Pricing and availability

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Sweetwater
4.5 (22)
$99.00
Amazon
4.8 (123)
$99.00
Reverb
5.0 (12)
$99.00 New
$60.00 Used
zZounds
5.0 (8)
$99.00
Thomann
4.8 (78)
$106.00 $105.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $94

Budget/Beginner

$99

$200+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion, a guitar pickup that was born to rock. This high-output humbucker is an ode to the 70's and 80's hard rock era, designed to push your tube amplifier into overdrive. With its rich, fat tone, and thick, boosted mids, this pickup is perfect for any musician looking to add a touch of vintage rock to their sound.

The DP100 Super Distortion has a heritage that can't be ignored. It's the pickup that started it all, with many of the iconic rock guitar sounds of the past being produced by this very model. But don't let its legacy fool you; this pickup is far from outdated. Artists from various genres, from Al DiMeola and Frank Gambale to Iron Maiden and Ace Frehley, have chosen the Super Distortion as a crucial part of their signature sound.

Ideal for solidbody guitars, the DP100 Super Distortion is primarily a bridge position pickup, but it also shines in the neck position with lower-gain amplifiers. The pickup features a versatile 4-conductor wiring, allowing for various tonal options including coil splitting for a Strat-like tone and parallel wiring for a humbucking, yet slightly more hollow sound.

Key Features:

  • High-output humbucker pickup
  • Designed for solidbody guitars
  • Primarily used in the bridge position
  • Versatile 4-conductor wiring
  • Ceramic magnets
  • Output: 425
  • DC resistance: 13.68
  • Tone guide: Treble: 5.5, Mid: 7.5, Bass: 8
  • Emphasized mids for a vintage hard rock sound
  • Coil splitting and parallel wiring options
  • Colour: Black

Product specs

Type Humbucker
Position Bridge, Neck
Active/Passive Passive
Magnet Material Ceramic
Number of Conductors 4 wire plus ground
DC Resistance 13.68K
Connectivity Soldered
Number of Strings 6
Covering Uncovered

FAQs

What type of music is the DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion best suited for?

The DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion is ideal for rock and metal genres, offering high output and powerful midrange tones that cut through the mix, making it a favorite for heavy riffing and lead solos.

Can the DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion be used in both bridge and neck positions?

Yes, the DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion is versatile enough to be used in both bridge and neck positions, providing consistent high output and tonal characteristics across different guitar setups.

What kind of magnet does the DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion use?

The DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion utilizes a ceramic magnet, which contributes to its high output and aggressive tonal profile, making it suitable for heavy and distorted guitar sounds.

Is the DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion suitable for a 6-string guitar?

Yes, the DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion is designed for 6-string guitars, ensuring optimal performance and tonal response for standard guitar setups.

How is the DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion wired for installation?

The DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion features a 4-wire plus ground configuration, allowing for versatile wiring options, including coil-splitting and series/parallel setups for expanded tonal possibilities.

LarryDiMarzio

LarryDiMarzio

Phil Collen for DiMarzio Super Distortion Pickup

Video thumbnail for Phil Collen for DiMarzio Super Distortion Pickup by LarryDiMarzio

Phil Collen for DiMarzio Super Distortion Pickup

LarryDiMarzio

LarryDiMarzio

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

DiMarzio SUPER DISTORTION vs Seymour Duncan JB SH-4 - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for '77 Ibanez Les Paul (2350) with DiMarzio Super Distortions by Steve from Boston

'77 Ibanez Les Paul (2350) with DiMarzio Super Distortions

Steve from Boston

Steve from Boston

Video thumbnail for THE LEGENDARY DIMARZIO SUPER DISTORTION PICKUP! by Xander Raymond Charles

THE LEGENDARY DIMARZIO SUPER DISTORTION PICKUP!

