Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio are two of the most renowned aftermarket pickup manufacturers in the guitar industry. Both companies have been producing high-quality pickups for decades, catering to a wide range of musical styles and player preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the history, product offerings, tonal characteristics, and unique features of both brands to help guitarists make an informed decision when choosing pickups for their instruments.
Table of Contents
Company Backgrounds
Seymour Duncan
Seymour Duncan, founded in 1976 by Seymour W. Duncan and his wife Cathy Carter Duncan, has its roots in Santa Barbara, California. Seymour’s journey in pickup making began in the 1960s when he started rewinding pickups for famous musicians like Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page. This experience laid the foundation for what would become one of the most respected pickup manufacturers in the world.
Seymour Duncan’s philosophy revolves around recreating vintage tones and pushing the boundaries of pickup technology. The company is known for its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to using high-quality materials in their products.
DiMarzio
DiMarzio, established in 1971 by Larry DiMarzio in Staten Island, New York, emerged during a time when guitarists were seeking ways to modify their instruments for better tone and output. Larry DiMarzio’s invention of the replacement pickup revolutionized the guitar industry, allowing players to customize their sound without changing their entire instrument.
DiMarzio’s approach focuses on innovation and addressing the evolving needs of guitarists. The company has been at the forefront of developing new pickup technologies and has collaborated with numerous high-profile artists to create signature models.
Product Range
Seymour Duncan Offerings
Seymour Duncan offers an extensive range of pickups for various instruments, including electric guitars, bass guitars, and acoustic guitars. Their product line includes:
Humbuckers: From vintage-inspired PAF-style pickups like the ’59 and Seth Lover models to high-output options like the JB and Distortion, Seymour Duncan covers a wide spectrum of humbucker tones.
Single-coils: The company produces traditional single-coils for Stratocaster and Telecaster-style guitars, as well as P90-style pickups and specialized single-coil sized humbuckers like the Little ’59.
Active pickups: Seymour Duncan’s Blackouts series caters to metal and hard rock players seeking high-output, low-noise performance.
Bass pickups: A diverse range of passive and active bass pickups for various styles and tonal preferences.
Acoustic pickups: Offerings include undersaddle piezo pickups and soundhole magnetic pickups for acoustic instruments.
DiMarzio Offerings
DiMarzio also boasts a comprehensive lineup of pickups for different instruments and playing styles:
Humbuckers: From the classic Super Distortion to modern designs like the Titan and Rainmaker, DiMarzio covers a broad range of humbucker tones.
Single-coils: Traditional single-coils, noiseless designs like the Area series, and single-coil sized humbuckers such as the Virtual Vintage line are all part of DiMarzio’s catalog.
Rail pickups: DiMarzio pioneered the rail pickup design with models like the Super Distortion S, offering humbucker-like tone in a single-coil form factor.
Bass pickups: A variety of passive and active options for bass guitars, including signature models for renowned bassists.
Acoustic pickups: DiMarzio offers magnetic soundhole pickups for acoustic guitars, focusing on natural tone reproduction.
Tonal Characteristics
While both companies offer a wide range of tones, there are some general characteristics often associated with each brand:
Seymour Duncan Sound
Seymour Duncan pickups are often described as having a more “organic” or “open” sound. Many of their pickups, especially in the vintage-inspired lines, aim to recreate classic tones with a focus on clarity and dynamic response. Seymour Duncan humbuckers are known for their articulate midrange and well-defined bass response.
The company’s modern designs, like the Nazgûl or Pegasus, offer tighter low-end and more aggressive voicings for contemporary styles. Seymour Duncan’s single-coils are praised for their authentic vintage tones and ability to capture the nuances of a player’s technique.
DiMarzio Sound
DiMarzio pickups are often characterized as having a more “focused” or “tight” sound. Many DiMarzio humbuckers, particularly those designed for rock and metal, are known for their powerful midrange, pronounced upper-midrange bite, and controlled bass response. This tonal profile often results in excellent cut-through in a mix and a percussive attack that works well for high-gain styles.
DiMarzio’s single-coils, especially their noiseless designs, are celebrated for their ability to deliver classic tones without the traditional 60-cycle hum. The company’s innovative approach to pickup design has also resulted in unique voicings that push beyond traditional boundaries, appealing to players seeking modern, versatile tones.
Winding Techniques and Materials
Seymour Duncan
Seymour Duncan is known for its commitment to traditional winding techniques and materials. Many of their pickups are wound on vintage-style Leesona winding machines, which contribute to their classic tone and feel. The company uses a variety of magnet types, including Alnico II, III, IV, V, and ceramic, depending on the desired tonal characteristics of each pickup model.
Seymour Duncan also offers hand-wound pickups in their Custom Shop, allowing for even greater attention to detail and customization. The company is transparent about the specific materials used in each pickup, often providing detailed specifications to help players make informed choices.
