What is the primary purpose of the DiMarzio DP100?

The DP100 is designed to provide high output that pushes tube amplifiers into heavy overdrive. It is specifically built for rock and metal players seeking aggressive, distorted tones.

What type of magnets are used in the Super Distortion?

The pickup uses high-quality ceramic magnets. These magnets are chosen for their ability to provide incredible power and high output levels compared to standard Alnico magnets.

Which guitar position is the DP100 intended for?

It is designed specifically for the bridge position of solid-body guitars. This allows the pickup to capture the necessary bite and clarity required for high-gain lead and rhythm playing.

Does the DP100 Super Distortion come with a cover?

This specific model features uncovered black coils. The open-coil design is a classic look that is synonymous with the DiMarzio brand's heritage.

How does the DP100 affect the low-end frequencies of a guitar?

It provides a warm and expressive bass response. This ensures that the high-output signal does not become thin, maintaining depth in the lower registers.

Are the midrange frequencies boosted on this pickup?

Yes, the Super Distortion features boosted mids. This design choice helps the guitar stand out in a mix, especially when using heavy distortion.

Can the DP100 produce clear high frequencies?

Despite its high-gain focus, it is designed to produce 'gloriously clear highs'. This allows for excellence across the entire frequency range rather than just the low end.

What kind of guitars is the DP100 compatible with?

It is designed for solid-body electric guitars. It is a standard humbucker size, making it a suitable replacement for most guitars routed for dual-coil pickups.

What neck pickup should I pair with the DP100?

DiMarzio recommends pairing it with a slightly lower-gain neck pickup. This creates a balanced transition between the aggressive bridge tone and a smoother neck tone.

Why is the pickup named 'Super Distortion'?

It was named for its ability to push an amplifier into saturation more easily than standard pickups. It was one of the first pickups specifically marketed for its high-gain output.

What is the typical price for a DiMarzio DP100 in the UK?

The typical price range for this pickup is approximately £95. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and stock availability.

Is the DP100 suitable for clean jazz tones?

While it has expressive warmth, its 'beastly' high-output design is primarily intended for rock and metal. It is specialised for driving amps into overdrive rather than pristine clean headroom.

Gear article

DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion Humbucker

The DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion is a high-output humbucking guitar pickup specifically designed to drive tube amplifiers into heavy overdrive. Originally released as one of the first dedicated replacement pickups, it features ceramic magnets and is optimised for bridge position placement in solid-body guitars.

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Design and Construction

The DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion is constructed with high-quality ceramic magnets, which provide the high output and magnetic strength necessary for aggressive musical styles. This particular model is presented with uncovered black coils, offering a classic aesthetic for modern electric guitars. It is engineered for the bridge position of solid-body guitars, where the string tension and frequency response are most suited to its high-gain characteristics.

Performance and Sound Profile

The DP100 is renowned for its beastly capabilities, specifically its ability to push valve amplifiers into 'decimating' levels of overdrive. Despite its high output, it maintains a balanced frequency response:

Bass: Warm and expressive with a superb response.
Mids: Boosted to help the guitar cut through a dense band mix.
Highs: Gloriously clear, ensuring that individual notes remain articulated even under heavy distortion.

Historical Significance

The Super Distortion was a pioneer in the replacement pickup market. At a time when stock pickups often lacked the power to drive contemporary amplifiers, DiMarzio developed the DP100 to provide a dedicated high-output solution. Its name reflects its primary function: providing the power required for thick, distorted tones without the need for external booster pedals.

Usage and Pairing

For optimal performance, the DP100 is typically paired with a slightly lower-gain neck pickup to allow for sonic variety between switch positions. While it functions as a standalone upgrade, it is often used in signal chains featuring effects such as the Boss DD-3T Digital Delay, Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor, or the Electro Harmonix Big Muff to further shape the high-gain signal.

Target Audience

This pickup is primarily designed for guitarists playing rock and metal genres who require a 'shining masterpiece' of a tone that is both heavy and clear. It suits players who rely on tube amp saturation and need a reliable, high-output bridge pickup that can handle extreme gain settings while maintaining expressive warmth.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the DiMarzio DP100?: The DP100 is designed to provide high output that pushes tube amplifiers into heavy overdrive. It is specifically built for rock and metal players seeking aggressive, distorted tones.
What type of magnets are used in the Super Distortion?: The pickup uses high-quality ceramic magnets. These magnets are chosen for their ability to provide incredible power and high output levels compared to standard Alnico magnets.
Which guitar position is the DP100 intended for?: It is designed specifically for the bridge position of solid-body guitars. This allows the pickup to capture the necessary bite and clarity required for high-gain lead and rhythm playing.
Does the DP100 Super Distortion come with a cover?: This specific model features uncovered black coils. The open-coil design is a classic look that is synonymous with the DiMarzio brand's heritage.
How does the DP100 affect the low-end frequencies of a guitar?: It provides a warm and expressive bass response. This ensures that the high-output signal does not become thin, maintaining depth in the lower registers.
Are the midrange frequencies boosted on this pickup?: Yes, the Super Distortion features boosted mids. This design choice helps the guitar stand out in a mix, especially when using heavy distortion.
Can the DP100 produce clear high frequencies?: Despite its high-gain focus, it is designed to produce 'gloriously clear highs'. This allows for excellence across the entire frequency range rather than just the low end.
What kind of guitars is the DP100 compatible with?: It is designed for solid-body electric guitars. It is a standard humbucker size, making it a suitable replacement for most guitars routed for dual-coil pickups.
What neck pickup should I pair with the DP100?: DiMarzio recommends pairing it with a slightly lower-gain neck pickup. This creates a balanced transition between the aggressive bridge tone and a smoother neck tone.
Why is the pickup named 'Super Distortion'?: It was named for its ability to push an amplifier into saturation more easily than standard pickups. It was one of the first pickups specifically marketed for its high-gain output.
What is the typical price for a DiMarzio DP100 in the UK?: The typical price range for this pickup is approximately £95. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and stock availability.
Is the DP100 suitable for clean jazz tones?: While it has expressive warmth, its 'beastly' high-output design is primarily intended for rock and metal. It is specialised for driving amps into overdrive rather than pristine clean headroom.