Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $79
Budget/Beginner
$99
$200+
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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
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What type of magnet does the DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil use?
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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.
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Is the DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil suitable for a Stratocaster-style guitar?
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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.
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How is the DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil connected to the guitar?
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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.
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What is the DC resistance of the DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil?
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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.
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Is the DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Middle Single Coil passive or active?
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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.
Videos
LarryDiMarzio
Steve Vai for DiMarzio Dark Matter 2 Pickups
Reviews
PROS
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Extra ground wire significantly reduces noise
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Delivers a modern, clean high sound
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Mixes well with humbuckers for a rich tone
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Offers a unique sound when combined with vintage humbuckers
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High output for a loud and spicy tone
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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
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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.
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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.
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Features and functionality
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In first position, the Dark Matter 2 provides a darker tone, especially noticeable with overdrive, aligning with Steve Vai's "Modern Primitive" album sound.
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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.
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Use cases and applications
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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.
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Setup and maintenance
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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.
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Implementing treble bleeding in a setup can maintain high-end clarity, even when using the Dark Matter 2 middle pickup with complex wiring schemes.
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3.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
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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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