Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$119.00
Amazon
4.8 (19)
$119.00
zZounds
5.0 (1)
$119.00
Thomann
4.8 (58)
$116.00 $115.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $118

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

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Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab - Bridge". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your guitar's sound with the DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab - Bridge, a powerhouse pickup designed in collaboration with progressive metal virtuoso John Petrucci. This humbucker is not just about high-output; it's about delivering a sound that's big, bold, and beautifully balanced. The Crunch Lab is engineered to articulate every note with precision, making it ideal for both studio recordings and live performances. Whether you're riffing through Dream Theater's catalog or crafting your own symphonic metal masterpiece, this pickup offers a sound that's neither muddy nor thin, ensuring clarity even through the most gain-heavy setups.

What sets the Crunch Lab apart is its custom winding and ceramic magnets, crafting a sound that's uniquely crunchy and punchy. With a voicing that's open in the lows and mids, it allows your chords to resonate with body and presence, adding depth to your music. This pickup's versatility is further enhanced by its 4-wire construction, offering you the flexibility to experiment with various wiring configurations. Designed to replace standard bridge pickups, it fits seamlessly into most guitars, making it an easy upgrade for those seeking to push their tonal boundaries.

Key Features:

  • High power output for dynamic sound
  • 4-Wire construction for versatile wiring options
  • Ceramic magnets for a sharp, high-output tone
  • Designed specifically for the bridge position
  • Created in collaboration with John Petrucci for a signature tone
  • Standard spacing suitable for most guitars

Product specs

Type Humbucker
Position Bridge
Active/Passive Passive
Magnet Material Ceramic
Number of Conductors 4 wire plus ground
DC Resistance 11.03K
Connectivity Soldered
Number of Strings 6
Covering Uncovered

FAQs

What type of magnet does the DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab use?

The DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab uses a ceramic magnet, which provides a powerful and focused tone, ideal for high-gain applications.

Is the DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab suitable for all guitar types?

The DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab is designed for 6-string electric guitars and is specifically intended for the bridge position, offering a tight, aggressive sound.

Does the DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab require a battery?

No, the DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab is a passive pickup and does not require a battery, making it easy to install and maintain.

How is the DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab wired?

The DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab features 4-conductor wiring, allowing for versatile wiring options, including coil splitting and series/parallel configurations.

What kind of tone can I expect from the DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab?

The DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab offers a tight and aggressive tone with a strong midrange, making it ideal for metal and hard rock genres.

Guitar Sound Lab

Guitar Sound Lab

DiMarzio Crunch Lab DP228 vs Tone Zone DP155 pickup demo Marshall Lead tone

Video thumbnail for DiMarzio Crunch Lab DP228 vs Tone Zone DP155 pickup demo Marshall Lead tone by Guitar Sound Lab

DiMarzio Crunch Lab DP228 vs Tone Zone DP155 pickup demo Marshall Lead tone

Guitar Sound Lab

Guitar Sound Lab

Video thumbnail for DiMarzio Crunch Lab Bridge VS ESP LH-200 Bridge humbucking pickup by Ivan Deus

DiMarzio Crunch Lab Bridge VS ESP LH-200 Bridge humbucking pickup

Ivan Deus

Ivan Deus

Video thumbnail for DiMarzio ILLUMINATOR vs CRUNCH LAB - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo by Mike Stamper

DiMarzio ILLUMINATOR vs CRUNCH LAB - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for DiMarzio SUPER DISTORTION vs CRUNCH LAB - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo by Mike Stamper

DiMarzio SUPER DISTORTION vs CRUNCH LAB - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for Crunch Lab DP228 vs Tone Zone DP155 bridge pickups demo Mesa Mark V Lead #dimarzio by Guitar Sound Lab

Crunch Lab DP228 vs Tone Zone DP155 bridge pickups demo Mesa Mark V Lead #dimarzio

Guitar Sound Lab

Guitar Sound Lab

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent clarity and punch for tight rhythms and leads.

  • Performs well across diverse genres from jazz to death metal.

  • High output level ideal for metal and hard rock, but versatile enough for other styles.

  • Great low-end retention even on guitars with thinner bodies.

