Pricing and availability

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

Amazon
3.6 (8)
$119.00
Reverb
$110.05 New
$118.42 Used
Thomann
4.8 (20)
$116.00 $115.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $116

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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

Is the DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator suitable for both rhythm and lead guitar playing?

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.

What type of wiring does the DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator use?

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.

Is the DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator pickup passive or active?

The DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator is a passive pickup, meaning it does not require a battery to operate.

What is the output level of the DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator pickup?

The DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator has a medium output level, providing a balanced tone that works well for various music genres.

Can the DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator be installed in the bridge position?

Yes, the DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator is designed for installation in the bridge position of an electric guitar, offering enhanced clarity and dynamic response.

LarryDiMarzio

LarryDiMarzio

DiMarzio Illuminator Guitar Pickups for John Petrucci

Video thumbnail for DiMarzio Illuminator Guitar Pickups for John Petrucci by LarryDiMarzio

DiMarzio Illuminator Guitar Pickups for John Petrucci

LarryDiMarzio

LarryDiMarzio

Video thumbnail for Review DiMarzio Illuminator Ponte DP257 by Piguitars Oficial

Review DiMarzio Illuminator Ponte DP257

Piguitars Oficial

Piguitars Oficial

Video thumbnail for DiMarzio ILLUMINATOR vs SUPER DISTORTION - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo by Mike Stamper

DiMarzio ILLUMINATOR vs SUPER DISTORTION - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for Music Man JP6 with Dimarzio Illuminator Demo by Marty Arrow

Music Man JP6 with Dimarzio Illuminator Demo

Marty Arrow

Marty Arrow

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

DiMarzio ILLUMINATOR vs EVOLUTION - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for DiMarzio ILLUMINATOR vs TITAN - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo by Mike Stamper

DiMarzio ILLUMINATOR vs TITAN - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for DiMarzio ILLUMINATOR vs Seymour Duncan JB SH-4 - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo by Mike Stamper

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

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Reviews

PROS

  • Clear and balanced sound with high-end crunch

  • Excellent for high-gain and progressive metal tones

  • Maintains note clarity even with complex chords

  • Versatile for both metal and thrash genres

  • Strong attack and precise sound delivery

  • High output with pleasant compression

  • Well-suited for split mode, delivering great clean tones

  • Retains clarity and openness in both clean and distorted settings

CONS

  • May experience issues with pickup height stability

  • Not the best for pure crunchy tones compared to some alternatives

Critic Reviews

DiMarzio Illuminator Humbucker Set - Darth Phineas

darthphineas.com

The DiMarzio Illuminator set, crafted with John Petrucci, delivers an open and transparent sound that stands out from typical Dream Theater tone. While it shares specs with the CrunchLab LiquiFire, its lively presence and controlled lows ensure it never muddies the mix. Mids roar with clarity and highs punch through without sharpness. Versatile for both clean and dirty settings, it excels across rock and metal subgenres. The Illuminator is a refreshing departure, offering dynamic tones for discerning players.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Petrucci uses DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator

John Petrucci

Guitarist, Composer

Dream Theater

...
Verified via YouTube

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."

See how Ola Englund uses DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

...
Verified via YouTube

The pickup can be seen on this video.

See how Mike Stringer uses DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator

Mike Stringer

Guitarist

Spiritbox

...
Verified via YouTube

Mike has a Dimarzio Illuminator set in his Majesty. THis is the stock pickup set that comes in the guitar

See how Stephen Rutishauser uses DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator

Stephen Rutishauser

Guitarist

Chelsea Grin

...
Verified via YouTube

In his Music Man JP models, Stephen has a set of dimarzio illuminator pickups

See how Alex Snowden uses DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator

Alex Snowden

Guitarist

Tallah

...
Verified via Photo

Alex has a set of illuminator 7 pickups in her schecter pt 7 string

See how Josh Baines uses DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator

Josh Baines

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified

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.

See how Jake Johnston uses DiMarzio DP256/DP257 Illuminator

Jake Johnston

Guitarist

Skyhaven

...
Verified via YouTube

He uses them in Music Man JP15 seven string.

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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