One other thing I'd like to add. There numerous sellers on ebay stating that they are DiMarzios official distributor/seller. Which of those sellers would you recommend me to deal with? (I dont live in the States, by the way). Because I do not want to get fake DiMarzios as I know there are plenty of fake EMGs, and all other famous brand-name pickups on ebay.
The best way to be certain the products are authentic is by purchasing them from DiMarzio dealers in your country, which may be found by using the International link on our home page.
Hi Larry, in an interview, Joe Satriani talked about his 3 single coil Ibanez JS prototype (the colour of the body is blue and has one piece maple neck). He said in that interview that the guitar didn't quite work, then Steve from DiMarzio sent him a set of these single coil pickups (which all looks like the neck pickup in the JS2400). Which pickups were they? Also, would you know by any chance the wood type for that particular prototype blue guitar (alder? basswood?). Very much appreciated!
@LarryDiMarzio. I watched a vid by Premier Guitar, where Joe Satriani showed us his blue Ibanez prototype with 3 single coils. He said he n ibanez have been working on it for a few yrs, but they never got it right. Then he said something like 'Dimarzio sent me a set of these pickups
@jeremyzatilla Hi, There was a famous American children's TV show called "The Flintstones" and we were sending samples of new pickups to Joe Satraini. We decided to use the names of the characters from the show instead of A,B and C because we thought it would be easier to remember it that way. Joe gave an interview and talked about the new pickup models and we decided keep the name the same.
heyy larry i know you must get hundereds of these type of comments everyday but a answer would be very well apperciated!! i own an Orange rockverb mkii 50 amazing amp! and i have prs mahogany single cut guitar with humbuckers! i really enjoy most of the tone i get but i find its very dark &middy! i was wondering if a set of the d activators would even things out? i really enjoy the thick tone but alittel more top end would help i just hope the d activators wont lack the thick humbucker goodness?
The D Activators will probably be good in terms of tone, but they will also be louder than the stock pickups as well. If you prefer quieter pickups, an Air Classic neck model in the neck position and a Norton in the bridge might be good choices.
Hey Mr.DiMarzio is it a good Idea to put the Paul Gilbert injector Pick-ups into an Fender American Standart Stratocaster to get a less hummy - louder output or is this like cracking a wallnut with a sledgehammer
I think they're really good Strat replacement pickups. It's true they're louder than the average Strat single-coil, but we make other models that are a lot louder than the Injector, as well. Please don't try cracking a walnut with a sledgehammer - you might slip and hurt your hand.
hi Larry, I have the crazy idea to put a Evo2 on the bridge of my Yamaha Pacifica guitar. Do you think the Chopper would be a good combination for the neck with the Evo2? I am using a Peavey Bandit 112 amp & TS9, playing rock and instrumental rock mostly, with a li'l bit of blues here and there :D. What do you think?
A little more info is required. We should be able to recommend pickups if you can email tech@dimarzio.com with the exact Ibanez guitar and type of amp you have.
Hey Mr. DiMarzio, I have an Epiphone Les Paul standard and I really want to upgrade the pickups in it to something really punchy with vivid harmonics, but also that has a good clean tone with no breakup, is there any you recomend? And I play anything from jazz to extreme metal haha so I dont have any specific person or anyone to sound like, just something that sounds way better than what I have now.
A lot of what you described depends on the amp you're playing. Email us at tech@dimarzio.com with a description of your gear. It should be possible to recommend pickups with this info.
More info is needed to offer recommendations. Please email tech@dimarzio.com with the model number of your guitar and a description of the type of music you play.
I have a epiphone explorer with floyd.. and im a huge fan of satriani, i ordered the PAF joe and MO joe,. is that going to help me to get the satriani sound? (: thank you
hi larry, i was wondering what pickups you think would be best for a strat (3 single coils) for a warm clean sound but also with the capabilty to get a vai/satriani kind of lead tone
A Chopper in the neck, Cruiser in the middle and Air Norton S in the bridge might be good, although it's pretty far away from a traditional Strat sound. Email tech@dimarzio.com if you'd like some wiring suggestions for this setup.
Mr Di Marzio, I am considering a replacement of the pick-ups of my Washburn MG-74 (alder body, maple fretboard, locking trem, H-S-H). My idea is to combine Evo 2 at the bridge with a Fred at the neck. What would you suggest for the mid position? Thank you!
im writing to get a pickup recommendation from you
i currently use active pickups but i want to switch over to passive and want a pickup that has the harmonic capabilities and power of and active pickups but i also want it to really clean up when i roll down the volume
You might try the D Activator neck and bridge models. I think you should be aware that the ability of any pickup (active or passive) to clean up depends on how much amp gain is dialed in, and pickups with more power don't clean up as well as quieter pickups.
Mr. Dimarzio, I was wondering what pickups you think would function well in a Laguna LE524 guitar (with a coil-splitting switch) that would have a nice balance of a warm clean sound and still with the capabilities of a loud, aggressive, distortion.
Hi Larry, im writing you cause i wanted to clear a myth about the Norton (DP160) pickup... in a interview with Joe he stated that he was involved in the developing process of the pickup, is this true ?... does he actually uses this pickup on any of his guitars ? Thanks
I haven't seen the interview and don't know exactly what he said. Joe was interested at one point in a louder version of the Fred and the Norton was one of the pickups we sent him to check out. Perhaps he was thinking of that.
hey,mr Larry! i own an Ibanez 260FM.it has a mahogany body,bolt on maple neck,and HSS combination.It's a medium priced guitar,but i guess i was lucky and got the piece that resonates so well,so i decided to put some nice PUs in it because i think it can put a lot of expensive guitars to shame.the question is,will neck Cruisers sound too fat in that kind of guitar?how about two area 61's?what humbucker to match them?i want a all-around guitar (rock,funk,pop) that doesn't sound too bassy (fat)
I don't think Cruisers will sound too fat, but this is a matter of personal taste. Area 61s will sound more like actual single-coils, if that is what you are looking for. With either choice, an F-spaced PAF bridge model (DP223F) should be good in the bridge position.
hey Mr.Dimarzio i have a quick question i have one the Fred pickups in the bridge position of my strat (LOVE the pickup by the way). My question is what single coil size neck pickup should I try in combination with Fred that would repond well with high gain and is similar in tone to the pickup john petrucci uses in the neck position (the LiquidFire i think?)
