Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $116
Standard/Professional
$99
$200+
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.
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Description
Looking to elevate your guitar's sound to a whole new dimension? The DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator pickup is designed to do just that. Originally crafted for the virtuoso John Petrucci's Music Man JP13, this humbucker pickup is specifically tailored for the bridge position, promising an electrifying performance that captures every nuance of your playing style.
Equipped with ceramic magnets, the Illuminator delivers a precise, articulate tone with a dynamic range that can handle heavy distortion without losing clarity. Whether you're shredding at blistering speeds or laying down a soulful melody, this pickup ensures every note rings out with exceptional clarity and impact. Its 4-wire design offers versatile wiring options, allowing you to experiment with coil-splitting for even more tonal possibilities.
With an output of 410 mV and a resistance of 10.56 kOhm, the Illuminator is engineered to provide a balanced output that's both powerful and responsive. If you're looking to make a bold statement with your sound, the DiMarzio Illuminator is your ultimate ally on stage or in the studio.
Key Features:
- Humbucker pickup designed for the bridge position
- Crafted for John Petrucci's Music Man JP13
- 4-wire configuration for versatile wiring options
- Ceramic magnets for precise and articulate tone
- Output: 410 mV
- Resistance: 10.56 kOhm
Product specs
| Available since | December 2014 |
| Active | No |
| Wiring | 4-Conductor |
| Output | Medium |
| Cap | No |
| Colour | Black |
| Position | Bridge |
FAQs
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Is the DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator suitable for both rhythm and lead guitar playing?
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Yes, the DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator is designed for versatility, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead guitar playing. It offers a balanced output and clarity, ideal for various playing styles.
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What type of wiring does the DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator use?
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The DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator uses a 4-conductor wiring system, allowing for a range of wiring configurations including series, parallel, and coil-splitting options.
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Is the DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator pickup passive or active?
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The DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator is a passive pickup, meaning it does not require a battery to operate.
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What is the output level of the DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator pickup?
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The DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator has a medium output level, providing a balanced tone that works well for various music genres.
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Can the DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator be installed in the bridge position?
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Yes, the DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator is designed for installation in the bridge position of an electric guitar, offering enhanced clarity and dynamic response.
Videos
LarryDiMarzio
DiMarzio Illuminator Guitar Pickups for John Petrucci
Reviews
PROS
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Clear and balanced sound with high-end crunch
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Excellent for high-gain and progressive metal tones
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Maintains note clarity even with complex chords
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Versatile for both metal and thrash genres
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Strong attack and precise sound delivery
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High output with pleasant compression
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Well-suited for split mode, delivering great clean tones
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Retains clarity and openness in both clean and distorted settings
CONS
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May experience issues with pickup height stability
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Not the best for pure crunchy tones compared to some alternatives
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this video, John talks about his new signature pickups that come in all his guitars. At 2:06, he says, "It's a bit more bold. It has more clarity and more presence."
Mike has a Dimarzio Illuminator set in his Majesty. THis is the stock pickup set that comes in the guitar
In a YouTube video at the 30-second : https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pTQ-jvtUQ2M, Josh Baines discusses the DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator pickups on his Ibanez custom guitar.
Album Usage
The DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator 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 DP256/DP257 Illuminator, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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