DiMarzio and John Petrucci introduce the new Illuminator humbucking pickups for 6-string and 7-string electric guitars.
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These pickups were designed for Petrucci’s new Music Man JP13 signature guitar, being sold separately by DiMarzio.
The new Illuminator pickups are designated as DP256 and DP 257, and Illuminator 7 with model names DP756 and DP757. They are sold as separate neck and bridge pickup models for those that are looking for tones approved by the Dream Theater guitar wizard.
John specifically mentioned versatility as one of his major requirements when he helped design the pickups. He needs pickups that can help him span various types of tones in one guitar, from rhythmically tight overdrive to more expressive and dynamic lead tones. DiMarzio describes John’s wishes as wanting “the neck and bridge pickups to occupy separate musical spaces that speak to each other”. He wants the two pickups to have individual tonalities that work great when blended.
The Illuminator neck model is described as being louder than typical vintage humbuckers, with a lot of clarity when used with a clean amp. The bridge pickup on the other hand increases midrange punch, emphasizes the higher frequencies, and tightens the lows.
The Illuminator 7 neck model has improved clarity throughout the 7-string frequency range and balances well with the bridge pickup. The bridge pickup follows the same characteristics as the 6-string version, but this time designed to cover the lower frequencies afforded by the 7th string.
The pickups are able to meet his requirements and have earned his seal of approval before being made available to the market. DiMarzio describes them as “a bit bold — with more of the clarity and presence that John demands.” He liked the new pickups enough to use them during the recording of Dream Theater’s upcoming self-titled album, scheduled for release on September 24, 2013.
John Petrucci himself talked about his new signature pickups and put them to the test:
The new Illuminator pickups humbucking pickups are made in the U.S.A., and are now available for immediate shipping. The suggested list price is $129 for the 6-string neck and bridge Models, and $139 each for the 7-string models. Visit DiMarzio for more information.
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