What is the DiMarzio DP188 Pro Track?

It is a hum-cancelling pickup designed to fit into a standard Stratocaster single-coil slot while delivering the sound of a vintage humbucker.

What kind of tone does the Pro Track produce?

The pickup produces a warm, vintage sound reminiscent of a PAF humbucker, offering more thickness and power than a standard single-coil.

Does the DP188 eliminate hum?

Yes, it is a noiseless design built to completely nullify the 60-cycle hum found in traditional single-coil pickups.

In which position can the DP188 be installed?

The Pro Track is designed to be versatile and can be used in the bridge, middle, or neck positions of a Stratocaster.

Does this pickup require modification to my Stratocaster?

No, it is designed to fit seamlessly into a standard single-coil pickup route and pickguard without the need for wood routing.

How does it sound in the bridge position?

In the bridge, it delivers a 'blissful blues' tone that is smoother and less piercing than a traditional bridge single-coil.

What character does it provide in the neck position?

When used in the neck, it provides a 'fatness' that is ideal for accurate and heavy rock tones.

Is the Pro Track high output?

While it is more powerful than a standard single-coil, it is voiced to be vintage-style and 'friendly' rather than a high-gain modern ceramic pickup.

What color does the DP188 Pro Track come in?

This specific model, the DP188, is typically provided in a black finish.

What is the typical price for this pickup?

The DiMarzio DP188 Pro Track usually retails for approximately £95 in the UK market.

Can it be mixed with other single-coil pickups?

Yes, it can be integrated into a configuration with other pickups, though the volume may be slightly higher due to its humbucker design.

Is this pickup suitable for recording?

Yes, because it is noiseless and delivers a 'pure tone,' it is highly suitable for studio environments where hum can be a distraction.

Gear article

DiMarzio DP188 Pro Track Hum Cancelling Strat Pickup

The DiMarzio DP188 Pro Track is a hum-cancelling replacement pickup designed to fit standard Stratocaster single-coil routes. It provides a warm, vintage-style humbucker tone similar to a PAF, while completely eliminating electromagnetic hum.

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Overview and Design

The DiMarzio DP188 Pro Track is engineered to provide the sonic characteristics of a full-sized humbucker within the physical footprint of a standard Stratocaster single-coil. Part of DiMarzio's extensive range of hum-cancelling pickups, the DP188 is designed to drop directly into a single-coil scratchplate without the need for routing modifications to the guitar body. It is typically finished in black and is built to withstand the rigours of professional performance.

Technical Features

The primary feature of the Pro Track is its noiseless architecture. It utilizes a twin-blade design or stacked coil configuration to nullify the 60-cycle hum typically associated with traditional single-coil pickups. This makes it an ideal choice for players performing in environments with significant electrical interference or those using high-gain amplification. The pickup is versatile enough to be installed in the bridge, middle, or neck positions.

Sonic Character

Sonically, the DP188 is described as 'warm and friendly,' closely mimicking the response of a vintage Patent Applied For (PAF) humbucker.

Bridge Position: Delivers a smooth, bluesy tone that avoids the harshness often found in bridge single-coils.
Middle Position: Provides a solid mix that sits well in a band context.
Neck Position: Produces a fat, punchy response suitable for rock lead playing and articulate rhythm work.

Target Audience

This pickup suits Stratocaster players who require a heavier, thicker sound than single-coils can provide but do not wish to modify their instrument for full-sized humbuckers. It is particularly effective for blues and rock musicians who need a 'pure tone' free from background noise during live performances or studio recording sessions.

Comparison and Integration

Compared to standard single-coils, the Pro Track offers significantly more power and a rounder high-end. While it lacks the 'quack' and 'sparkle' of traditional Strat pickups, it compensates with increased output and hum rejection. It can be paired with other DiMarzio components or integrated into a standard Fender-style setup alongside components like American Standard tremolo bridges or 3-ply pickguards.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the DiMarzio DP188 Pro Track?: It is a hum-cancelling pickup designed to fit into a standard Stratocaster single-coil slot while delivering the sound of a vintage humbucker.
What kind of tone does the Pro Track produce?: The pickup produces a warm, vintage sound reminiscent of a PAF humbucker, offering more thickness and power than a standard single-coil.
Does the DP188 eliminate hum?: Yes, it is a noiseless design built to completely nullify the 60-cycle hum found in traditional single-coil pickups.
In which position can the DP188 be installed?: The Pro Track is designed to be versatile and can be used in the bridge, middle, or neck positions of a Stratocaster.
Does this pickup require modification to my Stratocaster?: No, it is designed to fit seamlessly into a standard single-coil pickup route and pickguard without the need for wood routing.
How does it sound in the bridge position?: In the bridge, it delivers a 'blissful blues' tone that is smoother and less piercing than a traditional bridge single-coil.
What character does it provide in the neck position?: When used in the neck, it provides a 'fatness' that is ideal for accurate and heavy rock tones.
Is the Pro Track high output?: While it is more powerful than a standard single-coil, it is voiced to be vintage-style and 'friendly' rather than a high-gain modern ceramic pickup.
What color does the DP188 Pro Track come in?: This specific model, the DP188, is typically provided in a black finish.
What is the typical price for this pickup?: The DiMarzio DP188 Pro Track usually retails for approximately £95 in the UK market.
Can it be mixed with other single-coil pickups?: Yes, it can be integrated into a configuration with other pickups, though the volume may be slightly higher due to its humbucker design.
Is this pickup suitable for recording?: Yes, because it is noiseless and delivers a 'pure tone,' it is highly suitable for studio environments where hum can be a distraction.