ - Available Today
DP421 - Area Hot T™ Bridge - Available Today
DP547 - Ultra Jazz 5™ Neck - Available Today
DP548 - Ultra Jazz 5™ Bridge - Available Today
DP549 - Ultra Jazz 5™ Neck and Bridge - Available Today
DP700 - Blaze™ Neck  - Available Today
DP701 - Blaze™ Middle  - Available Today
DP702 - Blaze™ Bridge  - Available Today
DP703 - Blaze™ Custom  - Available Today
DP704 - Evolution 7™ - Available Today
DP705 - X2N 7™ - Available Today
DP706 - D Sonic 7™ - Available Today
DP707 - LiquiFire 7™ - Available Today
DP708 - Crunch Lab 7™ - Available Today
DP719 - D Activator 7™ Neck - Available Today
DP720 - D Activator 7™ Bridge - Available Today
DP755 - Tone Zone 7™ - Available Today
DP759 - PAF 7™ - Available Today
DP793 - Air Norton 7™ - Available Today

-Special Order Pickups
These are pickups that DiMarzio offers and can easily make, but aren't standard production models and can easily be ordered.
DP104 - Super 2
DP107 - MegaDrive
DP111 - SDS-1
DP115 - HS-1
DP125 - X2N-B
DP137 - Acoustic Bass
DP150 - Double Whammy
DP152 - Super3
DP164 - DLX-90
DP201 - Al DiMeola Model Neck
DP202 - Al DiMeola Model Bridge
DP203 - Rick Derringer Model Neck
DP204 - Rick Derringer Model Bridge


-OEM Pickups *UNDER CONSTRUCTION*

Thanks to JohnnyGtar for pulling up this list previously!

Selected OEM pickup models

Model Made for Retail Equivalent

C2 Ibanez Similar to HS-2 (DP116)
C3 Ibanez No equivalent. Closest model is Blue Velvet Bridge (DP171)
F1 Ibanez No equivalent. Closest model is The Breed Bridge (DP166)
F2 Ibanez No equivalent. Closest model is The Tone Zone (DP155)
F3 Ibanez No equivalent. Closest model is Super 3 (DP152)
F4 Ibanez No equivalent. Closest model is PAF (DP103)
H1 Fender Same as Super 3 (DP152)
H2 Fender Same as Super 3 (DP152)
H3 Fender No equivalent. Closest model is Evolution Neck (DP158)
H4 Fender No equivalent. Closest model is The Breed Neck (DP165)
H5 Fender No equivalent. Closest model is The Breed Neck (DP165)
H6 Fender No equivalent. Closest model is PAF (DP103)
H7 Fender No equivalent. Closest model is F1 model for Ibanez
H8 Fender Similar to PAF Pro (DP151)
S1 same as Paf Pro
P1 same as Paf Pro
K10 Same as super 2

Here's a list of OEM DiMarzio pickups that can't be purchased:
Ernie Ball Music Man
Axis Neck Pickup
Axis Bridge Pickup
Silhouette Middle Pickup
Silhouette Gold Roller Bridge Mini-Humbucker

Fender
H1 Same as Super 3 (DP152)
H2 Same as Super 3 (DP152)
H3 No equivalent. Closest model is Evolution Neck (DP158)
H4 No equivalent. Closest model is The Breed Neck (DP165)
H5 No equivalent. Closest model is The Breed Neck (DP165)
H6 No equivalent. Closest model is PAF (DP103)
H7 No equivalent. Closest model is F1 model for Ibanez
H8 Similar to PAF Pro (DP151)
H9 Similar to Air Norton (DP193)
H10 Similar to Tone Zone (DP155)

Ibanez
TransJem Neck Pickup (offered only on the JEM20)
TransJem Bridge Pickup (offered only on the JEM20)
C3 No equivalent. Closest model is Blue Velvet Bridge (DP171)
F1 No equivalent. Closest model is The Breed Bridge (DP166)
F2 No equivalent. Closest model is The Tone Zone (DP155)
F3 No equivalent. Closest model is Super 3 (DP152)
F4 No equivalent. Closest model is PAF (DP103)


-Resources:
You can also always check DiMarzio's FAQ: http://dimarzio.com/site/#/faq/

There's also the aforementioned chart that buddroyce posted, regarding the output of all the pickups: http://www.dimarzioforum.com/pickup_compare/compare.php?ptype=all

buddroyce has also created a helpful diagram for pickup companies and wiring color codes: http://www.dimarzioforum.com/pickups.html