Mr. DiMarzio. Your pickups make my guitars SING! I make solidbody electrics. A hobby so far. My latest contains an Evolution in the bridge and a Tone Zone in the neck. These pickups are so "vocal" and strong. They bring out sweet spots and harmonics and other things I can't really put into words. It all sounds so natural and alive. Your care and attention to your craft enables musicians to play their best. THANK you.
Thanks for the kind words. I'm still a little surprised when I see someone putting a Tone Zone in the neck position, but the only rule we've ever gone by is "You'll never know if something is good unless you try it".
hey 2 quick questions 1 will the dimarzio evo pickup work in a guitar other than a gem if so will a super distortion in the bridge and a evo in the neck work together or will one overpower the other i know that may sound like a stupid question but i like the bridge to be crunchy and the leads to have that distorted yet clean sound that the evo has the evo sounds really melodic which i like
@LarryDiMarzio alright thank you man i just wanted to know do to that being a option im gonna put the new pickups in a ibanez im planning on getting you cant beat the dimarzio tone for shred especially there amazingly clean and articulet
I have your "Fast Track2" pickup, great pickup btw, but I was wondering what single coils in the neck and middle position give me a strong SRV tone that would compliment the "Fast Track2"?
I think I like Joe's attitude more than his actual writing. Honestly, however you feel about his music, this is a pretty inspiring and intelligent in this interview and it's worth watching
hello dimarzio i have no idea if you will actually answer me but my ibanez rg pickups are a bit dead in tone to me and i need pickups that scream but follow through with your playing feeling and technique what do you reccomend p.s im usually on the distortion channel but i really like that beautiful crystal clear tone
Hello, Mr. DiMarzio. I have a Gibson SG, and I need some new pickups. I need a set that is widely versatile. My SG tends to sound a little bright and lacking. A hot pickup that could push the front end of an amp would be nice, but I would still like for it to be clear, smooth, with good presence, but not something that is totally harsh on the ears.
It's kind of all over the place, but I really would like to solve my tone issues.
I'm looking for the same thing for my fat Strat... I'm happy with the single-coils, but the humbucker is muddy. While it's impossible to "test" pickups in your own guitar, I'd say the new Mo Joe would be a great choice. It's got a nearly "flat" EQ level, meaning treble, bass and mids are even so it doesn't color your guitar... your guitar's natural sound will shine. I think I'll go with either that one, or the Norton since it's supposed to be a very versatile 'pup.
It might be wise to try a pickup with a little less output and bass response, both to avoid a muddy sound and balance with the single-coils. I'm thinking of either an F-spaced PAF Joe (DP213F) or PAF (DP103F)
I've considered those. However, I also want the most harmonics to sound as well. I've heard that low-output PAF-type hb's are kind of weak getting pick harmonics and tap harmonics to really rip.
Would the Mo Joe be a better choice or the Fred? Those are a little less hot then the Norton. Basically I want a very versatile guitar that doesn't necessarily sound like a Gibson.
You might try an F-spaced Air Norton. The tone is very similar to a Norton with a little less output. A Chopper might also be good in the neck position.
I'd also consider upgrading the neck to something a bit more high-output... maybe a chopper. I might put a cruiser in the middle or an Area 67 to retain the Strat qualities. Thanks for the advice, Larry.
Mr. DiMarzio, what pickup would you recomend for a standard strat. I want to get a nice clean sound but do a couple solos with distortion. So far i've noticed that DiMarzio pickups are amazing.
There is some very hard core advice from 43 seconds to 1 min 40 seconds. Don't think I'll ever get to the point where I'll be able to apply it but still nice to hear
Kapalen, that was a two-handed legato lick which i THINK, im not sure, was invented by either Joe or Steve Vai, they both do it. It was a legato lick used in "cool #9" which everyone on this earth thinks is cool. that was an exaggeration, for all of you literal people.
oh, so the lick was not refridgerated or anything, coz that would be hard to do, especially live, you would need an esky nearby and quickly bust out the lick in order for it to remain cool under stage lights etc.
Master Joe Satriani, pioneer of instrumental rock and shred guitar. I think it's Yngwie who made shred popular, but Joe let versatility come out with SFTA's ballads, experimental and Heavy Metal pieces.
I love listening to him explaining you have to enjoy your music and the way you learn it, cause that's the best way to become a good musician.
I also like the fact that every G3 player is endorsed with DiMarzio, it fits perfectly with your moto!
"CIrcles" is the song from Surfing With The Alien. It appears toward the end he has played from left and changed the song, as true artists are prone to do.
I find it so cool that you actually talk / comment to your youtube audience on a very regular basis. A very rare occurrence indeed from such a legend of guitar technology. :)
its amazing how many companies have tried to reinvent the classic paf sounds that many tonal enthusiasts r looking for. Out of all of them i think dimarzio and gibson are the only companies able to reinvent that sound. Dimarzio has made many great pickups that faithfully recreates the classic sounds like the paf pro the paf joe and the paf fred, and the 36th anniversary paf/ although the vintage tone isnt exactly period correct it does give off the tones of a late 50s humbucker.
Larry, what DiMarzio single coil pickups would be best for a Steve Vai/Paul Gilbert type of sound? Currently I have a Fast Track 2 in the bridge of my Start,, but is there anything heavier? And also any suggestions for the neck and middle positions? Thanks! :-)
My tech people say the Fast Track 2 is the heaviest Strat-size model we currently make. The Air Norton S is good, but you should also check out a Pro Track for the neck position. Either a Fast Track 1 or a Cruiser should be good in the middle.
