AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best DiMarzio Humbucker Pickups 2026
The top pick is DiMarzio DP155BC The Tone Zone Humbucker ($110). Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 66 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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DiMarzio DP155BC The Tone Zone Humbucker
DP155 WH-F-Spaced · DiMarzio
9 for sale on Reverb8 finishes at Thomann
The DP155 WH-F-Spaced is a powerhouse bridge pickup – a Tone Zone variant with F-spacing for modern players. It’s got that thick, aggressive Tone Zone character but with a bit more clarity and definition, especially with wider string spacing. If you're a rock or metal player looking for serious punch and a modern edge, this is a solid choice.
Pros
- Delivers a powerful, focused tone with excellent sustain.
- The F-spacing accommodates wider string spacing for improved clarity.
- Alnico 5 magnets provide a balanced, articulate output.
Cons
- Can be a bit too aggressive for very clean, delicate tones.
- The Tone Zone’s output might be overwhelming for lower-wattage amps.
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DiMarzio DP100FCR Super Distortion F-Spaced Humbucker
DP100F BK · DiMarzio
11 for sale on Reverb7 finishes at Thomann
The DP100F BK is a powerhouse for serious rock and metal players. It’s got that classic DiMarzio bite, but with a slightly warmer Alnico II edge – perfect for driving amps and getting that 70s/80s hard rock sound. If you’re looking for a pickup that’ll cut through a wall of sound without being overly sterile, this is a great choice.
Pros
- High output delivers aggressive, crunchy rhythm tones.
- Alnico II magnet provides a warm, rounded, vintage character.
- F-spacing accommodates Floyd Rose tremolo systems cleanly.
Cons
- Can be a bit muddy in scooped EQ settings.
- Limited versatility – best suited for hard rock/metal.
52AudioFu
Index↓ 9.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$122 · Aug 17$110 now$110€99 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
DiMarzio DP151FBK PAF Pro F-Spaced Humbucker
DP151Wh · DiMarzio
12 for sale on Reverb6 finishes at Thomann
The DP151Wh is a fantastic bridge pickup for players wanting a modern edge without losing that classic humbucker vibe. It’s got a real focused, punchy character perfect for rock, blues, and even some harder styles. This is a great choice if you need a hot lead pickup with some serious bite.
Pros
- Excellent clarity and articulation compared to typical PAF replicas
- Splittable coil design offers added tonal flexibility for rhythm work
- Alnico 5 magnet delivers a balanced, articulate high-output tone
Cons
- Can be slightly overwound for players seeking a truly vintage, scooped tone
- White ceramic appearance might not suit all aesthetic preferences
52AudioFu
Index↓ 8.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$133 · Aug 17$122 now$122€109 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
DiMarzio DP227BK Liquifire Humbucker
LiquiFire DP227 BK · DiMarzio
25 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
The LiquiFire DP227 is a seriously solid choice for players wanting a balanced, responsive humbucker. It’s got that classic DiMarzio warmth and punch, with the added bonus of coil-splitting. If you’re upgrading a neck pickup on a Strat or Superstrat, or looking for a versatile humbucker for a slightly hotter, more modern tone, this is a great pickup to consider.
Pros
- Alnico V magnet delivers a warm, articulate, and powerful tone.
- Four-wire design enables coil-splitting for added versatility and tonal options.
- Excellent build quality; DiMarzio's reputation for durability shines through.
Cons
- Medium output might be underwhelming for players seeking extremely high-gain tones.
- Black finish can show dirt and grime more readily than other finishes.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$133 now$133€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
DiMarzio DP159FBK Evolution F-Spaced Bridge Humbucker
DP159 Evolution Bridge BK · DiMarzio
18 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
The Evolution Bridge is a powerhouse—it’s got that unmistakable Vai-inspired snarl and a serious amount of output. It's a great choice for players who want a modern, aggressive tone for rock, metal, or anything that needs a bit of extra bite. Just be prepared to tame its high-gain nature if you're used to more mellow pickups.
Pros
- High output delivers aggressive, searing leads and powerful rhythm tones.