More info on Virtual Vintage Technology: http://www.dimarzioforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=420.0

Here's the chart with which DiMarzios have what height dimensions: Pickup Heights (http://img8.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fspaceddim1.gif)

If you need to e-mail DiMarzio, they're very helpful and will answer just about anything (including selecting a pickup!); I've always received an e-mail response from them within a few hours on a business day: [email protected]
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on August 12, 2008, 03:28:07 PM
I will also add to this, as well as edit, as time goes along. If there's anything you feel that I forgot, or screwed up/got wrong, please feel free to post it or PM me, and I'll edit the post and throw it in.
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: GuitarBizarre on August 12, 2008, 04:38:01 PM
I know we have an output chart...but dimarzio list all the tonal charts on their site too...that would be an awesome list to have. Or even an app, if anyone has the opportunity.
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on August 12, 2008, 11:26:06 PM
I know we have an output chart...but dimarzio list all the tonal charts on their site too...that would be an awesome list to have. Or even an app, if anyone has the opportunity.

You mean EQ? We might be able to do that...
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: Schneidas on August 13, 2008, 02:10:09 AM
Here are the various DiMarzio patent numbers:

-Dual Resonance: 4,501,185
-Airbucker: 5,399,802
-Virtual Vintage: 5,908,998
-Stack design (e.g. HS-3): 4,442,749

there are also 2 other patent numbers that I'm not sure about:

-5,908,802 - found on the Virtual Solo & Virtual '54 Pro - could be either a mistake on the DiMarzio site (maybe they meant the VV technology - 5,908,998), or they used someone else's patent on that pickup (if you look it up, it shows that it's a patent issued by some other company)

-5,811,710 - found on the VV Solo, Solo Pro, Blues - I guess it's again the stack design in slight variation
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: mi2tom on August 13, 2008, 02:53:38 AM
I've got another question, does dimarzio come with fried? ;)
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on August 13, 2008, 04:58:51 PM
Thanks for the Patent Numbers Schneidas, added. +1 karma  ;D
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on August 13, 2008, 09:52:28 PM
More edits: "Resources" added, Patent numbers added earlier.
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: buddroyce on August 13, 2008, 10:31:58 PM
Thanks for putting together this FAQ. I've stickied it for everyones benefit

Here's the output chart (I finally moved it over to this site after testing it on my shop site @ brlguitars.com site) :)
http://www.dimarzioforum.com/pickup_compare/compare.php

I actually have an EQ one on the works that'll hopefully come soon. Actually, it's the same app just with more functionality added.
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: DocNrock on August 14, 2008, 02:09:25 AM
 :)  Great compilation, COBL!
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on August 14, 2008, 09:09:42 AM
Thanks DocNrock.

And more edits, @ Budd: I'm going to edit the entire post regarding the new output chart. And I'm looking forward to that EQ chart!

Plus, I've added some pickups to the pickup list that weren't there. Interestingly enough, none of the new pickups for 2008 were on the list. I had to add the PAF Bridge, True Velvet series, and Virtual Solo, I think that's it.

When I have more time I'll peruse DiMarzio's website, and other resources, to double check that I have all of the pickups.
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: 5150 on August 14, 2008, 11:49:00 AM
Great job man!!
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on August 29, 2008, 12:48:54 AM
Interesting... I didn't know that the PAF 36th set were airbuckers.
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: Schneidas on August 29, 2008, 03:17:38 AM
The VPAF and VHPAF models were also airbuckers.
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on August 29, 2008, 08:38:32 PM
The VPAF and VHPAF models were also airbuckers.

That I knew.

Was the old DP103 (non-36th Anniversary Model) an airbucker too?
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: Schneidas on August 30, 2008, 05:17:39 AM
No, the old PAF DP103 was a generic wind without any patents at all, yet it was one of my favorite neck humbuckers
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on August 31, 2008, 12:04:16 AM
No, the old PAF DP103 was a generic wind without any patents at all, yet it was one of my favorite neck humbuckers

Yeah, I didn't think it was an airbucker either. Guess it's Mr. D and Mr. B utilizing their patents in the quest for THAT tone.

And personally, my favorite neck humbucker is the PAF Pro.
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: GuitarBizarre on September 06, 2008, 09:28:05 PM
Thanks DocNrock.

And more edits, @ Budd: I'm going to edit the entire post regarding the new output chart. And I'm looking forward to that EQ chart!