Wow, i think it's really great that you take the time out to not only respond to questions, but to actually research the answers. very cool. thanks so much.
I believe that pickups that you put in a guitar should bleed tone wise into each other. Others I have heard believe that they should really be balanced. Any thoughts to my rant. Oh one other thing. Have you listen to Chicken foot?
Yes, balance is key. I invented the idea of using different pickups in the bridge, middle and neck position on the guitar. Every guitar prior to DiMarzio pickups used the same pickup in all the positions.
Regarding Chicken foot, yes, I got an early release and I liked the CD and can't wait to see what happens.
Early or late 90s? John used a Humbucker From Hell in the neck and a Tone Zone in the bridge and then progressed to an Air Norton in the neck and Steve's Special in the bridge.
@redrocker1055 and Andy Timmons and John Petrucci. Pretty much all the virtuosos minus johnson. Timmon's cruiser is amazzzzing tone wise. he has so much feel and tone.
YES! I recognized it right away too! I thought he was gonna bust into Rubina, but when he started hitting the bass notes I cracked a big smile! Neat to see that live
'Playing music is an emotional experience and I am governed by that...it happened to me just the other night. I had like 20 bars left in the song and I'm thinking to myself...ok Joe, yer on stage, and people are lookin' at ya. Now is not the time to be having a, ya know, private moment. That's when the sunglasses come in handy. When you don't want to share EVERYTHING with the audience." - Joe Satriani
Lots of times it's because of the stage lights being really bright in your eyes. Lots of times he is wearing them for his image, he tries to project an alien image (that's what I think, maybe he's trying something else as an image) .
Larry please can you send me dimarzios for free??? I have been praising them to all players i know so im worth them! hehe just kidding! i already have on all my guitars
Well spoken Joe ,you start to get the whole point of music,and your playing (expression)has improved a lot,much more exiting then the robot stuff,cool respect
Satch is awesome and I love the Chrome Tops DiMarzio offers!
Larry, got any pictures of Gold Tops? I've ordered two of your pickups (Evolution Bridge, Humbucker From Hell) with Gold Tops, and can't wait. Will feature them in upcoming videos!
were can i find the song with out the words overlapped. cuzz i want to see joe play that awesome riff with the right hand capo but can't find it anywhere...
wow great interview. i was wondering. on my fender strat i currently have the stock noiseless pickups. i love the tones from those but they just don't have enough output. what single coils do you suggest for a good clean sound but still distortion friendly? i was thinking of looking at the areas but what do you think?
Hey Larry, awesome videos you have! I've been a Dimarzio fan for awhile now.
I have 2 Ibanez RG550s both with an X2N in the bridge and an AirNorton in the neck. What would you recommend for the middle single coil?? I am looking to get a strat-like tone but I want something with enough output to combine well with my humbuckers. Thank you!!
How appropriate the song Circles is playing during this interview. I don't know if its about the Zen practice of drawing circles..but..the goal is to draw the perfect circle. When the artist becomes the art..then the perfect circle, song, performance, etc....comes out. Of course, it helps to have a great audience..that I think is why Joe lately has written songs like Crowd Chant and I Just Wanna Rock..to thank his audience. The perfect circle in performing is formed by audience and performer.
Seems like Joe has entered a zen-like state of his career. Zen practioners in Japan spend hours every day drawing circles. The goal is to draw a perfect circle..its only through a pure zen state...a spiritual high..that the artist can let themselves get out of the way..and let the circle draw itself...instead of the artist drawing the circle.
Hey Larry, thanks for all of your awesome pickups :) Evo2 really made my RG520QS come alive! I'm really intrigued by the D-Activators and hope to try them soon. Keep up the great work! Oh, and Satch is the man :)
Thanks for your kind comments. There will be several new Joe / Larry interviews and a photo shoot video on the Musicians Friend website by the end of the month. Just check their Media center.
What do you recommend? Evolutions, or Breeds? Or a mix? I like to play thrash metal (Metallica), but I wanted to change the tone up using one of the two awesome pickups, you know, look at thrash metal at a new and different perspective. I don't exactly like EMG's because they are not versatile, and sound the same on every guitar. This is why I'm torn between the hot, screaming, Evolution or the warm, sustained Breed.( P.S.: I have a very small Marshall practice amp, and a Les Paul)
by replacing V7 and V8 with Evolution And PafPro I got rid of all the annoying frequencies lower class pickups tend to produce! Thanks for that Larry (and your team)
I love Dimarzios I just can't afford them the reason I like em is because they're so versatile and sound good at everything. I wish I could upgrade my strat an Ibanez with them they would sound even better than.
hi larry, remember me? i demonstrated your pickups at the frankfurt fair, sometime at the mid 90´s at the S.M.I.L.E. i still use your pickups.check my youtube site for a glimpse.regards,azhar
One other thing I'd like to add. There numerous sellers on ebay stating that they are DiMarzios official distributor/seller. Which of those sellers would you recommend me to deal with? (I dont live in the States, by the way). Because I do not want to get fake DiMarzios as I know there are plenty of fake EMGs, and all other famous brand-name pickups on ebay.
indoshakermaker 1 day ago
@indoshakermaker
The best way to be certain the products are authentic is by purchasing them from DiMarzio dealers in your country, which may be found by using the International link on our home page.
LarryDiMarzio 1 day ago
Hi Larry, in an interview, Joe Satriani talked about his 3 single coil Ibanez JS prototype (the colour of the body is blue and has one piece maple neck). He said in that interview that the guitar didn't quite work, then Steve from DiMarzio sent him a set of these single coil pickups (which all looks like the neck pickup in the JS2400). Which pickups were they? Also, would you know by any chance the wood type for that particular prototype blue guitar (alder? basswood?). Very much appreciated!
indoshakermaker 1 week ago
@indoshakermaker
I believe the guitar ended up with a Chopper in all 3 positions. Sorry, but I'm not certain about the wood.
