Since 1971, DiMarzio has been creating pickups that many of us love. Guitarists like John Petrucci, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani are just a couple of great shredders that frequently use DiMarzios as their weapon of choice…
Personally, as “an OK guitarist” I like the sound of the most DiMarzios, a lot. Most of them are excellent for distortion, and some pickups like DiMarzio Satchur8 Humbucker (Joe Satriani signature) are extremely versatile. And Dimarzio’s selection pretty much has something for everyone…
This is why I was happy to put together this article that gathers the cream of the crop guitars with DiMarzio pickups together. I also reveal my 3 favorites…and if you have any questions, check the FAQ section of this article or leave a comment.
Let’s get started!

Author: Teemu Suomala
I first grabbed guitar in 2009. I started this website in January 2020 because I couldn’t do window installation anymore due to my health problems. I also noticed that most guitar websites don’t do a really good job, so I decided to just go for it! I got lucky and managed to get awesome people to help me with my website. I also got lucky because I have you visiting my website right now. Thank you. I do all this for you guys. If you have any recommendations, tips, or feedback, just leave a comment, I would love to chat with you. I have been fortunate to produce content for several large guitar websites, such as Songsterr, Musicnotes, GuitarGuitar, and Ultimate Guitar. I spend my spare time exercising and hanging out with my wife and crazy dog(I guess that went the right way…).
33 Guitars With DiMarzio Pickups
Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar NOS is one of the few Fender’s coming with DiMarzio pickups. If you like Nirvana and other older punk full of attitude, this Jaguar is one of the best options out there. Its offset body is easy to handle, C-shaped box…um, neck gives a smooth feel, and the tones are thrashy. It can provide you clear cleans too, but this guitar and its DiMarzios are meant for in-your-face punk distortion and melancholy-cleans.
Price Range Icon Meanings:
$= $799-999
$$= $1000-119
$$$= $1200-1499
$$$$= $1500-1899
$$$$$= $1900
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Model | Pickup | Body Style | Price Range | Check Current Price (affiliate links) |
Ibanez RG421HPAM – Cheapest Guitar With DiMarzios – Best Budget | DiMarzio The Tone Zone & DiMarzio Air Norton humbuckers | Modern Stratocaster | $ | Sweetwater* – Thomann* |
Ibanez Standard SEW761CW – Budget HSS | 2x DiMarzio True Velvet Single-coil & DiMarzio The Tone Zone Humbucker | Modern Stratocaster | $ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Ibanez RG420HPFM – Cheapest With Floyd Rose | DiMarzio The Tone Zone & DiMarzio Air Norton humbuckers | Modern Stratocaster | $ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Ibanez RGD7521PB – Cheapest 7-String | 2 x DiMarzio PAF7 Humbucker | Modern Stratocaster | $ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Jackson Pro Series Signature Chris Broderick Soloist HT6 | 2 x Direct Mount DiMarzio CB6 Humbucker | Modern Stratocaster | $ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Charvel Pro-Mod Joe Duplantier San Dimas Style 2 | DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary Humbucker & Joe Duplantier Signature DiMarzio Fortitude Humbucker | Telecaster | $ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Jackson Pro Series Signature Rob Caggiano Shadowcaster – Great Offset Guitar | DiMarzio Air Norton DP-193 Humbucker & DiMarzio Rob Caggiano Humbucker | Shadowcaster (Offset) | $ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Ibanez Paul Gilbert Signature FRM300PR | 3 x DiMarzio PG-13 Humbucker | Paul Gilbert Signature (Offset) | $$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
BC Rich Mockingbird Legacy ST BB | 2 x DiMarzio D Activator Humbuckers | Mockingbird Legacy (Offset) | $$$ | Guitar Center – Thomann |