- Alnico II Pro magnets provide a balanced, articulate response with singing highs.
- Designed with Steve Vai, it captures a modern, high-gain aesthetic.
Cons
- Might be too aggressive for players seeking a vintage, warm tone.
- Can be microphonic if not properly shielded and set-up.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$133 now$133€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
DiMarzio DP228FBK Crunch Lab F-Spaced Humbucker
Crunch Lab DP228 BK · DiMarzio
8 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
The Crunch Lab is a powerhouse pickup—designed for modern rock, metal, and anything needing serious bite. It’s got a raw, aggressive edge, and the coil-splitting gives you some flexibility, but don't expect subtle vintage tones. Perfect for players who want a hot, crunchy bridge pickup without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Ceramic magnets deliver aggressive high-output crunch and sustain.
- 4-wire construction allows for coil-splitting versatility.
- Black finish offers a clean, classic aesthetic.
Cons
- Can be overly aggressive for players seeking a vintage, mellow tone.
- High output might require adjustments to amp settings or guitar volume.
46AudioFu
Index↓ 9.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$133 · Aug 17$120 now$120€108 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
DiMarzio DP104BK Super 2 Humbucker
DP 104FBK Super 2 F-Spaced · DiMarzio
14 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
The Super 2 F-Spaced is a powerhouse for rock and metal players needing serious punch and sustain. Its F-spacing makes it a breeze to install in modern guitars, and the Alnico II magnet gives it a surprisingly sweet upper-midrange. If you’re looking for a hot, versatile humbucker that won't break the bank, this is a solid choice.
Pros
- Alnico II magnet delivers a warm, vocal midrange character.
- F-spacing accommodates Floyd Rose tremolo systems easily.
- High output provides excellent distortion and sustain.
Cons
- Can be a bit too aggressive for cleaner, more nuanced tones.
- Lower B-string response might require tweaking for some bass frequencies.
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DiMarzio DP158FBK Evolution F-Spaced Neck Humbucker
DP158 WH · DiMarzio
10 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
The DP158 WH is a powerhouse neck pickup, designed for players who want serious output and a modern edge. It’s a great choice for rock, metal, and fusion guitarists looking for a hotter, more aggressive tone without sacrificing too much clarity. This pickup really shines when paired with a bridge pickup that complements its aggressive character.
Pros
- Aggressive high-end response delivers searing lead tones.
- Alnico 5 magnet provides a balanced, articulate sound.
- Excellent for modern rock, metal, and fusion styles.
Cons
- Can be overly aggressive for vintage or clean-focused applications.
- Higher output may require adjustments to amp settings.
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$133 now$133€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Air Norton is a surprisingly articulate neck humbucker – DiMarzio nailed the clarity here. It's a fantastic choice for players who want a warm, dynamic neck tone that doesn't get lost in the mix, especially if you’re running a hotter bridge pickup. Perfect for rock, blues, and classic country where you want some grit without the mud.
Pros
- Excellent clarity and articulation for a neck humbucker.
- F-spacing accommodates Floyd Rose systems seamlessly.
- Harmonic richness adds complexity without muddiness.
Cons
- Can be a bit quiet for players needing extreme output.
- Might lack the deep growl preferred by some metal players.
43AudioFu
Index↓ 1.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$122 · Aug 17$119 now$119€107 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
DiMarzio DP255FBK Transition Bridge F-Spaced Humbucker
DP255 BK Transition Bridge BLK · DiMarzio
8 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
This Transition Bridge pickup is Steve Lukather's take on a powerful, versatile bridge humbucker. It's got that classic rock bite with a modern edge thanks to the ceramic magnet, and the coil-splitting option gives you a surprising amount of tonal flexibility – perfect for players wanting a serious bridge tone without committing to a full, boutique pickup set.
Pros
- Steve Lukather’s signature tone: articulate, bluesy rock crunch.
- Ceramic magnet delivers high output and tight, focused lows.
- 4-conductor wiring enables coil-splitting for added versatility.