LarryDiMarzio 6 days ago
@LarryDiMarzio Very much appreciated :)
indoshakermaker 2 days ago
@LarryDiMarzio. I watched a vid by Premier Guitar, where Joe Satriani showed us his blue Ibanez prototype with 3 single coils. He said he n ibanez have been working on it for a few yrs, but they never got it right. Then he said something like 'Dimarzio sent me a set of these pickups
indoshakermaker 1 month ago
J'ai une autre question qui me tracasse ;
Quelle micros DiMarzio joes satriani utilisait il sur sa ibanez black dog (1987-88) ?
jeremyzatilla 2 months ago
Bonjour monsieur DiMarzio ,c'est encor moi ,j'aimerais savoir pourquoi ce micro s'appelle le Fred ?
jeremyzatilla 2 months ago
@jeremyzatilla Hi, There was a famous American children's TV show called "The Flintstones" and we were sending samples of new pickups to Joe Satraini. We decided to use the names of the characters from the show instead of A,B and C because we thought it would be easier to remember it that way. Joe gave an interview and talked about the new pickup models and we decided keep the name the same.
Hope that helps,
Larry DiMarzio
LarryDiMarzio 2 months ago
Hello mister DiMarzio, I have a question.
FRED is him a kind of resumption of IBZ/USA?
Thank you for re-laying me there to monsieur DiMarzio.
;)
jeremyzatilla 2 months ago
@jeremyzatilla
We have been making the Fred since 1989. It has no connection to the IBZ/USA pickups, and does not resemble any of them.
LarryDiMarzio 2 months ago
awesome interview
cbertram11 3 months ago
heyy larry i know you must get hundereds of these type of comments everyday but a answer would be very well apperciated!! i own an Orange rockverb mkii 50 amazing amp! and i have prs mahogany single cut guitar with humbuckers! i really enjoy most of the tone i get but i find its very dark &middy! i was wondering if a set of the d activators would even things out? i really enjoy the thick tone but alittel more top end would help i just hope the d activators wont lack the thick humbucker goodness?
cbertram11 3 months ago
@cbertram11
The D Activators will probably be good in terms of tone, but they will also be louder than the stock pickups as well. If you prefer quieter pickups, an Air Classic neck model in the neck position and a Norton in the bridge might be good choices.
LarryDiMarzio 3 months ago
Hey Mr.DiMarzio is it a good Idea to put the Paul Gilbert injector Pick-ups into an Fender American Standart Stratocaster to get a less hummy - louder output or is this like cracking a wallnut with a sledgehammer
ScratSniff 4 months ago
@ScratSniff
I think they're really good Strat replacement pickups. It's true they're louder than the average Strat single-coil, but we make other models that are a lot louder than the Injector, as well. Please don't try cracking a walnut with a sledgehammer - you might slip and hurt your hand.
LarryDiMarzio 4 months ago 2
hi Larry, I have the crazy idea to put a Evo2 on the bridge of my Yamaha Pacifica guitar. Do you think the Chopper would be a good combination for the neck with the Evo2? I am using a Peavey Bandit 112 amp & TS9, playing rock and instrumental rock mostly, with a li'l bit of blues here and there :D. What do you think?
kalapoka666 4 months ago
@kalapoka666
It's impossible to know if it will do exactly what you want, but a Chopper can work well with an Evo 2 for the kind of sound you described.
LarryDiMarzio 4 months ago
@TheStratomasta
A little more info is required. We should be able to recommend pickups if you can email tech@dimarzio.com with the exact Ibanez guitar and type of amp you have.
LarryDiMarzio 8 months ago
Hey Mr. DiMarzio, I have an Epiphone Les Paul standard and I really want to upgrade the pickups in it to something really punchy with vivid harmonics, but also that has a good clean tone with no breakup, is there any you recomend? And I play anything from jazz to extreme metal haha so I dont have any specific person or anyone to sound like, just something that sounds way better than what I have now.
muzicboy99 8 months ago
@muzicboy99
A lot of what you described depends on the amp you're playing. Email us at tech@dimarzio.com with a description of your gear. It should be possible to recommend pickups with this info.
LarryDiMarzio 8 months ago
is the beginning song from banana mango?!? Never knew he played that live lmao
JgHaverty 8 months ago
Hello Larry,
I've got an Ibanez GIO With a dimarzio d activator on the bridge. What would you recomend for a dimarzio for the neck?thanks for the help!
dachachamonk 10 months ago
@dachachamonk
We will need more info to offer a recommendation. Please email tech@dimarzio.com with a description of the type of sound you're looking for.
LarryDiMarzio 10 months ago
Hey Mr. DiMarzio
What pickups would you recommend to put in an ibanez RG (H-H pickup configuration) to get a heavier sound than the stock pickups?
BandanaBoy1234 11 months ago
@BandanaBoy1234
More info is needed to offer recommendations. Please email tech@dimarzio.com with the model number of your guitar and a description of the type of music you play.
LarryDiMarzio 11 months ago
Hello larry,
I have a epiphone explorer with floyd.. and im a huge fan of satriani, i ordered the PAF joe and MO joe,. is that going to help me to get the satriani sound? (: thank you
kingbestia 11 months ago
@kingbestia
I think they should good in this guitar, but i can't promise you will get the exact sound Joe gets.
LarryDiMarzio 11 months ago
hi larry, i was wondering what pickups you think would be best for a strat (3 single coils) for a warm clean sound but also with the capabilty to get a vai/satriani kind of lead tone
LegendMather94 11 months ago
@LegendMather94
A Chopper in the neck, Cruiser in the middle and Air Norton S in the bridge might be good, although it's pretty far away from a traditional Strat sound. Email tech@dimarzio.com if you'd like some wiring suggestions for this setup.
