United States · Est. 1971
DiMarzio
The inventors of the replacement pickup market. The Super Distortion was the first high-output pickup and opened an entirely new industry.
About the brand
Larry DiMarzio founded DiMarzio in Staten Island, New York, in 1971. The Super Distortion, launched in 1972, was literally the first high-output replacement humbucker on the market — before it, the concept of replacing factory pickups with something higher-performing did not exist. With that single product, DiMarzio invented an industry.
Steve Vai and Joe Satriani collaborated with DiMarzio on their signature pickups throughout the 1980s and 90s, elevating the brand to the reference for technical guitar and shred. The Evolution (designed with Steve Vai), the Fred, and the Air Norton are icons of that period.
The DiMarzio catalog covers all styles, from the vintage PAF Pro to the extreme high-output X2N. Their Area series hum-cancelling single-coils are widely considered the best replacement for players who want Strat or Tele tones without the 60-cycle hum.
Key facts
- Super Distortion (1972): the first high-output replacement humbucker on the market
- Larry DiMarzio literally invented the replacement pickup market
- Evolution: designed with Steve Vai, the definitive shred pickup of the 1990s
- Collaborations with Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Al Di Meola
Iconic pickups
Super Distortion (DP100)
The first high-output humbucker on the market. Literally invented the replacement pickup concept. Aggressive and bright tone, a hard rock favourite.
PAF Pro (DP151)
DiMarzio's vintage PAF recreation. Warm and dynamic with a cleaner character than high-output humbuckers. The reference for classic rock.
Evolution (DP159)
Designed with Steve Vai. High output with exceptional clarity. Ceramic rather than alnico for more attack and definition at the bridge.
Tone Zone (DP155)
High-output humbucker with more bass and mids than the Super Distortion. Popular for alternative rock and melodic metal.
Area 58 / Area 61
Hum-cancelling single-coils recreating the sound of 1950s and 60s Strats without the characteristic hum. The DiMarzio single-coil reference.
Notable musicians
- Steve Vai · Evolution, Breed, Gravity Storm
- Joe Satriani · Fred, Mo' Joe, PAF Joe
- John Petrucci · Liquifire, Crunch Lab
- Al Di Meola · varios modelos vintage