Plus, I've added some pickups to the pickup list that weren't there. Interestingly enough, none of the new pickups for 2008 were on the list. I had to add the PAF Bridge, True Velvet series, and Virtual Solo, I think that's it.

When I have more time I'll peruse DiMarzio's website, and other resources, to double check that I have all of the pickups.

I'd love to see some dim/ibz buckers added to that list... to give people a starting point.

----------------
Now playing: Ozric Tentacles - Strangeitude (http://www.foxytunes.com/artist/ozric+tentacles/track/strangeitude)
via FoxyTunes (http://www.foxytunes.com/signatunes/)
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on September 06, 2008, 11:11:16 PM
I'd love to see some dim/ibz buckers added to that list... to give people a starting point.

Meh, I guess we could include OEMs, but then I'd have to go through lists of Fender "custom" DiMarzio pickups, as well as all of the EBMM pickups. Maybe when I've got a bit more time on my hands, I'll try and update that
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on September 22, 2008, 03:03:48 PM
EDITS/UPDATES: I added in a little bit about DiMarzio's custom color upcharges, and polepiece color upcharges.

And I also changed the pickup output section a bit.
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: Eruption1991 on November 02, 2008, 08:05:10 AM
Great FAQ!

Thanks very much.  ;D
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: megadrive on November 29, 2008, 03:23:35 PM
I think we should update the FAQ and include all the secret options that you can get on pickups too. I never knew you could get strat pickups from DImarzio with or without the staggerred poles.
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on November 29, 2008, 11:13:19 PM
I think we should update the FAQ and include all the secret options that you can get on pickups too. I never knew you could get strat pickups from DImarzio with or without the staggerred poles.

We actually have most of those "secret" options, like different colored polepieces and the ability to remove the triangular base plate on strat pickups  á la EMGs.

But just for you I added a new section.

NOTE: New section added for custom ordering options.
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on November 29, 2008, 11:40:02 PM
UPDATE: Custom Ordering Options added, and OEM Pickups section now officially under construction!

Any news on that EQ chart? No rush, just curoius...
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: buddroyce on November 30, 2008, 08:46:12 AM
Thanks for maintaining this FAQ CityofBlindingLights. Thanks for reminding me on that EQ chart. I'm still trying to work out some kinks.. actually it's more like working out a more usable interface. I actually forgot about it for a bit with my recent infux of projects.
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on November 30, 2008, 05:43:55 PM
Thanks for maintaining this FAQ CityofBlindingLights. Thanks for reminding me on that EQ chart. I'm still trying to work out some kinks.. actually it's more like working out a more usable interface. I actually forgot about it for a bit with my recent infux of projects.

No, it's cool man. Take your time, trust me when I say I of all people understand how little free time a person can have, I don't think I've gotten more than three hours of sleep in a night for the past two and a half weeks. Take your time, there's no rush man.
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on November 30, 2008, 05:50:18 PM
UPDATE: Rearranged the polepiece color mods by pickup number instead of alphabetical
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: buddroyce on November 30, 2008, 09:54:15 PM
Thanks for maintaining this FAQ CityofBlindingLights. Thanks for reminding me on that EQ chart. I'm still trying to work out some kinks.. actually it's more like working out a more usable interface. I actually forgot about it for a bit with my recent infux of projects.

No, it's cool man. Take your time, trust me when I say I of all people understand how little free time a person can have, I don't think I've gotten more than three hours of sleep in a night for the past two and a half weeks. Take your time, there's no rush man.

You're starting to sound like me with the amount of sleep you get. My days start around 2:30-3am and end around 10-11pm on a consistent basis. Rest assured though, I *WILL* get it done.
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on December 03, 2008, 12:04:21 AM
Thanks for maintaining this FAQ CityofBlindingLights. Thanks for reminding me on that EQ chart. I'm still trying to work out some kinks.. actually it's more like working out a more usable interface. I actually forgot about it for a bit with my recent infux of projects.

No, it's cool man. Take your time, trust me when I say I of all people understand how little free time a person can have, I don't think I've gotten more than three hours of sleep in a night for the past two and a half weeks. Take your time, there's no rush man.

You're starting to sound like me with the amount of sleep you get. My days start around 2:30-3am and end around 10-11pm on a consistent basis. Rest assured though, I *WILL* get it done.

Lol, I know what you mean. I've been pulling all-nighters since Sunday night, barely staying sane from tiny half-hour naps that I take whenever I can.

But that's cool man, once again take your time, and I look forward to seeing it!