Xander Raymond Charles

Xander Raymond Charles

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

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

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for DiMarzio SUPER DISTORTION vs Seymour Duncan DISTORTION SH-6 - Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison by Mike Stamper

DiMarzio SUPER DISTORTION vs Seymour Duncan DISTORTION SH-6 - Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

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

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

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for Vintage DiMarzio Super Distortion vs New DiMarzio Super Distortion by gwEm’s gwEmbassy

Vintage DiMarzio Super Distortion vs New DiMarzio Super Distortion

gwEm’s gwEmbassy

gwEm’s gwEmbassy

Video thumbnail for DiMarzio SUPER 3 vs SUPER DISTORTION - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo by Mike Stamper

DiMarzio SUPER 3 vs SUPER DISTORTION - Passive Bridge Guitar Pickup Comparison Tone Demo

Mike Stamper

Mike Stamper

Video thumbnail for Luke Gallagher - DiMarzio Super Distortion (New Pickups) by Luke Gallagher

Luke Gallagher - DiMarzio Super Distortion (New Pickups)

Luke Gallagher

Luke Gallagher

Reviews

PROS

  • Classic rock and metal tone, used by iconic bands and artists

  • Versatile with great clean, crunch, and distortion tones

  • Fat, dynamic sound with excellent sustain

  • High note articulation and string separation

  • Sensitive to EQ adjustments, adaptable across various genres

  • Excellent for thick, chunky rhythm and screamy lead tones

  • Rich in harmonics, enhances both chords and single notes

  • Compatible with various guitar models and setups

  • Improves the overall sound and playability of lower-end guitars

  • Easy installation with multiple wiring options

CONS

  • Can be too thin and brittle with inadequate bass response for some

  • Requires careful height adjustment for optimal sound

  • Mismatched string alignment can affect sound quality if not F-spaced

  • Wiring color conventions differ from some other brands, leading to installation errors

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion.

Use cases and applications

  • A user successfully installed the DiMarzio Super Distortion in both the bridge and neck positions without experiencing muddiness, indicating its versatility across positions.

    Source
  • Using the neck position with the Super Distortion can effectively capture the tone of solos in Dismember covers, indicating its utility for specific musical styles.

    Source
  • The Super Distortion is praised for its performance in H-P90 setups, combining humbucker and P90 characteristics for a versatile sound.

    Source
  • The Super Distortion is linked to heavy 70s and 80s sounds, prominently used by Ace Frehley, offering a distinct "Ace vibe."

    Source

Comparisons

  • The DiMarzio Super 2 is mentioned as the neck version of the Super Distortion, offering high output power comparable to the X2N in the bridge position.

    Source
  • Compared to a stock Bridge P90, the Super Distortion offers a slightly brighter clean tone and increased output, especially noticeable with overdrive.

    Source
  • The DiMarzio Super Distortion uses a powerful ceramic magnet and hot winding, contrasting with the smoother, clearer tones of a PAF 36th Anniversary which uses A5 magnets.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Super Distortion is primarily designed as a bridge pickup, but users have found it effective in the neck position for certain styles, such as metal solos.

    Source
  • The pickup enhances the "out of phase" effect in the 2nd and 4th switch settings on guitars like the Yamaha RSS02T.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users interested in swapping pickups in guitars, such as an Aria Pro II, should verify cavity and routing compatibility for proper installation.

    Source
  • An owner considered installing a Super Distortion in the middle position of an Ibanez Iceman, alongside a PAF DP103 in the neck.

    Source

User experience

  • One user successfully integrated Super Distortions in both mid and neck positions of an Epi Ace LP, emphasizing versatile use across guitar setups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Dimarzio Super Distortion Review DP100

tonejourney.com

The DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion is lauded for its iconic status and versatile performance across genres like rock, jazz, and metal. It delivers thick, boosted mids and a classic sound that has graced countless records for over 50 years. While not the cleanest humbucker, it shines with bold, meaty tones and balances well against competitors like the Seymour Duncan JB. The pickup excels in high-output scenarios but may lack in treble richness, requiring careful setup. Overall, it's a cornerstone for those seeking a classic high-power sound, though its tonal character might not suit everyone's taste.