Ibanez Nita Strauss Signature JIVA10 | 2 x DiMarzio Pandemonium Humbucker & DiMarzio True Velvet Single-coil | Modern Stratocaster | $$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Ibanez Axion Label RG60ALS – Best Overall Guitar With Sustainiac Pickup | Sustainiac Pickup & DiMarzio Fusion Edge-7 Humbucker | Modern Stratocaster | $$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Fender Kurt Cobain Jaguar NOS | DiMarzio PAF DP-103 36th Anniversary Humbucker & DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion Humbucker | Jaguar | $$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Jackson Pro Series Mark Morton Signature Dominion | 2 x DiMarzio Mark Morton Signature Dominion humbuckers | Dominion (Offset) | $$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Ibanez Tim Henson (Polyphia) Signature THBB10 | DiMarzio THBB Single-coil & DiMarzio THBB Humbucker | Modern Stratocaster | $$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Ibanez Andy Timmons Signature ATZ10 | 2 x DiMarzio “The Cruiser” Humbucker & DiMarzio AT-1 Humbucker | Modern Stratocaster | $$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Ibanez Prestige RGR652AHBF – Best Overall | 2 x DiMarzio Fusion Edge Humbucker | Modern Stratocaster | $$$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Charvel Angel Vivaldi Signature Pro-Mod DK24-6 Nova | DiMarzio Air Norton DP193 Humbucker & DiMarzio The Tone Zone DP155 Humbucker | Modern Stratocaster | $$$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Ibanez Steve Vai Signature JEM77 | 2 x DiMarzio Gravity Storm & DiMarzio Evolution | Modern Stratocaster | $$$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Ibanez Joe Satriani Signature JS240PS – Best Premium Guitar With Sustainiac Pickup | Sustainiac Driver Only Pickup & DiMarzio Satchur8 Alnico Humbucker | Modern Stratocaster | $$$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
ESP LTD Alex Wade AW7B Baritone | 2 x DiMarzio D-Activator-7 Humbucker | Modern Stratocaster | $$$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Sterling by Music Man John Petrucci X Majestic | 1 x DiMarzio LiquiFire & 1 x Crunchlab humbuckers | Majestic | $$$$ | Thomann |
Fender Richie Kotzen Telecaster – Really Popular Telecaster | DiMarzio Twang King single-coil & DiMarzio Chopper T humbucker | Telecaster | $$$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Ibanez Prestige RG5320 | 2 x DiMarzio Fusion Edge Humbucker | Modern Stratocaster | $$$$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Jackson MJ Series Dinky DKR | DiMarzio PAF Pro DP151 Humbucker & DiMarzio Super Distortion Humbucker | Modern Stratocaster | $$$$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Ibanez J Custom RG8570Z – Best Premium | DiMarzio Air Norton Humbucker & DiMarzio True Velvet Single-coil & DiMarzio The Tone Zone Humbucker | Modern Stratocaster | $$$$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Fender Stories Collection Eric Johnson 1954 “Virginia” Stratocaster | Original ’57/’62 Strat Single-coil & DiMarzio HS-2 Single-coil | Stratocaster | $$$$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Ibanez Steve Vai Signature PIA3761 | 2 x DiMarzio UtoPIA Ceramic Humbucker & DiMarzio UtoPIA Alnico Single-coil | Modern Stratocaster | $$$$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Jackson USA Signature Phil Collen PC1 – Good for Def Leppard Fans | Jackson PC1 Sustainer Driver & DiMarzio HS-2 DP116 Single-coil & DiMarzio DP-152-F Humbucker | Modern Stratocaster | $$$$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Ernie Ball Music Man Axis Super Sport | 2 x DiMarzio Custom Wound Humbucker | Music Man Axis Super Sport | $$$$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Ernie Ball Music Man JP15 (John Petrucci) | 2 x DiMarzio Illuminator Humbucker & Piezo | JP | $$$$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Majesty | DiMarzio Rainmaker Humbucker & DiMarzio Dreamcatcher Humbucker & Piezo | Majesty | $$$$$ | Sweetwater – Thomann |
Charvel San Dimas HS 4 Horsemen | 1 x Fender SCN Hot Neck single coil & 1 x DiMarzio Super Distortion 100F humbucker | Modern Stratocaster | $$$$$ | Thomann |
Gibson Les Paul 59 BS VOS Ltd – Rare Gibson With DiMarzios | 2 x DiMarzio 36th Anniversary Double White PAF humbuckers | Les Paul | $$$$$ | Thomann |
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3 Best Guitars With DiMarzio Pickups – My Favorites
Best Overall – Ibanez High Performance RG421HPFM
What I like
- DiMarzio humbuckers offer really crunchy & fat distortion but are also surprisingly versatile
- Thin Wizard III neck is slim, smooth, and fast as a neck gets
- Offers really high value for the money
- Coil-split adds versatility
- Great all-around quality
- Slim body
What I don’t like
- Tusq, Graphite, or even a real Bone nut would make this guitar even better (increases sustain and overall tone)
Who is it for?
Ibanez RG421HPFM is one of my favorite guitars right now. It offers really smooth playability because of its Wizard III neck (my small hands love it). It’s equipped with great-sounding DiMarzio humbuckers (with a coil-split). And overall it offers a great bang for the buck (it could cost a lot more).