And btw, UPDATE: Steve Morse Neck and Bridge Models updated accordingly

EDIT: UPDATE: Added standard bobbin colors... is reverse zebra standard, or is that an upcharge?
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: pinto79 on December 25, 2008, 05:54:37 PM
A couple of errors I noticed:

Strat Single coils: No flange or different magnet stagger are $10 List each.
Camo bobbins add $30 List
Gold or Chrome Tops Add $75 list
Gold, chrome or Nickel cover on PAF style pickups: $23
Worn cover: $33
Colours on humbuckers: $10 regardless of the combination
Different colours on Strat pickups, no charge except Camo, $20
Reverse Polarity, where available is no charge.
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on December 25, 2008, 11:26:49 PM
A couple of errors I noticed:

Strat Single coils: No flange or different magnet stagger are $10 List each.
Camo bobbins add $30 List
Gold or Chrome Tops Add $75 list
Gold, chrome or Nickel cover on PAF style pickups: $23
Worn cover: $33
Colours on humbuckers: $10 regardless of the combination
Different colours on Strat pickups, no charge except Camo, $20
Reverse Polarity, where available is no charge.

According to DiMarzio's list prices, yes.

But according to actual sale prices (in the U.S. at least), these prices are wrong.

And no, not regardless of color combos on humbuckers is there an upcharge. All pickups are available in double cream, double black, or zebra (one coil black, one coil cream) for no additional charge.
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on January 28, 2009, 05:20:31 PM
EDIT: added the color coding diagram
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on March 03, 2009, 04:04:02 PM
*UPDATE*

Pickups Added: Billy Corgan models, some Virtual Vintage models, and the Virtual T and Virtual Hot T pickups.
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: buddroyce on March 14, 2009, 10:10:22 AM
Thanks for maintaining the FAQ.

Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on March 15, 2009, 09:22:08 PM
Thanks for maintaining the FAQ.



It's honestly not a problem. It's something that's cool and fun, and it serves a purpose.

And at the moment I'm pretty sure it's a bit more comprehensive than DiMarzio's FAQ.
Title: Re: DiMarzio Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on March 15, 2009, 09:31:42 PM
UPDATES: I bolded all of the topic names, and added the AT1™ humbucker as it is now an official production model and no longer a mystical special-special-special-SPECIAL order only pickup.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on April 07, 2009, 11:04:52 PM
UPDATE: I have now added a slew of new OEM pickups.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on April 10, 2009, 11:38:03 PM
*UPDATE: I have just added the chart regarding which pickups have what heights
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: Xochitl on April 21, 2009, 09:54:56 PM
The Air Norton T seems to be discontinued.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on April 22, 2009, 10:38:11 PM
The Air Norton T seems to be discontinued.

Well, quite honestly, who buys a Tele to put an Air Norton in it?

And here's something interesting: the Air Norton T isn't listed under DiMarzio's list of available pickups. At all. It never was.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: Xochitl on April 25, 2009, 12:58:45 PM
I guess i wasn't dreaming alone. (http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Electric+Guitar+Pickup/product/DiMarzio/Air+Norton+T/10/1)  ;D
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: Darryl Hattenhauer on May 02, 2009, 01:07:49 PM
Was the DP113 a neck pup?
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: Tom63 on July 12, 2009, 12:08:33 PM
Just read this, am I right in thinking there's no mention of the Chrome pickup covers? Would be nice to see which pickups come with these and how much the covers cost. Considering having covers on but depend how it affects tone and wether it's too expensive or not.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on July 14, 2009, 08:25:20 PM
Just read this, am I right in thinking there's no mention of the Chrome pickup covers? Would be nice to see which pickups come with these and how much the covers cost. Considering having covers on but depend how it affects tone and wether it's too expensive or not.

Go to DiMarzio's website and download their MSRP listings.

But from what I've seen, chrome and camo bobbins generally run around $120 USD.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: Whitmore on July 15, 2009, 06:10:56 AM
Ohh BTW I think you should add that the custom JP neck pickup is has been changed to the Liquifire.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on July 15, 2009, 10:55:00 AM
Ohh BTW I think you should add that the custom JP neck pickup is has been changed to the Liquifire.

LiquiFire and Crunch Lab were released a day before I went on vacation, so I never had a chance to add them. Adding them now...
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on August 18, 2009, 08:15:41 PM
EDITS: I've included the nice tidbit on how DiMarzio measures output.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: Echad on September 02, 2009, 04:40:00 AM
So, if...

