Larry DiMarzio's original 1960 Fender Stratocaster®

[VittuGurken]

Hi larry,

first off, great guitar, it's one of the sweetest guitars i've ever seen. Second, i would like to ask you, how i could find a pick up in your line up that has the same tightness of the gibson 498T but with a more enhanced edge and presence? I'm a metalhead with a strong passion for blues btw. I'm thinking about the Dominion, PAF pro, Breed and D Activator...any hints? Thanks!

[LarryDiMarzio]

@VittuGurken

An Evo 2 might be a good choice.

[iamjustachineseguy]

the wind cries mary

[vladlashing]

Nice video. Great old Strat. Leo was a genious and the design is so perfect we still all copy it and any attempt to change it just ends up looking wrong. Larry is no slouch either - changed the game with replacement pickups.

[MajorWatt]

Never saw or heard Clapton or Hendrix using that horrible "in between" sound.... time to stop spreading that urban legend please..

[LarryDiMarzio]

@MajorWatt

Sorry, but I was a little distracted and mistakenly stated on the voiceover that Jimi used this sound. However, I believe Clapton has used this sound on occasion, and many of his Strats (including Blackie) have the stock 5-way switch.

[herc122]

We enjoyed looking at it. We would really Loooooove to hear it! I call for a new video!!!!! :D

[M3TALH3AD923]

Hey Larry, is the super distortion good for bluesy/rock tones like ac/dc, zeppelin, Clapton, and aerosmith? i need a pickup that has a decent amount of mids but not too much and alot of output to push my marshall class 5. is this the right job for the super distortion?

[LarryDiMarzio]

@M3TALH3AD923

Yes. It should be a good choice.

[PBANDSNOW]

@M3TALH3AD923 If you want Zeppelin, than check out the DiMarzio 36th Anniversary PAF’s. They are 500k’s and the bridge pickup gives you a great Page tone.

[captainniki]

In the video you said the pickups had enamel wire. But didn't they use formvar at that time and then enamel when CBS bought Fender in the mid-60s?

[LarryDiMarzio]

@captainniki Hi, The pickups in my guitar are enamel wire but you are correct about Fender using heavy Formvar on early Strat pickups. I've taken apart a number of Strats from this period (late 50s/early 60s) that used enamel and I am not sure why. Needless to say, the pickups sound different when you the different coatings.

Hope that helps,

Larry DiMarzio

Larry DiMarzio

[LarryDiMarzio]

@thechuckwillkill Hi, The song is "The Win Cry's Mary".

Hope that helps,

Larry DiMarzio

[dickdog1]

Hello Larry. You mention that this wonderfull guitar has a three tone sunburst, however I don't see it . Has it completely faded into a Tobacco burst, or is there still some evidence of the cherry sunburst? Thanks

[LarryDiMarzio]

@dickdog1 Hi, It is hard to see on Youtube but it's there. Look closely at the opening.

Hope that helps,

Larry DiMarzio

[kmisi1]

Hi Larry,

I have a Fender strat, and i'd like to put a humbucker in the bridge position to get a big, warm distorted sound. I can't decide among Tone Zone, Air Zone and Air Classic. Which one would you recommend?

Best regards,

Misi

[LarryDiMarzio]

@kmisi1

An F-spaced Air Zone makes the most sense if those are the models you're choosing from.

[kmisi1]

Hi Larry,

I have a Fender strat, and i'd like to put a humbucker in the bridge position to get a big, warm distorted sound. I can't decide among Tone Zone, Air Zone and Air Classic. Which one would you recommend?

Best regards,

Misi

[fiestared1963]

Thanks larry,

Very enjoyable.

I have a 1963 fiesta red strat in realitively good condition.

All original.

I use .11 string guage with three tremelo springs. no probs with tuning. (thank god)

All the best from Ireland.

regards,

Derek.

[LarryDiMarzio]

@fiestared1963

Hi Derek,

63s are great guitars. I still have the 60 setup with 5 springs but I don't use the tremelo arm much. This one stays in tune with 9s however the spring tremelo system adds to the acoustic quality of the guitar. I had a 50s (don't remember the year) non tremelo and it didn't have that Strat tone.

