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Average Price: $104

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$99

$200+

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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "DiMarzio DP161 Steve's Special". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.

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Description

Looking to upgrade your guitar's sound with a pickup that delivers both clarity and power? The DiMarzio DP161 Steve's Special Humbucker is designed to provide a unique tonal experience that keeps treble and bass frequencies alive, even under high gain. Crafted by Steve Blucher of DiMarzio, this pickup excels in highlighting the scooped mids sound, making it a perfect match for amplifiers that shine in the midrange. Whether you're shredding away or strumming smoothly, this humbucker ensures that your sound remains vibrant and well-defined.

The Steve's Special is not just another distortion pickup; it’s a versatile tool that has powered the guitars of legends like John Petrucci. Its ability to maintain a wide frequency spectrum means that every note you play is rich and articulate. Designed with F-spacing, it fits perfectly into modern guitars, ready to take your playing to the next level. Whether you’re playing rock, metal, or any genre in between, this pickup will enhance your performance with its hot HiGain sound.

If you're part of a musician community looking for a reliable and powerful upgrade, the DiMarzio DP161 Steve's Special Humbucker is your answer. Join the ranks of guitarists who refuse to compromise on sound quality.

Key Features:

  • F-Spaced design for modern guitars
  • Hot HiGain sound with emphasis on scooped mids
  • Wide frequency spectrum for improved clarity
  • Used by renowned guitarist John Petrucci
  • Ideal for midrange-focused amplifiers

Product specs

Available since April 2004
Active No
Wiring 4-Conductor
Output High
Cap No
Colour Black
Position Bridge

FAQs

What type of music is the DiMarzio DP161 Steve's Special pickup best suited for?

The DiMarzio DP161 Steve's Special is designed for high-output performance, making it ideal for rock and metal genres where powerful, clear tones are desired.

Is the DiMarzio DP161 Steve's Special pickup suitable for the bridge position on my guitar?

Yes, the DiMarzio DP161 is specifically designed for the bridge position, providing a balanced tone with pronounced mids and highs.

What is the difference between the F-spaced and standard DiMarzio DP161 Steve's Special pickup?

The F-spaced version of the DiMarzio DP161 is designed for guitars with wider string spacing, such as those with Floyd Rose bridges, ensuring optimal string-to-pole piece alignment.

Does the DiMarzio DP161 Steve's Special require active electronics?

No, the DiMarzio DP161 Steve's Special is a passive pickup and does not require active electronics to function.

How does the wiring configuration of the DiMarzio DP161 Steve's Special affect installation?

The DiMarzio DP161 features a 4-conductor wiring setup, allowing for versatile wiring options including series, parallel, and coil-splitting for different tonal possibilities.

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GuitopiaX

DiMarzio DP161 Steve´s Special

Video thumbnail for DiMarzio DP161 Steve´s Special by GuitopiaX

DiMarzio DP161 Steve´s Special

GuitopiaX

GuitopiaX

Video thumbnail for Review DiMarzio Steve’s Special DP161 by Piguitars Oficial

Review DiMarzio Steve’s Special DP161

Piguitars Oficial

Piguitars Oficial

Reviews

PROS

  • High output with well-defined clarity and rich high frequencies

  • Balanced sound with minimal muddiness, even in complex chords

  • Suitable for rock, metal, and some jazz applications

  • Excellent for lead playing with sharp, ultra-defined tones

  • Clean sounds remain clear and cinematic, even in high output settings

  • Can be wired for both parallel and serial configurations for versatile sound options

  • Retains clarity in split or parallel modes, ideal for clean and slightly distorted sounds

  • Ceramic magnets provide more punch and sustain compared to some alnico options

  • Complements mid-heavy guitars, offering a balanced tonal profile

  • Handles high-gain settings well without sacrificing note definition

CONS

  • Requires potential modifications for fitting due to slightly larger dimensions

  • May not produce as much gain as some high output pickups

  • High treble and low midrange may not suit all musical styles

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DiMarzio DP161 Steve's Special.

Features and functionality

  • The DP161 Steve's Special can replicate the iconic tones of Dream Theater, making it ideal for fans seeking that distinctive Petrucci sound.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Swapping the DP161 into a different guitar replicates the JPM's sound without altering the original, preserving its value and integrity.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The DP161 can handle a wide range of musical styles, suitable for diverse playing from heavy metal to intricate progressive rock.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Petrucci uses DiMarzio DP161 Steve's Special

John Petrucci

Guitarist, Composer

Dream Theater

...
Verified via Ibanez Wiki

Pickups

The standard pickups for the JPM100 are the DiMarzio Air Norton [neck] and the DiMarzio Steve's Special [bridge]. Some catalogs list the pickups as being the DiMarzio Norton Lite and/or the DiMarzio SFP (Steve's Favorite Pickup) but these are believed to be the same pickups. The first JPM, used to record the "Images And Words" album, used the DiMarzio Humbucker From Hell in the neck and the DiMarzio The Tone Zone in the bridge.

See how Ola Englund uses DiMarzio DP161 Steve's Special

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

...
Verified via YouTube

The pickup can be seen on this video.

Album Usage

The DiMarzio DP161 Steve's Special 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 DP161 Steve's Special, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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