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Average Price: $177

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$200+

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Description

The DiMarzio DP158/DP159 Evolution Pickups are meticulously engineered for guitarists who crave precision and power, offering a dynamic boost to your instrument's voice. These pickups were originally designed with input from Steve Vai, emphasizing clarity and aggressive sound, suitable for both rhythm and lead playing. The ceramic magnets provide a high output with a cutting edge, while still maintaining the warmth and depth guitarists desire. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, these pickups ensure your sound is bold and unmistakably yours.

Crafted to maximize tonal versatility, the Evolution Pickups are known for their ability to handle high-gain settings without losing definition. They are ideal for players who employ fast, intricate picking techniques, as they deliver an articulate response that captures every nuance of your playing. The bridge and neck pickups work in unison to offer a balanced sound spectrum, from tight lows to crystal-clear highs.

Key Features:

  • Designed in collaboration with Steve Vai
  • High-output ceramic magnets for powerful sound
  • Exceptional clarity and tonal balance
  • Ideal for high-gain settings and intricate playing techniques
  • Suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists
  • Balanced response in bridge and neck positions
  • Reliable performance for both live and studio environments
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 DiMarzio EVOLUTION vs Seymour Duncan JB SH-4 - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo by Mike Stamper

DiMarzio EVOLUTION vs Seymour Duncan JB SH-4 - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for Dimarzio Evolution Pickup dp 159 Bridge - Steve Vai by Pilla Sousa

Dimarzio Evolution Pickup dp 159 Bridge - Steve Vai

Pilla Sousa

Pilla Sousa

Video thumbnail for DiMarzio EVOLUTION vs EMG 81 - Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo by Mike Stamper

DiMarzio EVOLUTION vs EMG 81 - Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for Fishman FLUENCE MODERN vs DiMarzio EVOLUTION - Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo by Mike Stamper

Fishman FLUENCE MODERN vs DiMarzio EVOLUTION - Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DiMarzio DP158/DP159 Evolution Pickups.

Mods and upgrades

  • DiMarzio Evolution (DP158/DP159) pickups are highly recommended for a crisper, tighter tone, especially for Metallica and Slayer styles.

    Source
  • Some owners prefer the Super Distortion for the bridge paired with an Air Norton in the neck for versatility, including a split option for strat-like tones.

    Source
  • Rewiring using a traditional diagram can help achieve hum-cancelling features in positions 2 and 4 with DiMarzio ISCV2 middle pickups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners suggest DiMarzio Evolutions for metal genres, noting improved clarity for scooped palm-muted chugging compared to stock Quantum pickups.

    Source
  • The Super 3 pickup is noted for its high bass output, making it a consideration for those looking to match it with an Orange amp's bass-heavy profile.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to Ibanez Quantum pickups, DiMarzio Evolutions provide a significant tonal improvement, especially in high-gain settings, reducing fizz and enhancing impact.

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  • The Super Distortion is often compared to the Duncan Distortion due to similar magnet types, affecting attack and treble roll-off.

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  • The original Ibanez infinity pickups in the s670fm are commonly replaced due to their poor reputation, with DiMarzio upgrades delivering significant improvements.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users report that DiMarzio Evolutions sound excellent with modelers like the MX5 for metal music, offering a strong alternative to stock pickups.

    Source
  • Owners of the RG550 Genesis report that stock pickups lack clarity and punch, particularly in the bridge position, prompting upgrades for a more defined 80s metal tone.

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  • Correct wiring ensures that the DiMarzio ISCV2, being reverse wound and polarity, provides hum-cancelling in mixed pickup positions.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Wiring issues in HSH setups can lead to volume drops in positions 2 and 4; consider rewiring to correct output inconsistencies.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • In HSH configurations, positions 2 and 4 often involve split coils wired in parallel, typically resulting in lower output.

    Source

Critic Reviews

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

ultimate-guitar.com

The DiMarzio Evolution Bridge DP159 pickups excel in delivering phenomenal lead tones with superb articulation, making them a favorite for shredders and metal enthusiasts. However, their lack of punch for rhythm playing and less impressive performance for chugging rhythms might leave some players wanting. Despite this, they shine with a clean tone and no loss of sound quality at lower volumes. Ideal for those who prioritize lead playing and a high output, even EQ, but less suited for players seeking deep, aggressive rhythm tones. Overall, a strong choice for lead-focused guitarists.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
trenova

great pickups

Used in the Ibanez Jem Jr. These are great dynamic pups

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steve Vai uses DiMarzio DP158/DP159 Evolution Pickups

Steve Vai

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified via Dimarzio

The Evolution® Neck and Bridge humbuckers are the result of two years of research to come up with the right sound for a very demanding player: Steve Vai and his Ibanez® Jems. Both pickups are designed for maximum impact and power. The neck pickup is fat, punchy and loud. The bridge pickup is tight, aggressive and louder. Both pickups have our patented dual-resonance configuration to reproduce more harmonic overtones than conventional humbuckers. Evolution® pickups are not polite-sounding, and they’re not for the inexperienced, but – if you’ve got the chops and a hot amp – your sound will burn. The Evolution® pickups were originally designed with live gigs in mind, but they have so much presence and definition that they’re great recording pickups, too; they slice right through even the densest mix.

See how Herman Li uses DiMarzio DP158/DP159 Evolution Pickups

Herman Li

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

DragonForce

...
Verified via Dimarzio

On the official dimarzio website, it states he uses this pickup

See how Kevin 'Noodles' Wasserman uses DiMarzio DP158/DP159 Evolution Pickups

Kevin 'Noodles' Wasserman

Guitarist

The Offspring

...
Verified via Equipboard

He uses Dimarzio Evolution single in the middle position.

See how Jacky Vincent uses DiMarzio DP158/DP159 Evolution Pickups

Jacky Vincent

Singer, Guitarist

Falling In Reverse

...
Verified via Photo

Jacky says they are his favorite pickups

See how Sam Totman uses DiMarzio DP158/DP159 Evolution Pickups

Sam Totman

Guitarist

DragonForce

...
Verified via Dimarzio

According to the Dimarzio website he uses both - DP158 and DP159 .

See how Wacław Kiełtyka uses DiMarzio DP158/DP159 Evolution Pickups

Wacław Kiełtyka

Guitarist, Composer

Decapitated

...
Verified via Dimarzio

According to the Dimarzio website he uses both - DP158 and DP159 .

See how Josh Rand uses DiMarzio DP158/DP159 Evolution Pickups

Josh Rand

Guitarist, Bassist

Stone Sour

...
Verified via Dimarzio

According to DiMarzio's website, Josh Rand uses the DiMarzio DP158/DP159 Evolution Pickups.

See how FerrariLover uses DiMarzio DP158/DP159 Evolution Pickups

FerrariLover

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

in this photo ferrarilover's di marzio evolution neck pickup is visible.

A

Anders Høyvik Hidle

Guitarist

Tristania

...
Verified via Mayones Guitars & Basses

According to the website he uses Dimarzio Evolution pickups in his guitar.

See how Neil Citron uses DiMarzio DP158/DP159 Evolution Pickups

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 DP158/DP159 Evolution Pickups, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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