All the best from the USA.

Larry DiMarzio

[WoWintosh]

@LarryDiMarzio

Do the hardtail strats have more sustain than the normal tremolo bridge strats?

[babe201]

My dad's got that guitar, been having it for about 10 years, It's got the sweetest tune even when you strum it random. My dad bought it for $700 and I say that it was well worth it.I just love it because I know it's one of the best guitars around.

[SteveBrownOfficial]

I found someone who owns a 1954 Fender Strat: 0001.

[ktmdean2006]

if im ever famous im gonna chill with larry

[huyiy]

Strats are my favorite.. that is abosolutely beautiful guitar, Larry.. so can i play it? :)

[iamasmodai]

Pure porn...

[artemvas]

Wow, I'm blown away by this guitar.

Planning to buy some Dimarzio distortion pickups soon.

Love this company because of their dedication to good sound.

[PrsFenderJackson1980]

What is the rule of thumb when choosing a string size for guitar? Going for a Classic Rock/Hard Rock sound. So 9's,10's,11's?

[LarryDiMarzio]

Hi,

There is no real rule but I am a fan of 9's or 10's. The 9's are easier to bend but the chords sound better with 10's ... so I recommend some testing.

I hope that helps,

Larry DiMarzio

[andr3wbr1an]

11s.. good hard sound.

[huyiy]

@PrsFenderJackson1980 hard rock sound wants thicker tone, so thicker strings give that better. thinner strings tho you can bend easier and play faster.

[PrsFenderJackson1980]

I appreciate the advice you have given to me. Love the p'ups alot. I know have two strats with Fast Track 2(bridge), Chopper(mid), and Air Norton(Neck). Of course with 500k pots. Now I am getting into strats with a humbucker in the bridge. Pretty sure I want a more open sound....vintage, but able to handle rock 'n roll. Definitely want Area '61s for mid and neck. But kinda stuck on the humbucker I have been bouncing between the following; Evo 2, At-1, Fred, Paf Pro, Super 3.

[itachi4hokage]

hi i am looking for a pickup tha tcan get Eddie Van Halen sound and tone but also Randy Rhoads should i buy the super distortion

[FaNwlnG]

that's a monster guitar.

[realguitarist07]

Hey Larry I was thinking about replacing my middle pickup on my strat with something that can obtain Eric Johnson's sparkle. I have a Dimarzio AT1 in the bridge position and a Cruiser DP187 in the neck. I am a huge fan of Andy Timmons but I also want Eric's sparkly sound. I'm hoping you have a pickup with his sound. Any recommendations?

[realguitarist07]

Nice strat Larry! I have a Deluxe strat and I recently put a Dimarzio AT1 pickup in it. I gotta say that it sounds real nice. I am also expecting a Cruiser DP187 to show up soon. And I love how you actually respond to youtube comments and give out so much information. It makes me feel more confident in buying your products. Keep it up!

[LarryDiMarzio]

My tech staff says Area 61s should be OK. They're a little louder and warmer than the 58s. You could go a little further with a 54 Pro, but you'll lose some sparkle in exchange for the additional warmth and output.

[rich655]

Hey Larry......love the Area 58's! I have them in several of my Strats here on You-Tube.

I just aquired a new HSS formatted Strat and will be replacing the neck and middle pickups.

I'm going for a different' 'flavor' this time. I'm thinking Area 61's.

How would they sound in those positions? As I understand, they are a higher output than the 58's. I'm looking to retain those nice 'Hendrix-y" tones.

Will the Area 61's do the trick?

[GuitarLegendov96]

Hi larry i wanted to get a vintage pickup for my ibanez i was just wondering would a air classic bridge be a good choice cause i want it to have a some warmer would you recomemend this pickup or another one

[pianist007]

Does anyone know what the original price of the Strat was in 1960 ?

[jcrobso]

My 1960 Strat cost around $300 with case if I remember correctly. I got mine as a Christmas present in December of 1960.

I replaced neck pickup with blue sensor to give it more warmth, I still have the original pick up the cover that goes over bridge.

[gregory49]

Your the man Larry. You make a great product and have an amazing company with great people. Good work and take care!