LarryDiMarzio 11 months ago
Hey Larry what pick ups is Chris Broderick useing?
swarm2013 1 year ago
Mr Di Marzio, I am considering a replacement of the pick-ups of my Washburn MG-74 (alder body, maple fretboard, locking trem, H-S-H). My idea is to combine Evo 2 at the bridge with a Fred at the neck. What would you suggest for the mid position? Thank you!
pyrotas 1 year ago
hi larry,
im writing to get a pickup recommendation from you
i currently use active pickups but i want to switch over to passive and want a pickup that has the harmonic capabilities and power of and active pickups but i also want it to really clean up when i roll down the volume
thanks
32426 1 year ago
@32426
You might try the D Activator neck and bridge models. I think you should be aware that the ability of any pickup (active or passive) to clean up depends on how much amp gain is dialed in, and pickups with more power don't clean up as well as quieter pickups.
LarryDiMarzio 1 year ago
Mr. Dimarzio, I was wondering what pickups you think would function well in a Laguna LE524 guitar (with a coil-splitting switch) that would have a nice balance of a warm clean sound and still with the capabilities of a loud, aggressive, distortion.
MerlinBunny1 1 year ago
@MerlinBunny1 You could try a standard-spaced Air Norton or LiquiFire in the neck and an F-spaced Evo 2 (DP215F) in the bridge.
LarryDiMarzio 1 year ago
@LarryDiMarzio And those would work well with the swamp ash body, you think?
MerlinBunny1 1 year ago
@MerlinBunny1
What more can I say? I would not have recommended them if I didn't think they would work.
LarryDiMarzio 1 year ago 6
@LarryDiMarzio Lol good point. Thanks.
MerlinBunny1 1 year ago
Mr. DiMarzio, i love to see how you do your own interviews. you are as legendary as satch, in a different way. keep up the great work =)
1JAT1 1 year ago
@1JAT1 Thanks,
All the best,
Larry DiMarzio
LarryDiMarzio 1 year ago
Hi Larry, im writing you cause i wanted to clear a myth about the Norton (DP160) pickup... in a interview with Joe he stated that he was involved in the developing process of the pickup, is this true ?... does he actually uses this pickup on any of his guitars ? Thanks
erikmilan1987 1 year ago
@erikmilan1987
I haven't seen the interview and don't know exactly what he said. Joe was interested at one point in a louder version of the Fred and the Norton was one of the pickups we sent him to check out. Perhaps he was thinking of that.
LarryDiMarzio 1 year ago
hey,mr Larry! i own an Ibanez 260FM.it has a mahogany body,bolt on maple neck,and HSS combination.It's a medium priced guitar,but i guess i was lucky and got the piece that resonates so well,so i decided to put some nice PUs in it because i think it can put a lot of expensive guitars to shame.the question is,will neck Cruisers sound too fat in that kind of guitar?how about two area 61's?what humbucker to match them?i want a all-around guitar (rock,funk,pop) that doesn't sound too bassy (fat)
calicdusan 1 year ago
@calicdusan
I don't think Cruisers will sound too fat, but this is a matter of personal taste. Area 61s will sound more like actual single-coils, if that is what you are looking for. With either choice, an F-spaced PAF bridge model (DP223F) should be good in the bridge position.
LarryDiMarzio 1 year ago
hey Mr.Dimarzio i have a quick question i have one the Fred pickups in the bridge position of my strat (LOVE the pickup by the way). My question is what single coil size neck pickup should I try in combination with Fred that would repond well with high gain and is similar in tone to the pickup john petrucci uses in the neck position (the LiquidFire i think?)
guitarsgalore11 1 year ago
@guitarsgalore11
The Air Norton S is the closest single-coil size pickup to the LiquiFire, and it works well with high gain.
LarryDiMarzio 1 year ago
song?
maggan1991 1 year ago
@maggan1991 Circles
c3rveja 1 year ago
Mr. DiMarzio. Your pickups make my guitars SING! I make solidbody electrics. A hobby so far. My latest contains an Evolution in the bridge and a Tone Zone in the neck. These pickups are so "vocal" and strong. They bring out sweet spots and harmonics and other things I can't really put into words. It all sounds so natural and alive. Your care and attention to your craft enables musicians to play their best. THANK you.
mindstormsabrewin 1 year ago
@mindstormsabrewin
Thanks for the kind words. I'm still a little surprised when I see someone putting a Tone Zone in the neck position, but the only rule we've ever gone by is "You'll never know if something is good unless you try it".
LarryDiMarzio 1 year ago 2
hey 2 quick questions 1 will the dimarzio evo pickup work in a guitar other than a gem if so will a super distortion in the bridge and a evo in the neck work together or will one overpower the other i know that may sound like a stupid question but i like the bridge to be crunchy and the leads to have that distorted yet clean sound that the evo has the evo sounds really melodic which i like
poplepo3 1 year ago
@poplepo3
A Super in the bridge should be perfectly OK with an Evo neck model in the neck.
LarryDiMarzio 1 year ago
@LarryDiMarzio alright thank you man i just wanted to know do to that being a option im gonna put the new pickups in a ibanez im planning on getting you cant beat the dimarzio tone for shred especially there amazingly clean and articulet
poplepo3 1 year ago
I have your "Fast Track2" pickup, great pickup btw, but I was wondering what single coils in the neck and middle position give me a strong SRV tone that would compliment the "Fast Track2"?
thoz1guyz 1 year ago
I think I like Joe's attitude more than his actual writing. Honestly, however you feel about his music, this is a pretty inspiring and intelligent in this interview and it's worth watching
Wgrant 1 year ago 2
hello dimarzio i have no idea if you will actually answer me but my ibanez rg pickups are a bit dead in tone to me and i need pickups that scream but follow through with your playing feeling and technique what do you reccomend p.s im usually on the distortion channel but i really like that beautiful crystal clear tone
iluvmetal100 2 years ago
I meet Joe at Lamps plus on Geary in S.F, really nice guy
swarm2013 2 years ago
wow i had no idea satriani was that good at legato......... im blown away
jessbpowers 2 years ago
Hello, Mr. DiMarzio. I have a Gibson SG, and I need some new pickups. I need a set that is widely versatile. My SG tends to sound a little bright and lacking. A hot pickup that could push the front end of an amp would be nice, but I would still like for it to be clear, smooth, with good presence, but not something that is totally harsh on the ears.
