Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (6)
$119.00
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$117.59 New
$119.00 Used
Thomann
4.7 (15)
$116.00 $115.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $118

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the beast in your guitar with the DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker. Designed with the legendary Steve Vai, this high-output pickup gives your instrument an aggressive and powerful tone. Its ceramic magnets and dual-resonance configuration, a patented technology by DiMarzio, takes your guitar's sound to an entirely new universe by producing harmonic overtones like no other.

This humbucker is not for the faint-hearted. It's designed to produce a sound that will cut through even the densest mix, making it perfect for both live performances and studio recordings. Plus, it's versatile enough to work with almost all solidbody guitars and most semi-hollowbody guitars. So, whether you're playing on a bolt-on neck or a set-neck guitar, the DP159 Evolution will add punch and definition to your sound.

Key Features:

  • Developed in collaboration with Steve Vai
  • High-output pickup for an aggressive and powerful tone
  • Features DiMarzio's patented dual-resonance configuration
  • Produces harmonic overtones unlike conventional humbuckers
  • Ideal for both live performances and studio recordings
  • Works with almost all solidbody guitars and most semi-hollowbody guitars
  • Adds punch and definition to your sound

Product specs

Type Humbucker
Position Bridge
Active/Passive Passive
Magnet Material Ceramic
Number of Conductors 4 wire plus ground
DC Resistance 13.84K
Connectivity Soldered
Number of Strings 6
Covering Uncovered

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker?

The DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker delivers a high-output, aggressive tone with pronounced midrange and tight bass, ideal for rock and metal genres.

Is the DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker suitable for high-gain applications?

Yes, the DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker is designed for high-gain applications, providing clarity and articulation even at high distortion levels.

What type of magnet is used in the DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker?

The DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker uses a ceramic magnet, contributing to its powerful and bright sound character.

How many conductors does the DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker have?

The DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker features a 4-conductor wiring plus ground, allowing for various wiring configurations, including coil-splitting.

Is the DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker compatible with 6-string guitars?

Yes, the DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker is designed specifically for 6-string electric guitars.

Wubaii 翔翔翔

Wubaii 翔翔翔

Dimarzio Evolution Pickup, Neck & Bridge

Video thumbnail for Dimarzio Evolution Pickup, Neck & Bridge by Wubaii 翔翔翔

Dimarzio Evolution Pickup, Neck & Bridge

Wubaii 翔翔翔

Wubaii 翔翔翔

Video thumbnail for Can you hear the difference? Ibanez JEM Jr. upgraded with Dimarzio Evolution pickups (1 of 2) by jem555bkk

Can you hear the difference? Ibanez JEM Jr. upgraded with Dimarzio Evolution pickups (1 of 2)

jem555bkk

jem555bkk

Video thumbnail for Dimarzio "Evolution" humbuckers and "HS3" single coil demo. by Chris Tompkins

Dimarzio "Evolution" humbuckers and "HS3" single coil demo.

Chris Tompkins

Chris Tompkins

Video thumbnail for DiMarzio PAF PRO vs EVOLUTION - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo by Mike Stamper

DiMarzio PAF PRO vs EVOLUTION - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for Can you hear the difference? Ibanez JEM Jr. with Dimarzio Evolution pickups (2 of 2) by jem555bkk

Can you hear the difference? Ibanez JEM Jr. with Dimarzio Evolution pickups (2 of 2)

jem555bkk

jem555bkk

Video thumbnail for DiMarzio EVOLUTION vs Seymour Duncan BLACK WINTER - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Demo by Mike Stamper

DiMarzio EVOLUTION vs Seymour Duncan BLACK WINTER - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers a dynamic and versatile sound ideal for various styles

  • Exceptional harmonic clarity, especially for lead guitar work

  • Distinctive black pole aesthetics complement guitar hardware

  • Easy to achieve rich sound with minimal setup changes

  • Offers a noticeable improvement over stock pickups

  • Strong bass response and precision

  • Excellent for enhancing sustain and note definition

  • Works well in both high-gain and clean settings

  • Adds significant tonal color and bite to the guitar

CONS

  • Installation can be complex and time-consuming

  • May reveal playing imperfections; not forgiving for sloppy technique

  • Some users find the sound less defined for fast metal riffs

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker.