[msbthe]

Hello again, Larry

MB from Pa. simply are my initials and state I moved to years ago. My first name is Michael, I was about twelve years old when I hung around your shop. I was a student of the amazing, Vinnie Zummo and still stay in touch with him. Love watching and re-watching your videos. thanks mb

[rich655]

Hey Larry,former Staten Islander here. I'm NOT famous; and doubt I'll ever be. However I wish to give my personal endorsement for your UNBELIEVABLE Area 58 Stratocaster pickups. I now have them in four of my Highway One Strats. Finally.....someone got it RIGHT!! Awesome Strat tones and TOTAL silence!! Thanks Larry!! I can't wait to try the Area 61pickups.....they hopefully will give life to my tone dead 1979 Antigua Stratocaster; as the Area 58's brought my other Strats back to life!!

[LarryDiMarzio]

Hi,

Glad you like the DiMarzio Area pickups. You are right these are very very STRAT.

Thanks for the kind words and support.

All the best,

Larry

[msbthe]

hi larry i used to hang out in your first shop in SI when i was just a kid, (in Port Richmond) - you were extremely tolerant and kind to let me play on some of the great guitars in the shop. You make the best pick ups in the world and I love the videos you've done, one question, what happened to your red hair mb in PA

[LarryDiMarzio]

Hi,

I am glad that you had a good time in the shop. I remember Port Richmond well. I am not sure what mb in PA means but my red hair first turned brown and in now working it's way to white.

All the best,

Larry DiMarzio

[f61ss]

Hy Larry,

great guitar.

I need your help, you see I have a 21 year old vintage white strat and I wondered if I changed it's colour to 3 colour sunburst would it affect it's tone or something in a bad way?

[LarryDiMarzio]

Hi,

Believe it or not, changing the finish will affect the sound of your guitar. It could make it better or worse. You might consider trading the white guitar for a sunburst that sounds good.

Hope that helps,

Larry DMarzio

[msbthe]

Hi Larry. I grew up in SI, and remember your first place in Port Richmond. You were so nice to let a 12 year old kid hang around and play some of the guitars you had in the shop.

You still make the best pickups in the world and love your you tube videos. Mike B

[LeviMan2001]

DO NOT! repaint it, trade it for a sunburst one. i hate it when people refinish and restroe old guitars, it's nearly like ruining it! it gets rid of all it's mojo, also why not just get new wood and spray some paint on it instead of ruining the vintage finish.

[jollywood999]

The wind cries Mary!

[ttrelph]

can anyone tell me how much you would pay for one of them if you could get one?

[BurstMan26]

Several thousand dollars...

[ImOnTheTube]

all original 60' strat and 59' lp.... whoa one lucky man! But playing the "my insurance for my guitar is too high" blues must sound heavenly...

[PatToscano]

Larry,

Amazing " under-the-bed" EXC++++ near mint condition dual burst color piece from 1960 with its Brown Tolex case. Immaculate greenish Nitrocell pickguard , unwired, All in stock.

A '59 to '62 sounds a tad darker because the slab board.

( As a complete opposite about condition ,check out my trashed '64 on my link !!! )

[marlobr187]

Greetings from Madrid, Spain. Congratulations on owning this absolutely awesome piece of history. I am an electric guitar collector myself and recognize the great value of that strat. Thanks for sharing it to us all, Larry, and my acknowledgements for your contribution to the fantastic world of music and electric guitars.

[WolfensteinCastle3D]

very nice guitar, would you say that there is any major difference in the sound of older fender strats compared to new ones?

[bogyjr]

jimi hendrix in the backround

[prompen3]

why cant i find this video on your website?

[icec4p3d]

Wow Larry that is such beautiful strat.

[zero2kx]

Beautiful guitar. How does the slab rosewood affect playability/tone?

[LarryDiMarzio]

Hi,

The maple neck version is brighter sounding and the rosewood is darker.

Hope that helps,

Larry DiMarzio

[Joryba]

can any strat be equiped with a humbucker at the bridge position? or are some pockets where the pickup is placed only for nonhumbucker pickups?

