DiMarzio has launched the PG-13 Neck (DP242) and Bridge (DP243) hum-cancelling mini pickups, developed for Mr Big guitarist Paul Gilbert.
The tone of a mini humbucker falls somewhere between a full-sized humbucker and a single-coil. Gilbert says the main characteristic of these pickups is clarity. ‘It still has the beef; it’s not harsh. I just plugged it in, played it, and went, “Oh, this is good.”’
DiMarzio adds: ‘If you’re wondering how mini humbuckers compare to full-sized humbuckers, they’re smaller, and have a distinctive tone. They sense a narrower length of string vibration, and that reduces lower harmonics for clearer, brighter tones.
‘The DP243 Bridge Model has a good balance of clarity, chime, and fullness, and it’s never harsh. Cranked up through a loud amp, it’s still full and produces nice harmonics. Power chords have impact and crunch yet they’re still friendly. For a compressed, sparkly sound, Paul likes to turn off all his distortion pedals and turn on a flanger. Even though it’s the bridge pickup, the PG-13 is still warm, and not too trebly.
‘The DP242 Neck model is slightly fatter and creamier, making it great for Jazz and Blues solos. Its lower output and smaller size help keep it from getting muddy.
‘The Neck and Bridge models sound good together as well. The sound spreads out and you get that nice “quacky” sound’.
The PG-13 Neck and Bridge Models feature 4-conductor wiring, ceramic magnets, and height-adjustable pole pieces.
No UK price has yet been announced but in the USA the new pickups will sell for a suggested $134.99 each.
Info: www.dimarzio.com