Comparisons

  • The DP159 Evolution Bridge pickup is described as requiring a specific playing style, lacking bite, and having an aggressive tone compared to other options.

    Source
  • Bare Knuckle pickups are frequently cited as superior for hard rock and metal, providing a benchmark against DiMarzio for those styles.

    Source
  • The DP159 Evolution is noted for its clear tone similar to the D Activator, but with less body and more emphasis on harmonics.

    Source
  • Dimarzio Evolutions (dp158 + dp159) are favored over Quantum pickups for tighter, more defined high-gain tones, suitable for Metallica and Slayer styles.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The John Petrucci DiMarzio combo, consisting of the Crunchlab and Liquifire, is highly recommended for versatility across different music genres.

    Source
  • Handmade pickups from MHD offer customization to exact specs, potentially delivering unique tones with personalized adjustments, but lack the color options of DiMarzio.

    Source
  • Irongear Hammerheads are recommended as a budget-friendly alternative to DiMarzio, offering comparable quality for metal-focused Ibanez guitars.

    Source
  • Adjusting pickup height is suggested as a simple first step to improve tone, as it significantly affects sound quality and clarity.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Evolution Bridge pickup is suited for playing bands like Coheed and Cambria, Breaking Benjamin, and Rise Against, offering crunchy distortion and deep clean tones.

    Source
  • The DiMarzio Evolution DP159 is praised for its exceptional clarity, particularly in high-gain settings, though it may not excel for down-tuned styles alone.

    Source
  • The 7-string version of the Evolution DP159 is highly regarded for clarity, especially when tuned to B standard, as used by Vogg from Decapitated.

    Source
  • While not ideal for solo down-tuned play, the Evolution DP159 performs well in a mix, maintaining note separation.

    Source
  • The Dimarzio Pegasus/Sentient pair is noted for its tonal variety, providing a wider overhead than the Nazgul for diverse music styles.

    Source
  • Fishman Fluence pickups are highlighted for their versatility, accommodating both hot active and vintage sounds with the included push-pull pots.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Owners mention the Evolution DP159 provides clarity in complex chord passages, making it suitable for intricate playing styles.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report a noticeable improvement in tone when swapping stock Ibanez pickups with DiMarzio models, enhancing clarity and impact.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Evolution Bridge DP159 Review | DiMarzio | Pickups | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

While the DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker excels in delivering phenomenal lead tones with its clean, powerful pick attack and impressive sustain, it falls short in the rhythm department, lacking the punchiness needed for heavy chugging. Ideal for lead-focused players, it offers great tone balance with a mid-range emphasis and enough bass. However, its performance in rhythm guitar might not satisfy those seeking a robust low-end. Overall, a superb choice for lead guitarists but less so for rhythm enthusiasts.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
martin_boesvang

Well its dimarzio

Don't like the brand. I use them because they are standard in my charvel san dimas

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steve Vai uses DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker

Steve Vai

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Steve Vai was seen using his signature DiMarzio Evolution bridge pickup in his Ibanez JEM7V.

See how Nita Strauss uses DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker

Nita Strauss

Guitarist

As Blood Runs Black

...
Verified via YouTube

Nita rocks a DiMarzio Evolution in the neck of her RG320Z.

See how Herman Li uses DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker

Herman Li

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

DragonForce

...
Verified via Dimarzio

On the dimarzio website,it says he uses this pickup

See how Sam Totman uses DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker

Sam Totman

Guitarist

DragonForce

...
Verified via YouTube

They're included in his signature Ibanez Iceman STM2. He talks about it in his Rig Rundown at 13:45.

See how Josh Rand uses DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker

Josh Rand

Guitarist, Bassist

Stone Sour

...
Verified via Dimarzio

It states that he uses this pickup on the dimarzio website

See how FerrariLover uses DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker

FerrariLover

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

in this photo ferrari's dimarzio evolution bridge and neck pickups are clearly visible.

See how Neil Citron uses DiMarzio DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker

Neil Citron

Guitarist, Music Producer

Quiet Riot

...
Verified via Dimarzio

Listed on Citron's official DiMarzio artist page.

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 DP159 Evolution Bridge Humbucker, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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