[nicks5150]

it depends on the guitar i was prepared to route my guitar to put a humbucker in the bridge and when i took the pick guard off it already was but my friends guitar wasnt so his had to be routed

[felixrockss]

This is worth around 35 000 $.Absolutely bieautiful guitar!!Never sell this guitar larry !!At least you wanna sell it to me for 2000 $ :D LOL

[hxelix]

dear KSJ1989,you must spent 500pounds to get a strat from fender usa .when you pay 300 punds you get a mexico strat

[KSJ1989]

Thats such a nice guitar. Im currently looking to get a usa strat on ebay for christmas but i only have around £300 to spend, i have my eye on a few at the moment though. i just hope they dont go over my butget.

[fleepit]

Hi..try out the Classic Player series...mexican made but designeed by the Custom Shop builders...really nice guitars...a little more than your buget but mines is one of the best strats i've played...it's the 50s one..good luck.

[frankenstrat2]

try the highway one series. American made and fucking hot sounding

[IrishWhiskey101]

I like how you go through every aspect of the guitar thats how people should do review love the 1960 stratocaster

[fleepit]

Hi LDM.....In this age of the hot pickup,the hotter the better etc.. I'd like to ask you a question please...I own one of the new 50s Fender classic player strats...the pups are really low output around the 5ish mark...and sound great...what in your opinion are the benefits of a high quality but lower output pup against the higher output pup...I realise the obvious things such as sustain and gain etc but was really looking for your own personal opinion...thanks for your time.

[Elmancho02]

Hey larry, just to thank you to what you've donne to guitars. What I mean is that music donst get better just with inovative musicians but also with great intsruments and gear, and you make that happen! Thank you so much!

[LarryDiMarzio]

Hi,

Thank you so much. I try to do my best.

Merry Christmas,

Larry

[goldtop68]

Larrry,

It is so great to have famous guys like you sharing these things with us players and freaks from all over the globe..

What is the weight of that strat please?

[ledzeppelinzoso]

hey if this is really you thnx for all the good work i just bought another guitar recently with floyd rose bridge and a DiMarzio humbucker on the bridge thnx for all the good work

[hailthroneum]

wow, the condition is so good, the bridge is cleaner than my fender, and i only play at home as a hobby!

[LyteWave]

How can I get inot your will? LOL Nice guitars! I guess as a maker of pickups you need to study the design of them through the years.

[LarryDiMarzio]

Hi,

I love guitars. When I was starting out: I played, taught, sold and repaired guitars to make ends meet. The repair / pickups got to be the most popular. Although I did play with Gene Simmons (KISS) for a while in the early seventys. When business got better, I started keeping the really goodguitars for my self and to have a refference point for my future work.

Best regards,

Larry DiMarzio

[poopkid4]

Wow. I can't believe that a real famous pickup guitar legend is actually on Youtube and is kind enough to share his videos with us. When I get older, I might buy one of your pickups. I would right now, but I'm saving up for a new amp. Thanks for sharing your Strat with us. I liked the Les Paul and Telecaster videos as well.

[LarryDiMarzio]

Thanks for your support.

Larry DiMarzio

[digitalldeath]

whats the special thing bout slab, i mean whats the difference between a normal rosewood, i dont see it

[LarryDiMarzio]

Hi,

The first year of rosewood fingerboard Strats used a thick pieces of rosewood (aprox 1/4 inch) and the later ones had thin veneer. They also sound a little different.

Hope that helps,

Larry DiMarzio

[dmedicFF]

wow...a guitar pickup legend here on YouTube. Great vid here Mr Dimarzio and I also like the one on your 59 Les Paul. I have two Super Distortions in my LP for the Ace sound....thank you for great pickups

[LarryDiMarzio]

Thanks for your support.

Best regards,

Larry

[aChapo]

Amazing!!!

Mr. Dimarzio, what is your favorite guitar (playing wise, not a "collectible")

[LarryDiMarzio]

Hi,

If I could only keep one guitar it would be my original 1959 Gibson 335 dot marker. I am planing on a video for that guitar soon.

Best regards,

Larry DiMarzio

[24oscar24]

are you the owner of dimarzio pickups

[LarryDiMarzio]

Yes.

[24oscar24]

cool

[weavzy]

awsome vid. fucken grade a!