Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$99.00
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$99.00 4 available New
zZounds
5.0 (3)
$99.00
Thomann
4.8 (35)
$106.00

Average Price: $100

Standard/Professional

$99

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "VIRTUAL VINTAGE® HEAVY BLUES 2". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash a sonic palette that defies expectations with the Virtual Vintage® Heavy Blues 2 pickup. Perfect for guitarists who crave the raw power of heavy blues, this pickup blends vintage charm with modern innovation. Built around the robust Alnico 2 magnetic field, it ensures an aggressive yet articulate sound, making your solos soar and your rhythms punch through with clarity.

This pickup isn’t just about power; it’s about versatility. While it excels in the bridge position with a hot, in-your-face character, it also transforms the neck position into a warm, round soundscape full of depth. The stacked, hum-canceling design means you get all the rawness without the annoying 60-cycle hum, letting you focus on your performance rather than background noise.

Whether you're into blues-rock, classic rock, or even dabbling in metal, this pickup offers a wide tonal range. It’s the ideal tool for players who demand both bite and definition, churning out everything from crisp arpeggios to smooth, sweeping solos without losing clarity even under high gain. Elevate your guitar’s voice with the Virtual Vintage Heavy Blues 2 and redefine what your music can express.

Key Features:

  • Stacked, hum-canceling S-style pickup
  • Hot-wound design with Alnico 2 magnets
  • High attack and definition, especially in the bridge position
  • Warm and round tones in the neck position
  • Perfect for blues-rock, classic rock, and high-gain styles

Product specs

Type Single-coil
Position Bridge, Neck
Active/Passive Passive
Magnet Material Alnico II
Number of Conductors 4 wire
DC Resistance 8.53K
Connectivity Soldered
Number of Strings 6
Covering Covered
Format Strat-sized, Stacked Coil
Features Staggered Pole Pieces

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the DiMarzio Virtual Vintage Heavy Blues 2 pickup?

The DiMarzio Virtual Vintage Heavy Blues 2 pickup offers a thick, warm sound with enhanced midrange and smooth treble, ideal for blues and rock styles. Its Alnico II magnet provides a vintage tone with modern clarity.

Is the DiMarzio Virtual Vintage Heavy Blues 2 suitable for both neck and bridge positions?

Yes, the DiMarzio Virtual Vintage Heavy Blues 2 is designed for both the neck and bridge positions, offering versatility in tonal options for different playing styles.

Does the DiMarzio Virtual Vintage Heavy Blues 2 require active power?

No, the DiMarzio Virtual Vintage Heavy Blues 2 is a passive pickup, meaning it does not require a battery or external power source to operate.

How does the DiMarzio Virtual Vintage Heavy Blues 2 handle hum and noise?

The DiMarzio Virtual Vintage Heavy Blues 2 features a stacked coil design that effectively cancels hum and reduces noise, providing a cleaner sound compared to traditional single-coil pickups.

Can the DiMarzio Virtual Vintage Heavy Blues 2 pickup be installed in any Strat-style guitar?

The DiMarzio Virtual Vintage Heavy Blues 2 is Strat-sized, making it compatible with most Strat-style guitars. However, it's important to ensure your guitar's routing and wiring can accommodate the pickup's specifications.

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers genuine noiseless performance with a classic Strat character

  • Delivers a punchy, smoky-blues tone reminiscent of SRV

  • Versatile sound suitable for a range of styles, from jazz to rock

  • Well-balanced tone that cuts through without being shrill

  • Retains single-coil Strat vibe with added power and depth

  • Compatible with both 250k and 500k pots, offering tonal flexibility

  • Provides clear, creamy overdrive suitable for high-gain settings

  • Exceptional clarity and compression for intricate playing techniques

  • Fits standard Strat pickup cavities but requires specific covers

CONS

  • Requires special DiMarzio DM 2001 cover due to non-standard bobbin size

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about VIRTUAL VINTAGE® HEAVY BLUES 2.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners often debate between using the Dimarzio Area 58 or 61 for the middle pickup to achieve distinct tonal variations in their guitar setups.

    Source
  • One user recommends combining Lollar Blonde pickups in the middle position with a neck Blackface for an SRV "Little Wing" tone, avoiding RWRP for authentic sound.

    Source
  • Virtual Solo pickups can be used in neck and middle positions for a warm tone, despite being designed for the bridge.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some players prefer leaving the middle pickup stock to save costs, especially if the middle position is seldom used in their playing style.

    Source
  • Lindy Fralin Blues Special pickups are favored for their louder and darker tone, ideal for rock and versatile enough for various music styles.

    Source
  • Combining Super Distortion with Virtual Solo and Satch Track creates a versatile setup, effectively blending warmth and power.

    Source

User experience

  • It's observed that the middle pickup is frequently underappreciated, although some players find unique tonal value in specialized setups using just the middle position.

    Source
  • Users have successfully paired Virtual Solo with humbuckers similar to Super Distortion for balanced tonal output.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Suhr V63+ pickups use a gradual magnet profile for flatter necks, addressing "stratitus" with balanced, strong output while maintaining a classic Strat sound.

    Source
  • Virtual Solo pickups are nearly as hot as the Satch Track, offering a warm, single-coil-like sound.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Suhr pickups are noted for their vintage Alnico V magnets, offering a strong, airy sound profile without congested mids, suitable across different guitar setups.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
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1 star
mrrstrat

Best single coil pickup for neck position

This is a unique pickup that gives the clarity when needed and compression that makes it great for sweep arpeggios. Put a little distortion and roll volume back and you get early Ritchie Blackmore. On my release called "Wizards Spell" I showcase the power of this pickup for impossible sweep arpeggios.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Brad Delson uses VIRTUAL VINTAGE® HEAVY BLUES 2

Brad Delson

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Linkin Park

...
Verified

According to Brad's DiMarzio players page, Brad has used a DiMarzio Virtual Vintage® Heavy Blues 2 in one of his guitars.

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 VIRTUAL VINTAGE® HEAVY BLUES 2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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    mrrstrat

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