positive

Super Distortion DP100 Review: Thousands of players have used the Super Distortion for 45 years,... | DiMarzio | Pickups | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion humbucker is a classic for a reason. Its ability to transform a Gibson Les Paul with thick lows, crunchy mids, and fat highs makes it a versatile choice for rock and metal guitarists. The review praises its reliability, durability, and the way it breathes new life into guitars with less dynamic stock pickups. However, the bass is described as prominent but not super tight, which might not suit those seeking extra-tight lows for thrash or speed metal. Overall, its open sound and well-rounded character maintain the pickup's legendary status among guitarists, especially for those who relish a "hot vintage" setup.

positive

DiMarzio Super Distortion DP100 - Darth Phineas

darthphineas.com

The DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion is a classic rock staple known for its high output and presence in iconic albums. While praised for its strong mids and manageable highs, some may find its low-end not as pronounced as the legends suggest. Its versatility spans rock to metal, but it introduces a noticeable compression. The pickup's compatibility varies across setups, working well with clean settings when dialed back but potentially overpowering weaker single-coils. Though not without detractors who reminisce about its vintage tone, it remains a reliable choice for diverse rock genres.

Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 12 Reviews and 50 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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jimmarchi1

growing on me

A crusty old pair of double-cream 80s super distortions came in my vintage washburn. At first I had weird feelings about them, but they are growing on me quite a bit. This is one seriously mean humbucker. The bridge cops a lot of 80s hard rock sounds that are difficult to get with PAF style pickups. I find myself breaking into early priest licks all the time with this guy. I wouldn't say the sound is 'me', but its not bad and I get why these pickups have been so popular for so long with hard rockers and post-EVH soloist types.

The neck pickup is awful though. Mud city!

UPDATE: I just spent an hour and a half riffing through a blazing loud AC4 and 2x12 cab. I was rocking all sort of heavy Queen riffs on the bridge position... "Stone Cold Crazy", "we will rock you", "brighton rock", "gimmee the prize (from highlander, dude)", "I'm in love with my car", "Death on Two Legs" and on and on... the enormous output was really fun and gave me that extra push over the cliff to rip it up on the riffiest section with my guitar volume gunned. I need to touch up the wiring for coil taps, a phase switch on 1 pickup and a master series/parallel to get the most common brian may tones, but these super distortion really hit a vox in just the right way to do late 70s and early 80s Queen stuff, and that's a big deal to me. Also, the guitar they're in is very red-specialish in its own unique way. I think some humbcker covers with Adeson Trisonic coils hiding inside, epoxied in place might take this guitar over the top for BM tone, but the super distortions are right there copping s a lot of my favorite bridge/middle sounds from Queens arena days just riding the volume on the bridge pickup.

emma_june
hamnotthefood

Meh

I have the wrong pots, so it’s a bit muddy and quacky in a bad way. I hope that it’s just non matching pots.

sandra_lee

My favorite humbucker

I have this in my Jag-Stang and it's my absolute favorite humbucker. It has amazing tonal characteristics and such a nice warm low end sound. It's so smooth, I am always amazed that it's a 70s humbucker andI I've never heard anything better than it.

axe2084

GODLY Distortion!!

There's a reason that everyone's been using these pickups - especially all my influences for starting guitar in the first place.

And now, I know. They're incredible!! SO clear!!

themonoazul

I have it on 2 of my main guitars!!

I have two custom guitars, an Ibanez RG370 DXZL and a custom Partcaster, both of them have Super Distortion in the bridge, sounds killer, you can play everything on them!!

bthompson2020
patrick_belanger

A legend!

The first hot rodded humbucker, used since the 70's, the perfect blend of power and tone.Thick mids, fat highs and big lows. plays well in any tuning.

skylinerr

Love em

I always have been a DiMarzio guy I love the x2ns i have used them ages but I tried a super distortion in the jag

Genres:
L

Classic hard rock tone

I bought this to replace the stock pickups of a Jackson King V. It sounds killer as a bridge pickup. Can be matched to Super 2 and PAF in neck position.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Josh Rand uses DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion

Josh Rand

Guitarist, Bassist

Roadrunner United

...
Verified via YouTube

In a Rig Rundown video by Premier Guitar, Josh Rand discusses using the DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion in several of his guitars.