Cons
- High output might be overwhelming for vintage-style guitars or lighter playing.
- Can be a bit harsh with overly aggressive amp settings or pedals.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$133 now$133€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 66 humbucker pickups
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
DiMarzio DP213BK PAF Joe HumbuckerPAF Joe DP 213 BK · DiMarzio42Stable$128€115$128€115Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP153FBK FRED F-Spaced HumbuckerDP153F Fred BK · DiMarzio41Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP192FBK Air Zone F-Spaced HumbuckerDP192F-BK · DiMarzio40Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP161FBK Steve's Special F-Spaced HumbuckerDP 161FRB Steve Vai Special · DiMarzio · 2 finishes40Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP223N4 PAF 36th Anniversary Bridge HumbuckerDP223BC PAF 36th Anniversary · DiMarzio · 5 finishes40Stable$128€115$128€115Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP216BK Mo' Joe HumbuckerDP 216 Mo Joe BK · DiMarzio · 2 finishes40Stable$128€115$128€115Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP-224BK AT-1 F-SpacedDiMarzio · 5 finishes40Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP227FBK Liquifire F-Spaced Neck HumbuckerDP227 F-Spaced BK · DiMarzio40Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP222BK D Activator-X Bridge HumbuckerD Activator X Bridge DP 222 BK · DiMarzio40Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP222BK D Activator-X Bridge HumbuckerDP222 D Activator X Bridge WH · DiMarzio40Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP211BK EJ Custom Neck HumbuckerDP211 Black · DiMarzio · 2 finishes40Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP160FBK Norton F-Spaced HumbuckerDP160 BK F-Spaced · DiMarzio39Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
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DiMarzio D Activator X Neck DP 221 WHDiMarzio · 2 finishes39↓ 7.0%$134€120$134€120Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP190BK Air Classic Neck HumbuckerDP190 BK · DiMarzio38Stable$110€99$110€99Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP156FBK Humbucker From Hell F-Spaced Neck PickupDP156F Humbucker from Hell BK · DiMarzio38Stable$110€99$110€99Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP156FBK Humbucker From Hell F-Spaced Neck PickupDiMarzio DP156 · DiMarzio38Stable$117€105$117€105Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP103 BK 36th Ann. NeckDiMarzio · 3 finishes38↓ 1.7%$130€117$130€117Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP256BK Illuminator Neck HumbuckerIlluminator Neck DP256F BK · DiMarzio · 2 finishes38Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP215FBK EVO 2 F-Spaced Bridge HumbuckerDP 215FBK Evo 2 Bridge · DiMarzio38Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP215FBK EVO 2 F-Spaced Bridge HumbuckerEvo 2 DP215 F-Spaced WH · DiMarzio38Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP163BK Bluesbucker HumbuckerDP163 Bluesbucker BK · DiMarzio37Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP254FBK Transition Neck F-Spaced HumbuckerDP 254BK Transition Neck black · DiMarzio · 3 finishes37Stable$128€115$128€115Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP220FBK D Activator F-Spaced Bridge HumbuckerD Activator Bridge DP220 F WH · DiMarzio36Stable$132€118$132€118Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP213FBK PAF Joe F-Spaced HumbuckerPAF Joe DP 213 BK F-Spaced · DiMarzio36Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP220BK D Activator Bridge HumbuckerDP220F D Activator Bridge BK · DiMarzio · 2 finishes35Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP500 WDiMarzio · 2 finishes35Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP 258FBK Titan Neck blackDiMarzio · 2 finishes35Stable$128€115$128€115Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP 259BK Titan Bridge blackDiMarzio · 2 finishes35Stable$128€115$128€115Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP252BK Gravity Storm Neck HumbuckerDP252 Gravity Storm BK · DiMarzio35Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP228F BKDiMarzio · 2 finishes35Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP102 X2N CRDiMarzio · 2 finishes35Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP219FBK D Activator F-Spaced Neck HumbuckerDP219 D Activator Neck BK · DiMarzio · 2 finishes34Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP257FBK John Petrucci Illuminator F-Spaced Bridge HumbuckerIlluminator DP257 F-Spaced BK · DiMarzio34Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP107F Mega Drive BKDiMarzio33Stable$110€99$110€99Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP202 Al DiMeola Bridge BKDiMarzio33Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP201 Al DiMeola Neck BKDiMarzio33Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP 100FPK+BK Super DistortionDiMarzio33Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP207FBK D-Sonic F-Spaced Bridge HumbuckerDP207 BK F-Spaced · DiMarzio33Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 49
DiMarzio DP227FBLBK Liqui FireDiMarzio33Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP212 NickelDiMarzio33Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
Humbucker Pickups by the numbers
Measured across all 791 models we track, not a sample.
