Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $117
Standard/Professional
$99
$200+
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Based on price data from 2 merchants for "DiMarzio DP252/DP253 Gravity Storm Pickups". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 11, 2026.
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Description
Elevate your guitar's tone with the DiMarzio DP252/DP253 Gravity Storm Pickups, a powerhouse duo designed to deliver an electrifying sound experience. Born from a collaboration with the legendary virtuoso Steve Vai, these pickups are crafted for those who crave versatility without sacrificing clarity.
The DP252, ideal for the neck position, offers a warm, rounded sound with exceptional sustain, ensuring your solos sing and your chords resonate. Meanwhile, the DP253, tailored for the bridge, cuts through the mix with a sharp, articulate attack, perfect for heavy riffs and intricate lead lines. Together, they create a dynamic range that captures the subtle nuances of your playing, whether you’re shredding on stage or laying down tracks in the studio.
Designed with a humbucker style, these pickups minimize unwanted noise and interference, allowing your guitar to shine with pure, unadulterated sound. With an output of 290 mV, expect robust power without losing the delicate highs and punchy lows that make your music truly stand out.
Ideal for both seasoned pros and aspiring guitarists, the Gravity Storm Pickups are an essential upgrade for anyone looking to enhance their instrument’s voice and unlock new tonal possibilities.
Key Features:
- Style: Humbucker
- Designed for neck and bridge positions
- Output: 290 mV
- Collaboration with Steve Vai for versatile sound
- Balanced tone with rich lows and crisp highs
Product specs
| Available since | October 2012 |
| Active | No |
| Wiring | 4-Conductor |
| Output | High |
| Cap | No |
| Colour | Black |
| Position | Neck |
FAQs
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What type of music are the DiMarzio DP252/DP253 Gravity Storm Pickups best suited for?
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The DiMarzio Gravity Storm Pickups are designed for rock and metal genres, offering a high-output sound with a focus on rich mids and smooth highs, ideal for lead guitarists seeking expressive tones.
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Are the DiMarzio Gravity Storm Pickups suitable for both neck and bridge positions?
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Yes, the DiMarzio DP252 is designed for the neck position, while the DP253 is intended for the bridge position, allowing for a balanced and versatile tonal setup.
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What kind of wiring do the DiMarzio Gravity Storm Pickups use?
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The DiMarzio Gravity Storm Pickups feature 4-conductor wiring, which allows for various wiring configurations, including coil-splitting for more tonal options.
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How do the DiMarzio Gravity Storm Pickups compare to other high-output pickups?
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The Gravity Storm Pickups offer a unique tonal character with enhanced midrange and smooth treble response, distinguishing them from other high-output pickups that may focus more on sheer power or brightness.
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Are the DiMarzio Gravity Storm Pickups active or passive?
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The DiMarzio Gravity Storm Pickups are passive pickups, which means they do not require an external power source like a battery, providing a more traditional and dynamic response.
Videos
LarryDiMarzio
DiMarzio Gravity Storm Guitar Pickups for Steve Vai
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional clarity and detail, akin to a single-coil when playing single notes
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Warm tones on chords, perfect for neck pickup applications
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Versatile and dynamic response, adapts well to different playing styles
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Ideal for modern sound seekers, with precise attack and clear lead lines
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Compatible with Super 3 for enhanced tonal variety
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Retains thickness and depth while providing a drier, crisper sound
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Less ice-picky than comparable sets, avoiding shrillness
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Maintains impressive sound quality even when split
CONS
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May not generate strong harmonics, even with heavy saturation
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Unique voicing may not suit everyone's taste, especially those preferring traditional neck pickup warmth
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
397
Not too hot but hot enough. Cleans up great and has a distinct sound that is dynamic.
I have these pickups on my RG550. Unlike the Evolution set most people use, these are less ice-picky (not shrill). They sound great cleaned up, overdrive great and respond to dynamics of how you use it. The review from Dawsons shows how versatile they are (that guy is a GREAT guitarist). Much like the Burstbucker pro in output and sound these are unique in the voicing to be less mid-high. They seem to be mid-low with clarity. Don't confuse the voicing with the Fred pickup - The voicing is transparent and gives a nice classic strat vibe. Very toney and vintage with attitude. The best of both worlds.
Artist usage
Add artist
According to DiMarzio's artists page, Steve Vai uses DiMarzio DP252/DP253 Gravity Storm Pickups.
"The Gravity Storms just have a little more warmth to them I find" - Nita Strauss at 28:25.
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 DP252/DP253 Gravity Storm Pickups, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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