What is the DiMarzio DP318 Super Distortion T?

It is a hum-cancelling bridge pickup designed specifically for Telecaster-style guitars. It provides the high-output characteristics of the original Super Distortion humbucker in a smaller size.

Does this pickup require modification to the guitar body?

No, it is designed to fit standard Telecaster bridge pickup routes. You can install it without needing to cut or route the wood of the instrument.

Is the DP318 a true humbucker?

Yes, it is a hum-cancelling design. It uses two coils to eliminate the hum and static typical of single-coil pickups, effectively making it a mini-humbucker.

What genres of music is this pickup best for?

It is ideal for rock and metal due to its high overdrive levels. However, its responsive bass and smooth treble make it versatile enough for most genres.

What does the 'T' in DP318 stand for?

The 'T' stands for Telecaster, indicating that this specific version of the Super Distortion is voiced and shaped for the Telecaster bridge position.

How does the treble sound on the DP318?

The treble frequencies are designed to be warm and smooth. This prevents the pickup from sounding too sharp or piercing when playing through high-gain settings.

What is the typical price for the DP318?

The typical price range for this model is approximately £101.00. This is the standard retail price for a single unit in the black finish.

Does this pickup eliminate static noise?

Yes, because it is a hum-cancelling model, it significantly reduces the static and 60-cycle hum usually found in single-coil guitars. This results in a much cleaner signal.

Can I use this for clean tones?

While it is high-output, its responsive bass and smooth highs allow it to produce quality clean tones. It will sound thicker and warmer than a traditional Telecaster pickup.

What colour does the DP318 come in?

This specific model features a sleek black design. This allows it to complement almost any guitar colour scheme or pickguard style.

How does the sustain compare to standard pickups?

The DP318 is designed to offer enhanced sustain. Its high output helps notes ring out longer, which is beneficial for lead guitar playing and solos.

Will this pickup work well with distortion pedals?

Yes, it is specifically designed to work well with high levels of overdrive. It pairs effectively with a variety of gain stages and signal processors.

Gear article

DiMarzio DP318 Super Distortion T

The DiMarzio DP318 Super Distortion T is a high-output, hum-cancelling bridge pickup designed to fit standard Fender Telecaster bridge routes. It adapts the characteristics of the legendary Super Distortion humbucker into a single-coil-sized footprint, providing significant overdrive and sustain for rock and metal applications.

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Overview

The DiMarzio DP318 Super Distortion T is an aftermarket pickup engineered to transform the tonal capabilities of a Telecaster. While the traditional Telecaster bridge pickup is known for thin, twangy single-coil sounds, the DP318 provides the power and frequency response associated with full-sized humbuckers. It is finished in a sleek black design, ensuring it integrates aesthetically with a wide variety of guitar finishes.

Technical Features and Design

The DP318 features a hum-cancelling design, which eliminates the 60-cycle hum and static noise common to traditional single-coil pickups. This makes it particularly effective when used with high-gain amplifiers or pedals. The pickup is voiced with a focus on a responsive bass attack and increased sustain. Despite its high output, the treble frequencies are tuned to remain warm and smooth rather than harsh, preventing the 'ice-pick' high end often found in standard bridge positions.

Sound Character and Versatility

Primarily intended for rock and metal, the DP318 is capable of pushing an amplifier into heavy overdrive. However, its balanced frequency response lends it a level of versatility that accommodates other genres. Key tonal characteristics include:

High Output: Designed to drive signal chains harder for saturated distortion.
Bass Response: A firm low-end that provides punch for rhythmic playing.
Treble Smoothing: Warm high-frequency reproduction suitable for lead passages.
Noise Reduction: Hum-cancelling technology for clean signal paths.

Suitability and Integration

This pickup is most suited for players who require the power of a humbucker without wanting to route their Telecaster body for a full-sized unit. It fits directly into the standard bridge plate. Musicians who frequently use high-gain effects, such as the Digitech Whammy Ricochet or Boss DD-3T Digital Delay, will benefit from the DP318's high output and low noise floor. It serves as a significant upgrade for those looking to move away from the country-oriented 'twang' toward a more aggressive, sustain-heavy sound.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to standard single-coil replacements, the DP318 offers significantly more gain and a thicker midrange. While it lacks the extreme brightness of a vintage-style bridge pickup, it offers a more consistent performance in modern signal chains involving noise suppressors like the Boss NS-2. For players who prefer traditional Stratocaster sounds, standard bridge assemblies remain the preference, but for those seeking a 'hot-rod' Telecaster, the DP318 stands as a industry-standard choice.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the DiMarzio DP318 Super Distortion T?: It is a hum-cancelling bridge pickup designed specifically for Telecaster-style guitars. It provides the high-output characteristics of the original Super Distortion humbucker in a smaller size.
Does this pickup require modification to the guitar body?: No, it is designed to fit standard Telecaster bridge pickup routes. You can install it without needing to cut or route the wood of the instrument.
Is the DP318 a true humbucker?: Yes, it is a hum-cancelling design. It uses two coils to eliminate the hum and static typical of single-coil pickups, effectively making it a mini-humbucker.
What genres of music is this pickup best for?: It is ideal for rock and metal due to its high overdrive levels. However, its responsive bass and smooth treble make it versatile enough for most genres.
What does the 'T' in DP318 stand for?: The 'T' stands for Telecaster, indicating that this specific version of the Super Distortion is voiced and shaped for the Telecaster bridge position.
How does the treble sound on the DP318?: The treble frequencies are designed to be warm and smooth. This prevents the pickup from sounding too sharp or piercing when playing through high-gain settings.
What is the typical price for the DP318?: The typical price range for this model is approximately £101.00. This is the standard retail price for a single unit in the black finish.
Does this pickup eliminate static noise?: Yes, because it is a hum-cancelling model, it significantly reduces the static and 60-cycle hum usually found in single-coil guitars. This results in a much cleaner signal.
Can I use this for clean tones?: While it is high-output, its responsive bass and smooth highs allow it to produce quality clean tones. It will sound thicker and warmer than a traditional Telecaster pickup.
What colour does the DP318 come in?: This specific model features a sleek black design. This allows it to complement almost any guitar colour scheme or pickguard style.
How does the sustain compare to standard pickups?: The DP318 is designed to offer enhanced sustain. Its high output helps notes ring out longer, which is beneficial for lead guitar playing and solos.
Will this pickup work well with distortion pedals?: Yes, it is specifically designed to work well with high levels of overdrive. It pairs effectively with a variety of gain stages and signal processors.