DiMarzio DP 153FBP+BK The Fred

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DiMarzio DP 153FBP+BK The Fred

DiMarzio

DP 153FBP+BK The Fred

4.9 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 596492
Brand: DiMarzio
Model: DP 153FBP+BK The Fred
Price: $152.90

* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.

The Fred is a seriously good pickup—it’s got that vintage vibe but with a modern edge. It’s fantastic for rock, blues, and even heavier styles where you need some extra punch and clarity. Joe Satriani helped refine it, and you can definitely hear that responsiveness and drive.

Product Description

  • DiMarzio DP 153FBP+BK The Fred
  • Pickup for Electric Guitar
  • F-spaced humbucker
  • Basically a PAF humbucker
  • but a bit hotter than the popular original
  • Significantly tighter in the mid-range and also in the overtones
  • it asserts itself excellently and fits perfectly into the modern soundscape
  • Reacts very sensitively to the guitarist's touch
  • dynamic playing is accentuated
  • Originally a prototype for Joe Satriani
  • Very fat - ideal for the 60s sound
  • Colour: Red/Black
PROS
  • • Excellent mid-range focus delivers a powerful, articulate tone.
  • • Sensitive to playing dynamics, rewarding nuanced phrasing and attack.
  • • F-spacing accommodates a wide range of guitar designs and tremolo systems.
  • • The Fred's design provides a slightly hotter output than a typical PAF.
CONS
  • • The tighter mid-range might not suit players seeking a very scooped sound.
  • • Its assertive nature can clash with certain darker, more mellow guitar tones.
  • • Might feel a bit stiff for players used to very low-output pickups.

Product Video

Key Features

Position Bridge
Magnet Ceramic
Output Level 9.5
DC Resistance 15.3Ω
Spacing F-spaced
Mounting 4-hole

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Frequently Asked Questions

While hotter than a classic PAF, it’s not overwhelmingly so; the mid-range focus helps retain some vintage character, but it will still push your amp a bit more.
Yes, the F-spacing is specifically designed for Stratocaster-style guitars, so it should drop right in without needing any routing or adjustments.
The Fred offers a more refined, less aggressive high-end compared to those pickups; it’s tighter and more focused, making it more versatile for a broader range of styles.

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