It's kind of all over the place, but I really would like to solve my tone issues.
Thanks
Austin
TheDistortionist 2 years ago
I'm looking for the same thing for my fat Strat... I'm happy with the single-coils, but the humbucker is muddy. While it's impossible to "test" pickups in your own guitar, I'd say the new Mo Joe would be a great choice. It's got a nearly "flat" EQ level, meaning treble, bass and mids are even so it doesn't color your guitar... your guitar's natural sound will shine. I think I'll go with either that one, or the Norton since it's supposed to be a very versatile 'pup.
DarthKazi 2 years ago
It might be wise to try a pickup with a little less output and bass response, both to avoid a muddy sound and balance with the single-coils. I'm thinking of either an F-spaced PAF Joe (DP213F) or PAF (DP103F)
LarryDiMarzio 2 years ago
I've considered those. However, I also want the most harmonics to sound as well. I've heard that low-output PAF-type hb's are kind of weak getting pick harmonics and tap harmonics to really rip.
Would the Mo Joe be a better choice or the Fred? Those are a little less hot then the Norton. Basically I want a very versatile guitar that doesn't necessarily sound like a Gibson.
DarthKazi 2 years ago
You might try an F-spaced Air Norton. The tone is very similar to a Norton with a little less output. A Chopper might also be good in the neck position.
LarryDiMarzio 2 years ago
I'd also consider upgrading the neck to something a bit more high-output... maybe a chopper. I might put a cruiser in the middle or an Area 67 to retain the Strat qualities. Thanks for the advice, Larry.
DarthKazi 2 years ago
Mr. DiMarzio, what pickup would you recomend for a standard strat. I want to get a nice clean sound but do a couple solos with distortion. So far i've noticed that DiMarzio pickups are amazing.
Jazzguitarist123 1 year ago
There is some very hard core advice from 43 seconds to 1 min 40 seconds. Don't think I'll ever get to the point where I'll be able to apply it but still nice to hear
Bluebuthappy182 2 years ago
What is the song in the begginig?
Bassaddicted6 2 years ago
Circles!!!
rokku87 2 years ago
Words of wisdom from a master of the guitar.. and Circle is my favorite song from Surfing with the Alien!
MaggotIam 2 years ago 4
My favorite guitar player
arealfanofmusic 2 years ago
To tell you the truth, I think Joe Satriani was like the answer to everyone's cry for someone incredible who wasnt a complete asshole.
ShadowLancer128 2 years ago 3
Kapalen, that was a two-handed legato lick which i THINK, im not sure, was invented by either Joe or Steve Vai, they both do it. It was a legato lick used in "cool #9" which everyone on this earth thinks is cool. that was an exaggeration, for all of you literal people.
ShadowLancer128 2 years ago
oh, so the lick was not refridgerated or anything, coz that would be hard to do, especially live, you would need an esky nearby and quickly bust out the lick in order for it to remain cool under stage lights etc.
00sven00sven00 2 years ago
@ShadowLancer128 well steve vai was joes student... so i would almost dare to assume that satriani made it up?
ElJimboGuitar 2 years ago
1:11-1:42... Joe Speaks The Ultimate Truth of Guitar Playing.
ShadowLancer128 2 years ago 2
@ShadowLancer128 yeah i realized that too when i heard it :O
ElJimboGuitar 2 years ago
Master Joe Satriani, pioneer of instrumental rock and shred guitar. I think it's Yngwie who made shred popular, but Joe let versatility come out with SFTA's ballads, experimental and Heavy Metal pieces.
I love listening to him explaining you have to enjoy your music and the way you learn it, cause that's the best way to become a good musician.
I also like the fact that every G3 player is endorsed with DiMarzio, it fits perfectly with your moto!
Thanks again Larry, rock on!
Stratoboy68 2 years ago 2
That exotic sounding run at 5:00 is so cool!
Steve128967 2 years ago
Mr. Dimarzio, YOU ROCK!!!
tubaeli93 2 years ago 2
4:03 WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!?
kapalen 2 years ago 2
"CIrcles" is the song from Surfing With The Alien. It appears toward the end he has played from left and changed the song, as true artists are prone to do.
wnkghormley 2 years ago
Larry i think it's great that you're on here answering people's questions about your great pickups.I use the X2N myself and am very pleased with it!
Thanks for the great PUPS!
yngvai777 2 years ago 3
I find it so cool that you actually talk / comment to your youtube audience on a very regular basis. A very rare occurrence indeed from such a legend of guitar technology. :)
Kloopdog 2 years ago
whats this piece does anyone know please!?
vheadfacelegs 2 years ago
every one needs to play... closer to the heart
moses132049 2 years ago 2
i put a Joe satriani pickup in my guitar, awesome pick up if i should say so myself
NesQuikSurprise 2 years ago
its amazing how many companies have tried to reinvent the classic paf sounds that many tonal enthusiasts r looking for. Out of all of them i think dimarzio and gibson are the only companies able to reinvent that sound. Dimarzio has made many great pickups that faithfully recreates the classic sounds like the paf pro the paf joe and the paf fred, and the 36th anniversary paf/ although the vintage tone isnt exactly period correct it does give off the tones of a late 50s humbucker.
ramennoodelz 2 years ago
Really cool that every comment gets answered, that's something not many company youtube channels can boast.
Anyway, Air Norton/Air Classic is my FAVORITE pickup combo ever.
Dimarzios rule!
oilpit 2 years ago
Larry, what DiMarzio single coil pickups would be best for a Steve Vai/Paul Gilbert type of sound? Currently I have a Fast Track 2 in the bridge of my Start,, but is there anything heavier? And also any suggestions for the neck and middle positions? Thanks! :-)
GuitarCrazyManiac 2 years ago
**To below**
Also, I was thinking an Air Norton S for the neck and a Fast Track 1 for the middle. Would these be good?
