Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $113
Standard/Professional
$99
$200+
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "DiMarzio DP153 FRED". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.
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Description
Elevate your guitar's voice with the DiMarzio DP153 FRED humbucker, a meticulously designed pickup that captures the essence of classic tones while pushing the boundaries of modern sound. Originally crafted as a prototype for the legendary Joe Satriani, this humbucker is a testament to superior sound quality, blending a tight central frequency response with enriched overtones. It offers a dynamic range that is sensitive to your playing style, ensuring every pick attack and strum is articulated with clarity.
The DP153 FRED is not just another PAF-inspired pickup; it stands out with its unique ability to accentuate your guitar's natural voice, making it an ideal choice for musicians seeking a robust, versatile sound. Whether you're diving into the rich soundscapes of the 60s or exploring contemporary lead tones, this pickup delivers a fat, powerful output that effortlessly integrates into any rig. Experience the perfect balance of vintage warmth and modern edge, making your guitar sing with newfound life.
Key Features:
- Humbucker pickup with enhanced midrange frequencies
- Designed for dynamic response to pick attack
- Originally a prototype for Joe Satriani
- Suitable for both vintage and modern soundscapes
- Rich, fat sound ideal for a wide range of styles
Product specs
| Active | No |
| Wiring | 4-Conductor |
| Output | Medium |
| Cap | No |
| Colour | Black |
| Position | Bridge, Neck |
FAQs
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What type of tone can I expect from the DiMarzio DP153 FRED pickup?
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The DiMarzio DP153 FRED offers a wide, fat tone with an emphasis on upper midrange and treble harmonics, especially through an overdriven amp. It provides a sweet, round vintage tone when the guitar tone is rolled back.
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Is the DiMarzio DP153 FRED suitable for both bridge and neck positions?
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Yes, the DiMarzio DP153 FRED is designed to work well in both bridge and neck positions, making it versatile for various guitar configurations.
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How does the DiMarzio DP153 FRED perform with different guitar types?
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The DiMarzio DP153 FRED is recommended for use with solid, semi, and hollowbody guitars, providing a consistent performance across these types.
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Does the DiMarzio DP153 FRED pickup require a specific wiring setup?
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The DiMarzio DP153 FRED features standard 4-conductor wiring, allowing for various wiring configurations and tonal options.
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What kind of magnets are used in the DiMarzio DP153 FRED pickup?
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The DiMarzio DP153 FRED uses Alnico V magnets, contributing to its distinctive tonal characteristics and harmonic emphasis.
Videos
Mike Stamper
DiMarzio FRED vs PAF PRO - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Clear, dynamic sound with powerful but not overly hot output
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Excellent harmonic clarity and separation between notes
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Versatile for rock, blues, funk, and more
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Responsive to pick attack and control settings
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Retains transparency while enhancing mid-range
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Sweet harmonics, especially with overdriven amps
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Can be split for a Telecaster-like tone
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Great for both solos and rhythm tracks
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Suitable for various playing styles, including shredding
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Signature sound of Joe Satriani
CONS
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Slightly less defined sound with mahogany-bodied guitars
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Strings may not align perfectly with pole pieces on some bridges
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DiMarzio DP153 FRED.
Comparisons
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The DiMarzio FRED is considered a hotter pickup, contrasting with the recommended PAF style for a warmer neck sound.
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The Humbucker From Hell is noted for its cleaner sound and high-end clarity, addressing muddiness often found in Les Paul neck positions.
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The Tone Zone pickup may sound dull with excessive low end and lacking mids, while FRED (DP153) or The Breed (DP166) offer better classic rock tones.
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Use cases and applications
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The PAF is suggested for those seeking more tonal variety and warmth, suitable for blending with high-output bridge pickups like the Super Distortion.
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The Super Distortion in the bridge and a PAF in the neck is a setup reportedly used by a member of Kiss, highlighting its versatility for rock genres.
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Mods and upgrades
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F-spaced pickups are recommended for guitars with bridge spacing of 2.1" or greater, ensuring proper string alignment and balanced output.
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User experience
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The Air Norton is praised for its versatility and improved tone, appealing to those seeking both high-gain and classic rock sounds.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
160
Dimarzio Fred (DP153)
FRED® DP153 We designed FRED® to bump the mid-range of the PAF Pro® EQ up a notch, but in the process something unusual happened. Harmonics that humbuckers usually don’t reproduce started popping out, particularly with overdriven amps and distortion units. FRED® has about the same power as the PAF Pro®, but the unusual overtones create a sound with more crank and growl. Joe Satriani was the first player to discover and exploit these qualities, and it’s been his main bridge pickup until the introduction of the Mo' Joe™. FRED® is really sensitive to changes in pick attack and control settings, and its distinctive tone makes a great recorded sound for both penetrating solos and tight rhythm tracks.
Wiring: 4 Conductor Magnet: Alnico 5 Output mV: 305 DC Resistance: 10.38 Kohm Year of Introduction: 1989 Patent: 4501185
Tone Guide: Treble: 5.5 Mid: 6.0 Bass: 5.0
Artist usage
Add artist
"Joe Satriani has used FRED® as his main bridge pickup for years. In 2005, Joe asked us for a hotter and bigger version to replace the FRED® in his new Ibanez® guitars. The new model called the Mo’ Joe™ is all about tone and definition. Its name says it all. It has more power than FRED® but it doesn’t sacrifice clarity or dynamics. "
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 DP153 FRED, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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