Quote
ALL Pickups come with chrome polepieces as standard with the exception of the following:
DP102 - X2N (Black)
DP151 - PAF Pro (Black)
DP152 - Super 3 (Black)
DP158 - Evolution Neck (Black)
DP159 - Evolution Bridge (Black)
DP200 - Steve Morse Model Bridge (Black)
DP205 - Steve Morse Model Neck (Black)
DP215 - Evo 2 (Black)
DP221 - D Activator-X Neck (Black)
DP222 - D Activator-X Bridge (Black)
DP705 - X2N 7 (Black)

That means that the regular D Activators (DP219 and DP220) come with chrome polepieces by default. But the ones in the X-series Ibanez guitars have them in black:

(https://www.dimarzioforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fresources.ibanez.com%2Fresourceservicehost%2Fimages%2FIbanez%2Fweb%2Feg%2Fproducts%2FXPT700WH.gif&hash=0174a8e8924818161960ef4e1b481cd90ad4c2db)

(https://www.dimarzioforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fresources.ibanez.com%2Fresourceservicehost%2Fimages%2FIbanez%2Fweb%2Feg%2Fproducts%2FICT700WH.gif&hash=e2a7fa4c4e36df8c182ec5e5051f46e363cf12ae)

So, if I want them to look like this, should I custom order them? Is it even available out of the US? I probably should email them about it.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on September 02, 2009, 05:31:39 PM
Yes, D Activators come standard with chrome polepieces. Usually, you should be able to order them from your local DiMarzio dealer, they should have them stock; if not, they'll be shipped overseas as a standard pickup, shouldn't be any upcharge.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: Echad on September 03, 2009, 04:30:54 AM
Yes, D Activators come standard with chrome polepieces. Usually, you should be able to order them from your local DiMarzio dealer, they should have them stock; if not, they'll be shipped overseas as a standard pickup, shouldn't be any upcharge.

You mean the black pole-pieced ones should be available stock? I need black ones, and it is said here about the $10 upcharge.

I have a DiMarzio dealer in my city, and I have e-mailed them about it... Probably will need to go to their office anyway. One of the guys working for them (not in their main office, and he was stupid anyway - didn't know what the X2N is and he sold ONLY DiMarzios) spoke about the upcharge for shipping (they didn't have ANY D Activators in stock), so I can just tell him to shut up - right?

If I have a dealer in my city, does that I mean I can order anything available - including the custom-order only pickups, like the X2N-B?

Thanks for all the answers.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: Echad on September 24, 2009, 09:30:20 PM
I got the answer from DiMarzio... Only that Google Mail put it in a Spam folder. >:(

So, as I finally noticed it, the difference in having to pay for a delivery, or not... Depends on me having a special order, or simply waiting for the distributor's regular purchase.

Quote
The extra charge for the change of polepiece color is about US$10 retail. If you are asking the DiMarzio distributor for Ukraine to arrange a special shipment for a special order, then you should expect to pay extra shipping costs. If you wait to have your order shipped together with your distributor’s next regular order (possibly 3-4 months) then there should be no extra shipping charge for a special order.

Posting it here for everyone to know. ;)
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: dvadneau on August 25, 2010, 04:05:59 PM
Perhaps an update to the main post: I found a couple of pickups marked DiMarzio on the front but with H10 and H9. A Google search found an entry on the SD site stating the closest models are Breed bridge (H10) and Breed neck (H9).
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on August 25, 2010, 08:42:46 PM
Perhaps an update to the main post: I found a couple of pickups marked DiMarzio on the front but with H10 and H9. A Google search found an entry on the SD site stating the closest models are Breed bridge (H10) and Breed neck (H9).

Can you back that up? Because if so then I'll put it in.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: dvadneau on September 04, 2010, 10:09:47 PM
I can only back up the claim about where I found the info. I don' t know about the validity of the info.

http://www.seymourduncan.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62945
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on September 07, 2010, 01:33:12 AM
By back it up, I meant try e-mailing DiMarzio.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: dvadneau on September 10, 2010, 03:33:09 PM
Sorry, about that. I emailed them today. I'll post here when I've received an answer.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: dvadneau on September 12, 2010, 02:28:14 PM
Here is the response from DiMarzio (response on the weekend, no less!):

Quote
These are custom pickups we make for Fender. The H9 is fairly similar to an F-spaced Air Norton (DP193F) and the H10 is fairly similar to an F-spaced Tone Zone.

So, there ya go.