GuitarCrazyManiac 2 years ago
My tech people say the Fast Track 2 is the heaviest Strat-size model we currently make. The Air Norton S is good, but you should also check out a Pro Track for the neck position. Either a Fast Track 1 or a Cruiser should be good in the middle.
LarryDiMarzio 2 years ago
Wow, i think it's really great that you take the time out to not only respond to questions, but to actually research the answers. very cool. thanks so much.
tremalow 2 years ago
I believe that pickups that you put in a guitar should bleed tone wise into each other. Others I have heard believe that they should really be balanced. Any thoughts to my rant. Oh one other thing. Have you listen to Chicken foot?
PrsFenderJackson1980 2 years ago
Hi,
Yes, balance is key. I invented the idea of using different pickups in the bridge, middle and neck position on the guitar. Every guitar prior to DiMarzio pickups used the same pickup in all the positions.
Regarding Chicken foot, yes, I got an early release and I liked the CD and can't wait to see what happens.
All the best,
Larry DiMarzio
LarryDiMarzio 2 years ago
Early or late 90s? John used a Humbucker From Hell in the neck and a Tone Zone in the bridge and then progressed to an Air Norton in the neck and Steve's Special in the bridge.
LarryDiMarzio 2 years ago
Early, Images and Words period
TheHorrorInside 2 years ago
Comment removed
TheHorrorInside 2 years ago
Larry ?
what pickups is closest to the ones John Petrucci had in the 90's ? : D
TheHorrorInside 2 years ago
The main melody from "circles" starts at 50 seconds
and repeats at 56 seconds
AlanScottBand 2 years ago
Banana Mango?? Crushing Day?? What planet are you two on lol
Hardysamnin 2 years ago 2
crystal planet :D
guitarsimon1 2 years ago 2
gor every genre.
the X2N kicks ass!
666jony666 2 years ago
he's playing 'crushing day'....awesome.
pipty11 2 years ago
in my opinion, this is 'Circles'
:)
BoxXxeR8 2 years ago 3
I need this concert on video!!
dragon18783 2 years ago 2
It has to be great to have Satch, Vai, Gibert, Morse and Yngwie as your R&D team!
redrocker1055 2 years ago 21
@redrocker1055 dont forget Petrucci!
RepticDude 1 year ago
@redrocker1055 Don't forget Petrucci ;)
510shredder 1 year ago
@redrocker1055 and Andy Timmons and John Petrucci. Pretty much all the virtuosos minus johnson. Timmon's cruiser is amazzzzing tone wise. he has so much feel and tone.
RockNRoller294 10 months ago
what song is he playing
blurpy123 2 years ago
circles
jeffe2222 2 years ago
banana mango
stocki94 2 years ago
ahahahah...lol
koolynoodyano 2 years ago
he awesome!
Ibik 3 years ago
0:22-0:37 banana mango 2 :D
Spocksbrother 3 years ago
YES! I recognized it right away too! I thought he was gonna bust into Rubina, but when he started hitting the bass notes I cracked a big smile! Neat to see that live
turdburper 3 years ago 2
'Playing music is an emotional experience and I am governed by that...it happened to me just the other night. I had like 20 bars left in the song and I'm thinking to myself...ok Joe, yer on stage, and people are lookin' at ya. Now is not the time to be having a, ya know, private moment. That's when the sunglasses come in handy. When you don't want to share EVERYTHING with the audience." - Joe Satriani
To the guy that asked about sunglasses.
cleremond 3 years ago 6
a true maestro
Nikkorea 3 years ago
got to see satch at the orpheum in boston, terrific show!
ErnieBallPlayer23 3 years ago
Dude, I was there!
I had balcony seats and a PERFECT view of his pedal board.
xChainsaw 3 years ago 2
Circle is AMAZING.
It's so haunting and cool at the beginning.
Then it goes into OVERDRIVE!!! in the middle.
Then back to haunting and cool at the end.
Comes back to full Circle.
Firefret30003 3 years ago
Cool what a player....makes it look easy and it aint easy....
lilnetty2 3 years ago
Anyone know the reason he wears sunglasses on stage no matter where or when he's playing?
towny100 3 years ago
Lots of times it's because of the stage lights being really bright in your eyes. Lots of times he is wearing them for his image, he tries to project an alien image (that's what I think, maybe he's trying something else as an image) .
seth3556r 3 years ago 3
The song's name is CIRCLES
jorgegonzalez1971 3 years ago
somebody know whats the name of the song that joe is playing?
guitarwarrior182 3 years ago
circles from surfing with the alien album.
warezpl0 3 years ago
circles from surfing with the alien.
warezpl0 3 years ago
Satch is just awesome. I have a basswood Ibanez Prestige I'm probably gonna get a couple of Dimarzios for, I just need to figure out which. ^^
Sjusovaren 3 years ago
I just scored satch tickets for the Pittsburgh show in October hail joe
tc6669 3 years ago
Larry please can you send me dimarzios for free??? I have been praising them to all players i know so im worth them! hehe just kidding! i already have on all my guitars
nemogre 3 years ago 2
thisi moste amaizing interview i ve seen, soo cool and deep they good qustions goood answers
LAYUCHEBI 3 years ago
Well spoken Joe ,you start to get the whole point of music,and your playing (expression)has improved a lot,much more exiting then the robot stuff,cool respect
46jokers 3 years ago
Satch is awesome and I love the Chrome Tops DiMarzio offers!
Larry, got any pictures of Gold Tops? I've ordered two of your pickups (Evolution Bridge, Humbucker From Hell) with Gold Tops, and can't wait. Will feature them in upcoming videos!
kareemb0 3 years ago
cant wait to meet him in october, im so excited! :D
Vinniemoore89 3 years ago 4
Can we please switch lives? Please?!
Botdra 3 years ago 4
yah ive met him hes so cool
Drizzt700 3 years ago 6
Joe é o melhor!!!!!!
alemaoblue 3 years ago 2
were can i find the song with out the words overlapped. cuzz i want to see joe play that awesome riff with the right hand capo but can't find it anywhere...
brian108832 3 years ago
I'm probably mistaken but I believe it's only an improvisation, he does, a similar thing on the song 'the mystical potato head groove thing' however.
vattenskallen 3 years ago
Dude it isn't a capo... he just uses it to mute the strings so his fretting hand be more free and he doesn't need to pick.