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Best Overall – Ibanez Prestige RG5320
What I like
- DiMarzio Fusion Edge Humbuckers provide killer tones
- GraphTech Black Tusq XL nut improves sustain
- Super Wizard HP is extremely slim and comfortable
- Ibanez Gibraltar Standard II bridge feels really comfortable against the picking hand (it’s high quality too)
- High-quality Gotoh MG-T Locking tuners hold the tune well
- Usually comes with a Hardshell Case
- Really high-value package
- A flat 16.9″ fretboard radius works really well for fast playing
What I don’t like
- Some prefer a real bone nut for this price (GraphTech Black Tusq XL nut works for me tho)
Who is it for?
You have probably noticed that I have a thing for Ibanez guitars, haha. This axe is one of the most affordable Ibanez Prestige series guitars, but it manages to still offer exceptional quality and value for the money. Super Wizard HP neck paired with a flat 16.9″ fretboard radius provides slick & slim & comfortable playability. Hardware is premium quality (Gotoh MG-T Locking tuners & Ibanez Gibraltar Standard II bridge & GraphTech Black Tusq XL nut, etc.). Plus the reverse headstock looks stunning and this axe usually comes with a hardshell case. I’m sold.
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Best Premium – Ibanez J Custom RG8570Z
What I like
- Beautiful “Tree of Life”-inlay on the fretboard
- Slim & smooth & comfortable Super Wizard HP neck shape
- Premium quality hardware, Edge-Zero Tremolo bridge and Gotoh-tuners for example
- Equipped with 3 different DiMarzios, this maximizes versatility
- Usually comes with a hardshell case
- Can handle anything like a breeze
What I don’t like
- Expensive
Who is it for?
If you are after a premium level, versatile guitar that comes with 3 different and great-sounding DiMarzio pickups, Ibanez J Custom RG8570Z is a great choice. It’s a premium guitar from, hardware, to sound, to playability. It is quite expensive, but it’s really a companion for life..and you usually get a nice hardshell case with it (as you should for this price).
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FAQ
Are DiMarzio Pickups Any Good?
DiMarzio pickups are good pickups. But as with any pickup, they are necessarily the best fit for everyone.
DiMarzios are known for their full, fat, and crunchy distortion. Another noteworthy thing is that DiMarzio only creates passive pickups. This fits some guitarists who like to use a nice amount of distortion & overdrive, such as Synyster Gates and John Petrucci.
Also, when listening to comparisons like this, I did notice that DiMarzios metal-oriented pickups offer fuller sound with cleans than most EMG active pickups for example.
When comparing really versatile, but mean-sounding passive pickups like DiMarzio Tone Zone nad Seymor Duncan JB SH-4 I noticed that again, DiMarzio offers fuller and fatter sound, while Seymor Duncan’s sound was more clear and treble-heavy. Check out this comparison (Mike Stamper makes the best pickup comparison videos, I highly recommend you also go and SUB to his channel):

So, DiMarzios can offer players a really full passive sound. If this sounds good, I think that you are going to love DiMarzios. Personally I do. I don’t have any overall favorite #1 pickup option, but for passive metal tone, DiMarzios are my top choice.
Are DiMarzio Pickups Good Metal?
I have to say…absolutely. Most DiMarzios are excellent passive pickups for metal. If you don’t believe me, check this video where mean riffs are run through 24 different DiMarzio pickups on bridge position (go and hit thumbs up for this guys awesome video to show him support!):

Which Guitar Brands Typically Use DiMarzio Pickups?
Following guitar brands frequently equip their guitars with Dimarzio pickup(s):
- Fender
- Ibanez
- Jackson
- Charvel
- BC Rich
- Music Man
Which Guitarists Use DiMarzio Pickups?
Here are some famous guitarists that use DiMarzio pickups(got this info from DiMarzios “Artists“-page).
- Steve Vai
- John Petrucci
- Joe Satriani
- Paul Gilbert
- Nita Strauss
- Joe Duplantier
- Richie Kotzen
- Andy Timmons
- Adrian Smith
- Herman Li
- Chris Broderick
Did Eddie Van Halen Use DiMarzio Pickups?
Yes. Eddie Van Halen did use DiMarzio pickups. DiMarzio designed pickups for Van Halen Music Man signature guitar.
Eddie Van Halen also used DiMarzio Fat Strat & Super Distortion in some of his guitars.
Are DiMarzio Pickups Made in The USA?
All DiMarzio pickups are made in The USA.
Conclusion
What great guitars we had here. From mean metal machines to super versatile and smooth playing all-around guitars. I don’t know about you, but diving deeper into the world of DiMarzios made me like their pickups even more. Right now, they are my top choice if in search of mean sounding passive pickups.
I hope this article helped you out, and maybe you even decided to get one of the guitars featured. If you have any questions, leave a comment, I and the GND team are here for you.
Now go, my son, and Rock!