Median $133 — half of all humbucker pickups here cost less.
median of 7 models · 6-string–6-string
How to choose the best humbucker pickups
Heritage & Design Philosophy
Dimarzio didn't start with fancy digital modeling. They built pickups for working musicians, focusing on responsive output, sustain, and a thick, musical tone. That commitment to practicality shines through, even in their modern offerings.
Alnico Magnet Variety
This is a huge deal. Dimarzio's mastery of Alnico magnet selection - from Alnico 2 (warm, vintage) to Alnico 8 (high output, aggressive) - allows for incredibly nuanced voicing. The right Alnico makes a massive difference in the overall character - warmth, clarity, attack, and that all-important midrange honk.
Coil Windings & Construction
Their attention to detail in coil winding - the number of turns, the wire gauge - directly impacts the pickup's output, tonal complexity, and even its feel. It's not just about brute force; it's about how the signal is shaped and delivered.
Noise & Cancellation
Dimarzio has consistently worked to improve noise cancellation in their humbuckers. While no pickup is perfectly silent, they generally offer a very respectable level of noise reduction, especially compared to some of the earlier designs from competitors.
Versatility Across Genres
From blues and rock to metal and jazz, there's a Dimarzio humbucker for virtually any style. The sheer breadth of their catalog means you're likely to find something that fits your specific needs and tonal goals. It's about finding that sweet spot, not just raw power.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk Dimarzio humbuckers. You're chasing that sweet spot - enough output to cut through a wall of amps, but with some character beyond just pure, sterile high gain. Dimarzio's been the go-to for a lot of players for decades, and for good reason: they nail that balance, offering a huge range of voicings without sacrificing that core, reliable feel. Whether you're laying down rhythm parts or wailing a solo, a Dimarzio can be the difference between sounding like a clone and forging your own sonic identity.
Don't chase the highest output rating just because it sounds cool online. Think about your guitar's wood, your amp's character, and the kind of music you play. Cheaper pickups often use inferior wire and sloppy construction, which leads to microphonic issues and a lifeless tone.
Spending a little more on a Dimarzio is an investment in a pickup that'll sound great, last for years, and genuinely inspire you to play.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 127 humbucker pickups from the Thomann catalogue (of 791 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Dimarzio pickups really worth the price?
Absolutely, if you value tone and reliability. They're not the absolute cheapest, but you're paying for quality materials, meticulous construction, and a proven design philosophy. A bad pickup can ruin a good guitar; a good pickup can elevate a decent one.
I'm getting a lot of hum. Is it the pickups?
It could be. While Dimarzio humbuckers are generally well-shielded, grounding issues in your guitar or amp can still cause noise. Double-check your wiring and make sure everything is properly grounded first.
Which Dimarzio is best for a high-gain metal tone?
The Evolution series, like the Evolution 7 or 8, are popular choices for their high output and tight low-end. But don't overlook the Super Distortion - it's a classic for a reason and delivers a thick, aggressive sound.
Can I install Dimarzio pickups myself?
If you're comfortable soldering and have a basic understanding of guitar electronics, it's definitely doable. There are tons of online tutorials. Just take your time and don't force anything - a broken wire is a pain to fix.
What's the difference between a PAF and a Custom Classic?
The PAF is a recreation of a vintage Gibson PAF pickup - warmer, more nuanced, with a slightly scooped midrange. The Custom Classic is hotter, with more output and a more aggressive, focused tone. Think vintage vibe versus modern rock.
