Pricing and availability

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Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$86.00 $79.00 $7.00 · All time low
Amazon
5.0 (16)
$79.00
Reverb
4.0 (3)
$79.00 20 available New

Average Price: $79

Budget/Beginner

$99

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your inner virtuoso with the DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil, a Steve Vai signature pickup that promises to elevate your tonal palette. Designed with the legendary guitarist's creative vision, this passive pickup boasts a high-output design, perfectly complementing its Dark Matter 2 humbucker counterparts. It’s not just about power, though; the Dark Matter 2's carefully crafted tone ensures a full, rounded sound, ideal for soaring solos or intricate rhythm work.

Engineered for seamless integration with tremolo-equipped guitars, this pickup's F-spacing keeps perfect alignment and balance across your strings. The softened high end makes it particularly suited for mahogany-bodied guitars, where it delivers a warm and rich tone, even at higher frets. Beneath its sleek exterior, the Dark Matter 2 is powered by a ceramic magnet, ensuring that each note you play is infused with clarity and precision.

Whether you're crafting soulful ballads or shredding at breakneck speeds, the Dark Matter 2 is your ticket to unlocking a new dimension of sound. So plug in, crank up the gain, and experience the harmonious fusion of innovation and artistry with every strum.

Key Features:

  • Steve Vai signature single-coil pickup
  • High-output design with softened high end
  • F-spaced for tremolo-equipped guitars
  • 2 Conductor wiring
  • Ceramic magnet
  • Output: 200mV
  • DC Resistance: 7.33 KΩ

Product specs

Type Single-coil
Position Middle
Active/Passive Passive
Magnet Material Ceramic
Number of Conductors 2 wire plus ground
DC Resistance 7.33K
Connectivity Soldered
Number of Strings 6
Spacing F-Spaced
Covering Uncovered
Format Strat-sized

FAQs

What type of magnet does the DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil use?

The DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil uses a ceramic magnet, which typically provides a bright and clear tone with strong output, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles.

Is the DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil suitable for a Stratocaster-style guitar?

Yes, the DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil is Strat-sized and designed to fit in the middle position of a Stratocaster-style guitar, providing a balanced and versatile sound.

How is the DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil connected to the guitar?

The DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil uses a soldered connection with two wires plus a ground, ensuring a secure and stable installation in your guitar.

What is the DC resistance of the DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil?

The DC resistance of the DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil is 7.33K, which contributes to its well-rounded tonal characteristics, offering both clarity and warmth.

Is the DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil passive or active?

The DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil is a passive pickup, providing a traditional sound and dynamic response without the need for a battery.

LarryDiMarzio

LarryDiMarzio

Steve Vai for DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Pickups

Video thumbnail for Steve Vai for DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Pickups by LarryDiMarzio

Steve Vai for DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Pickups

LarryDiMarzio

LarryDiMarzio

Video thumbnail for Steve Vai Describes Developing Dark Matter 2 Pickups with DiMarzio by LarryDiMarzio

Steve Vai Describes Developing Dark Matter 2 Pickups with DiMarzio

LarryDiMarzio

LarryDiMarzio

Video thumbnail for Dimarzio "Dark Matter 2" pickups. MASSIVE IMPROVEMENT!!! by Chris Tompkins

Dimarzio "Dark Matter 2" pickups. MASSIVE IMPROVEMENT!!!

Chris Tompkins

Chris Tompkins

Video thumbnail for DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 (Neck/Mid/Bridge) Clean Tone by Wubaii 翔翔翔

DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 (Neck/Mid/Bridge) Clean Tone

Wubaii 翔翔翔

Wubaii 翔翔翔

Video thumbnail for Dimarzio Dark Matter 2 | Aristides T/0 | Omega Obsidian - Test by Sergio Chong-Loo

Dimarzio Dark Matter 2 | Aristides T/0 | Omega Obsidian - Test

Sergio Chong-Loo

Sergio Chong-Loo

Reviews

PROS

  • Extra ground wire significantly reduces noise

  • Delivers a modern, clean high sound

  • Mixes well with humbuckers for a rich tone

  • Offers a unique sound when combined with vintage humbuckers

  • High output for a loud and spicy tone

  • Enhances overall guitar sound noticeably

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil.

Comparisons

  • The DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 neck pickup is noted for achieving a Strat-like tone in split position, offering a thinner sound compared to previous models.

    Source
  • The Dark Matter 2 bridge pickup is described as having a darker sound but lacks sweetness due to its ceramic construction, prompting some to consider alternatives like the DiMarzio Tone Zone.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • In first position, the Dark Matter 2 provides a darker tone, especially noticeable with overdrive, aligning with Steve Vai's "Modern Primitive" album sound.

    Source
  • A 10-position Free Way switch (5b5-01/02) combined with a push/pull pot can expand tonal options for HSH setups featuring the Dark Matter 2 middle pickup.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners looking to replicate a "Vai-ish" tone without purchasing a Jem guitar have successfully used the Dark Matter 2 neck pickup from Jem Woody.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's noted that switching between pickups on certain guitar models with the Dark Matter 2 results in minimal volume loss, enhancing the playing experience.

    Source
  • Implementing treble bleeding in a setup can maintain high-end clarity, even when using the Dark Matter 2 middle pickup with complex wiring schemes.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Adding a mini toggle switch allows selection between full humbucker, inner, or outer coils, enhancing versatility in HSH configurations with the Dark Matter 2.

    Source

3.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steve Vai uses DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil

Steve Vai

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified

According to DiMarzio's artists page, Steve Vai uses DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Pickups.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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