Wicked support.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on September 14, 2010, 02:21:51 PM
Done, and done.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: yungbzy on November 28, 2010, 05:50:10 PM
whats the difference between "metal" and "heavy metal" on the online dimarzio pickup picker?
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: buddroyce on December 02, 2010, 01:27:19 AM
I believe the difference between metal and heavy metal is that 'heavy' refers to the more brutal sounding tones where the bottom end tends to be tight with very aggresive sounding mids. While 'metal' would likely refer to a slightly warmer type of 'metal' tone with big bottom end.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: oilpit on December 02, 2010, 01:32:32 AM
Metal = Metallica

Heavy Metal = Meshugga
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: buddroyce on December 03, 2010, 10:10:49 AM
I was going to make the Metallica reference but I didn't want to offend anyone by saying it's not 'heavy metal' ;)
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: zenmindbeginner on December 03, 2010, 10:22:39 AM
Heavy Metal now refers to grindcore, metalcore, nu metal and death metal... thash metal has a lot more in common with these genres, so Metallica and Slayer are still "Heavy Metal".

Power metal, hardcore, alternative metal, classic metal and glam metal are all forms of "metal". Think Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Ratt, King Diamond, Motorhead and Black Sabbath..
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: dvadneau on February 03, 2011, 02:13:20 PM
The PAF Joe (DP213) is not listed in the main post. It's referred to in the text about colour, but the long list does not include it.

Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on February 03, 2011, 07:34:44 PM
The PAF Joe (DP213) is not listed in the main post. It's referred to in the text about colour, but the long list does not include it.



Good catch, fixed. Thanks!
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: dvadneau on May 22, 2011, 08:09:40 PM
A couple of weeks ago I saw this error when trying to view the output chart:

Could not connect to the database:
no such database

It's still like that today. Makes viewing the output chart difficult ;)
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: CityofBlindingLights on May 23, 2011, 01:54:21 AM
A couple of weeks ago I saw this error when trying to view the output chart:

Could not connect to the database:
no such database

It's still like that today. Makes viewing the output chart difficult ;)

Thanks for pointing it out, it's been fixed.

Also, after having learned a bit about power engineering, measuring pickup output makes so much more sense... and is much more confusing mathematically than you'd imagine.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: dvadneau on October 05, 2011, 01:36:48 PM
The link from the FAQ is displaying another database error:
http://www.dimarzioforum.com/pickup_compare/compare.php?ptype=all

Quote
Could not query the database:
SELECT name,model_num,output FROM dimarzio_resources ORDER BY output DESC
no such table
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: dvadneau on February 08, 2012, 04:36:08 PM
Any progress on this one?

Or is it that was fixed and went down again?

The link from the FAQ is:
Quote
There's also the aforementioned chart that buddroyce posted, regarding the output of all the pickups: http://www.dimarzioforum.com/pickup_compare/compare.php?ptype=all
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: RayBarbeeMusic on April 21, 2012, 08:42:03 PM
Quote
and non-stagger the polepieces in pickups that would otherwise have staggered polepieces for an upcharge of $45.


Actual list is $10 for that option, street price lower.  I do this all the time.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: SLZCANON on May 03, 2012, 05:24:38 PM
Quick question! If I disconnect the tone from a liquifire/crunch lab would that affect the tone? I'm thinking of changing the pickups on my charvel soloist from EMG to the JP set but this guitar only has a volume control and no tone.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: KH Guitar Freak on December 29, 2016, 05:36:47 AM
Quick question! If I disconnect the tone from a liquifire/crunch lab would that affect the tone? I'm thinking of changing the pickups on my charvel soloist from EMG to the JP set but this guitar only has a volume control and no tone.

It will slightly. You notice a bit more high end and output. Some even think it sounds more "open"
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: darkbluemurder on November 26, 2021, 08:50:43 AM
Link to the pickup model technology thread: https://www.dimarzioforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=15830.0
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: gregr on March 10, 2024, 03:04:11 PM
It’s a long thread which I haven’t read in its entirety, so apologies if this has been covered.

What does the U mean after the color code on the part number?

I’ve seen this on various Area single coils.
For example I have a pair of Area 58s. One says DP415W and the other DP415BKU. I have a VV54P that says DP408BK. There’s currently a VVHB2 on eBay with the number DP409AWU (aged white). Mine says DP409W. I also found an Area 61 with the number DP416WU.
Title: Re: DiMarzioForum Pickups FAQ
Post by: darkbluemurder on March 11, 2024, 08:48:00 AM
Now as you've mentioned it I noticed it before, too. But I have no idea what this means - certainly not "uncovered" as this does not make sense for the Area series.

Cheers Stephan