  • Easy installation with clear manual provided.

  • Notable sustain and articulation for individual notes.

  • Effective for low tunings, maintaining clarity down to drop G.

  • Balanced low mids and clear high mids for a powerful EQ profile.

  • Capable of achieving sparkling clean tones with minimal noise.

  • Enhances tonal options, significantly improving guitar sound quality.

CONS

  • High output may not suit all players, especially those preferring blues.

  • Not the cleanest for "Fender-like" tones, minor noise present.

  • More tailored towards metal genres, less suitable for vintage blues.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab - Bridge.

Features and functionality

  • The DiMarzio Crunch Lab DP228 enhances tone clarity, resolving muddiness found in stock pickups, particularly beneficial for genres requiring distinct note articulation.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A common upgrade is pairing the DiMarzio Crunch Lab DP228 with a DiMarzio DP193BK Air Norton in the neck for versatile clean tones.

    Source
  • Installing a high-output DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab in the bridge paired with Power Slinkys (.011 - .048) is favored for drop-C tuning in metal/hardcore genres.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners often send guitars for complete fret jobs and electronic upgrades to eliminate humming noise, ensuring modern performance standards.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The upgraded Ibanez RG 270 featuring the Crunch Lab is described as ideal for modern metal, providing a clear and powerful sound profile.

    Source
  • The DP228 Crunch Lab is noted for its specialized application as a secondary guitar for metal and hardcore, emphasizing its preference in non-versatile, genre-specific setups.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that Samick guitars, when modded with DiMarzio pickups, deliver unexpectedly impressive tone and playability, making them a favorite despite their budget origins.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Dimarzio Crunch Lab Review DP228

tonejourney.com

The DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab earns high marks for its powerful, clear, and articulate output, making it a standout choice for modern rock and metal enthusiasts. It excels in high-gain settings with tight lows and rich low-mids, maintaining clarity even under heavy distortion. While it's tailored for John Petrucci's signature tones, its versatility extends beyond metal, offering potential for clean and lighter overdrive tones. Some may find it unsuitable for vintage blues rock styles, but for fans of Dream Theater or those seeking a robust humbucker with depth and clarity, the Crunch Lab is a compelling option.

positive

Reviews > Parts > DiMarzio Pickups : DIY Fever – Building my own guitars, amps and pedals

diy-fever.com

The DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab Bridge pickup delivers a balanced tone with ample output, ideal for driving amps into overdrive without overwhelming any frequency range. It's praised for tight lows and bright highs, making it suitable for Petrucci-inspired sounds. However, the pickup may be perceived as somewhat sterile due to its lack of distinct character and is not recommended for those seeking a mid-heavy or traditional PAF-style vibe. While not the best choice for bluesy sounds, it surprisingly performs well in that genre. Overall, it's a solid choice for fans of tight, smooth tones but might not satisfy those craving a more pronounced, characterful pickup.

Crunch-Lab DP228 Review: If you play a g chord with heavy distortion you can... | DiMarzio | Pickups | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab delivers a powerful punch with its high output, making it a great choice for rock and metal players seeking clarity and articulation. Its standout quality is the ability to maintain note clarity even under heavy distortion, offering a bass-rich, mid-focused tone with just enough treble bite. Built with reliability in mind, its craftsmanship ensures durability. While it may not suit those looking for a brighter sound, its versatility and robust performance make it a top pick for those craving a killer look and sound.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Petrucci uses DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab - Bridge

John Petrucci

Guitarist, Composer

Dream Theater

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, John Petrucci demonstrates his signature Crunch Lab and Liquifire pickups.

See how Ben Savage uses DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab - Bridge

Ben Savage

Guitarist

Whitechapel

...
Verified via YouTube

It’s a crunchy pickup that he used in his esp guitar when he recorded “Our Endless War”

See how Dominic Jadrich uses DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab - Bridge

Dominic Jadrich

Guitarist

Skyhaven

...
Verified via YouTube

He uses Crunch Lab seven string version for Music Man JP7.

Album Usage

The DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab - Bridge has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use DiMarzio DP228 Crunch Lab - Bridge, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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