See how Alan Day uses DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion

Alan Day

Singer, Guitarist

Four Year Strong

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video from Digital Tour Bus's "Gear Masters" episode 547, Alan Day of Four Year Strong demonstrates his live rig, revealing that his main guitar, a modified Fender Fat Strat, features a hss configuration. The middle pickup is essentially a dummy pickup that isn’t wired in. The guitar features DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion pickup in the bridge position.

See how Garrett Morris uses DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion

Garrett Morris

Guitarist

Windhand

...
Verified via Does It Doom?

"The white SG as well as my red 1995 SG both came with Gibson ’57 Classic pickups, but I swapped out the bridge pickup in both of those guitars for a DiMarzio Super Distortion."

See how Christian Martucci uses DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion

Christian Martucci

Guitarist

Stone Sour

...
Verified via YouTube

In his les pauls Christian has a super distortion in the bridge

See how Sergey Mavrin uses DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion

Sergey Mavrin

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Sergey Mavrin says he prefers to use Dimarzio Super Distortion pickups for a big part of his guitars

See how Ian Fowles uses DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion

Ian Fowles

Guitarist

The Aquabats

...
Verified via YouTube

As based on the interview of this video, Ian Fowles uses Dimarzio Super Distortion Pickups

See how John Seagall uses DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion

John Seagall

Guitarist

Twisted Sister

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

In an interview featured in Vintage Guitar® magazine, John Seagall is noted for using the DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion pickup.

See how Paul Marc Rousseau uses DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion

Paul Marc Rousseau

Guitarist, Composer

Silverstein

...
Verified via guitarworld

As quoted in the article:

Gear-wise, Rousseau plays a custom Ernie Ball Music Man Valentine electric guitar with DiMarzio Super Distortion pickup through Neural DSP's Archetype: Gojira plugin.

See how Michael Hampton uses DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion

Michael Hampton

Guitarist

Funkadelic

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 0:18, we can see Hampton with a heavily modified sunburst Fender Stratocaster equipped with three DiMarzio Super Distortion humbuckers and a reversed headstock.

This guitar is also mentioned in a March 8, 2016 Interview with Premier Guitar:

[Premier Guitar]: Michael, there’s a video online of “Red Hot Mama” and you’re playing a guitar that looks like a Strat but it has a reverse headstock and it’s got three humbuckers. What is it and how did you get it to sound so good?

[Michael Hampton]: It’s a Strat. I put the left-handed neck on and three DiMarzio Super Distortions—I just went crazy with that guitar. I had an Alembic preamp they made back in the day—that kind of blew out later. I always liked funny cars and hot rods and that’s basically as close as I’m going to get for the guitar [laughs].

Plus, I would just crank the guitar, man. I would turn it all the way up. Most of the time everything would probably be at 10. I guess it came from the pickups itself and the actual makeup of however it resonated. I pulled the saddles all the way back, too, so I could get more flexibility and more play in the string, and it wasn’t intonated correctly. The guitar was intonated with itself—if I hit everything open and you gave me all the strings open on the keyboard, then the guitar would be kind of out. But that might have a little to do with the tone, too, because there was more play in the strings. But it’s got to be those preamps, that Alembic preamp was probably working at the time, and those Super Distortions along with it probably gave it that tone.

Not to give it all up to me, but some people actually say it’s in your fingers. And I guess there is some truth to that, but I’m just trying to stay humble on that one. I’m pretty sure we’re talking about the electronics [laughs]. And the strings probably were definitely somewhere near new. Because I used to change them every two gigs or something, keeping the strings fresh.

See how John Jeffers uses DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion

John Jeffers

Guitarist

Whiskey Myers

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

John Jeffers uses a DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion pickup in his 1990s Gibson Les Paul, which was gifted to him by Cody Tate's uncle, as detailed in the Premier Guitar Rig Rundown by Chris Kies.

See how Steve Lynch uses DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion

Steve Lynch

Guitarist

Autograph

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, a Dimarzio Super Distortion pickup can be seen

See how Gabor Szakacsi uses DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion

Gabor Szakacsi

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

It looks like a DiMarzio Super Distortion in the "neck side" of Gabor Szakacsi's guitar.

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 DP100 Super Distortion, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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