TravuhsWree 3 years ago 2
wow great interview. i was wondering. on my fender strat i currently have the stock noiseless pickups. i love the tones from those but they just don't have enough output. what single coils do you suggest for a good clean sound but still distortion friendly? i was thinking of looking at the areas but what do you think?
xdivinebladex 3 years ago
Hey Larry, awesome videos you have! I've been a Dimarzio fan for awhile now.
I have 2 Ibanez RG550s both with an X2N in the bridge and an AirNorton in the neck. What would you recommend for the middle single coil?? I am looking to get a strat-like tone but I want something with enough output to combine well with my humbuckers. Thank you!!
TheRenzonator 3 years ago
DiMarzio pickups rule. Accept no substitutes.
shredbaron 3 years ago 6
Hi Larry,
Great video & interview with Joe.
I meet Joe at a G3 meet & great in Nottingham on the G3 2004 UK tour.
Ben
musicmachinesuk 3 years ago
good job
yayayahya 3 years ago
Very cool stuff.
FRETPICK 3 years ago
How appropriate the song Circles is playing during this interview. I don't know if its about the Zen practice of drawing circles..but..the goal is to draw the perfect circle. When the artist becomes the art..then the perfect circle, song, performance, etc....comes out. Of course, it helps to have a great audience..that I think is why Joe lately has written songs like Crowd Chant and I Just Wanna Rock..to thank his audience. The perfect circle in performing is formed by audience and performer.
garagebandjunkie 3 years ago
Seems like Joe has entered a zen-like state of his career. Zen practioners in Japan spend hours every day drawing circles. The goal is to draw a perfect circle..its only through a pure zen state...a spiritual high..that the artist can let themselves get out of the way..and let the circle draw itself...instead of the artist drawing the circle.
garagebandjunkie 3 years ago
What DiMarzio neck humbucker would you recommend for smooth shreding e.g. sweep arpegios, leggato picking and general shreding?
Dazsturbed 3 years ago
Hey Larry, thanks for all of your awesome pickups :) Evo2 really made my RG520QS come alive! I'm really intrigued by the D-Activators and hope to try them soon. Keep up the great work! Oh, and Satch is the man :)
timeszero 3 years ago
Hi,
Thanks for your kind comments. There will be several new Joe / Larry interviews and a photo shoot video on the Musicians Friend website by the end of the month. Just check their Media center.
All the best,
Larry DiMarzio
LarryDiMarzio 3 years ago
What do you recommend? Evolutions, or Breeds? Or a mix? I like to play thrash metal (Metallica), but I wanted to change the tone up using one of the two awesome pickups, you know, look at thrash metal at a new and different perspective. I don't exactly like EMG's because they are not versatile, and sound the same on every guitar. This is why I'm torn between the hot, screaming, Evolution or the warm, sustained Breed.( P.S.: I have a very small Marshall practice amp, and a Les Paul)
FFXGuitar 3 years ago
Hi,
The Evos would be the best choice.
Best regards,
Larry DiMarzio
LarryDiMarzio 3 years ago
Thanks, Larry!
FFXGuitar 3 years ago
by replacing V7 and V8 with Evolution And PafPro I got rid of all the annoying frequencies lower class pickups tend to produce! Thanks for that Larry (and your team)
Thelycandraven
thelycandraven 3 years ago
COOL....
malin9999 3 years ago
I love Dimarzios I just can't afford them the reason I like em is because they're so versatile and sound good at everything. I wish I could upgrade my strat an Ibanez with them they would sound even better than.
MelonSnapple 3 years ago
Thanks,
Larry DiMarzio
LarryDiMarzio 3 years ago
I totally love DiMarzio pick ups! I use them on my RG's and les Paul
chimpshred 3 years ago
Agreed, use them on my RG and Tele, keep up the good work Larry!
noakwesterberg 3 years ago
Hi,
Thanks.
Best regards,
Larry
LarryDiMarzio 3 years ago
How did you create Super Distortion pickup.Its godlike
SteppenWolf1989 3 years ago
Hi,
Thanks, it is a long story but I did lots of experiments and finally came with the tone and sustain of the Super Distortion.
Best regards,
Larry DiMarzio
LarryDiMarzio 3 years ago
Hi,
Thanks for your kind words, I will pass them along to the NYC crew.
Best regards,
Larry DiMarzio
LarryDiMarzio 3 years ago
Thanks,
Larry DiMarzio
LarryDiMarzio 3 years ago
Wow! That's the first time I've seen or heard you, Mr. DiMarzio. You look and sound like a father. Hehe. How appropriate.
Gotta' love how Satch approaches guitar playing so spiritually. "It's more like a way of life." I <3 Satch!
aw3ofsh3 3 years ago
Hi,
Joe is great, and I guess I do have the Dad factor going now.
Best regards,
Larry
LarryDiMarzio 3 years ago
nice video
freeaman 3 years ago
Thanks,
Larry
LarryDiMarzio 3 years ago
Hi Azhar,
I looked at your video and you sound great.
Thanks,
Larry
LarryDiMarzio 3 years ago
hi larry, remember me? i demonstrated your pickups at the frankfurt fair, sometime at the mid 90´s at the S.M.I.L.E. i still use your pickups.check my youtube site for a glimpse.regards,azhar
azharkamal 3 years ago
A great innovator talks with a great guitarist. Loved this clip. Thanks for posting Larry.
shelbytc16v 3 years ago
Hi,
Glad you liked the video. I am planing to post the second half of our conversation next month, it's about Joe's new album.
Best Regards,
Larry
LarryDiMarzio 3 years ago
That Would Be The best Mr Dimarzio!
danhashmi 3 years ago
3:35.....i wonder who joe got that move from.....hmmmm.
RONDOC68 4 years ago