DiMarzio
DiMarzio has been at the forefront of pickup innovation, developing new winding techniques and experimenting with various materials to achieve specific tonal goals. The company was one of the first to use ceramic magnets in guitar pickups, which allowed for higher output and tighter bass response.
DiMarzio’s approach to pickup design often involves precise control over the magnetic field, achieved through careful selection of magnet types, pole piece materials, and winding patterns. This attention to detail allows DiMarzio to create pickups with highly specific tonal characteristics, catering to the needs of modern players across various genres.
Artist Collaborations and Signature Models
Both Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio have extensive rosters of artist collaborations, resulting in numerous signature pickup models:
Seymour Duncan Signature Models
Seymour Duncan has worked with a diverse range of artists to create signature pickups, including:
– Slash (APH-2 Alnico II Pro)
– Mark Holcomb of Periphery (Alpha/Omega set)
– Gus G (Gus G. Fire Blackouts)
– David Gilmour (SSL-5)
– Billy Gibbons (Pearly Gates)
These signature models often incorporate unique design elements or tonal characteristics specifically requested by the artists, providing players with access to professional-grade sounds.
DiMarzio Signature Models
DiMarzio’s list of artist collaborations is equally impressive, featuring signature pickups for:
– Steve Vai (Evolution, Gravity Storm)
– John Petrucci (Crunch Lab, Liquifire)
– Joe Satriani (Satch Track, Mo’ Joe)
– Paul Gilbert (Injector, Air Classic)
– Andy Timmons (AT-1)
DiMarzio’s approach to signature models often involves extensive prototyping and testing with the artists to achieve their exact tonal vision.
Pricing and Availability
Both Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio offer pickups across various price points, catering to different budgets and needs:
Seymour Duncan Pricing
Seymour Duncan’s pricing structure generally ranges from budget-friendly options to high-end Custom Shop creations:
– Entry-level pickups: $60-$80
– Mid-range options: $80-$120
– High-end and signature models: $120-$300+
– Custom Shop pickups: Varies based on specifications
Seymour Duncan products are widely available through major music retailers, online stores, and authorized dealers worldwide.
DiMarzio Pricing
DiMarzio’s pricing is comparable to Seymour Duncan’s, with options for various budgets:
– Entry-level pickups: $60-$80
– Mid-range options: $80-$120
– High-end and signature models: $120-$250+
– Custom orders: Pricing varies
DiMarzio pickups are also readily available through major retailers, online platforms, and authorized dealers globally.
Installation and Compatibility
Both Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio design their pickups to be compatible with a wide range of guitars and offer various mounting options:
Seymour Duncan
Seymour Duncan provides detailed wiring diagrams and installation guides for their pickups. Many of their models are available in multiple mounting styles, including:
– Traditional baseplate mounting
– Direct mounting
– Pickup rings
– EMG-style quick-connect systems for some active models
The company also offers pickup and electronics upgrade kits for popular guitar models, simplifying the installation process for DIY enthusiasts.
DiMarzio
DiMarzio similarly offers comprehensive installation resources and multiple mounting options:
– Standard baseplate mounting
– Direct mounting
– Pickup rings
– Quick-connect systems for certain models
DiMarzio’s website features an interactive pickup selector tool that helps players find compatible pickups for their specific guitar models.
Customer Support and Warranty
Both companies are known for their excellent customer support and stand behind their products with solid warranty policies:
Seymour Duncan
Seymour Duncan offers a limited lifetime warranty on their pickups, covering defects in materials and workmanship. Their customer support team is highly regarded for their knowledge and responsiveness, providing assistance with technical questions, installation advice, and general inquiries.
DiMarzio
DiMarzio provides a limited lifetime warranty on their pickups against defects in materials and workmanship. The company’s customer service is also well-respected, offering support for product selection, technical issues, and installation guidance.
Innovation and Future Developments
Both Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio continue to innovate and develop new pickup technologies:
Seymour Duncan
Seymour Duncan has been exploring new ground with their Retrospec’d line, which aims to recreate specific vintage tones with modern consistency. The company is also investing in digital modeling technology, as seen in their PowerStage power amps with built-in cab simulation.
DiMarzio
DiMarzio’s focus on innovation is evident in their ongoing development of noiseless single-coil designs and their exploration of new magnet materials and winding techniques. The company continues to push the boundaries of pickup design, particularly in the realm of extended range instruments and modern playing styles.
Conclusion
Both Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio are excellent choices for guitarists seeking high-quality aftermarket pickups. The decision between the two often comes down to personal preference, playing style, and the specific tonal characteristics desired.
Seymour Duncan tends to excel in recreating vintage tones and offering a wide range of “classic” sounds, while also providing modern options for contemporary players. Their pickups are often described as having a more open, organic quality.
DiMarzio, on the other hand, is known for its innovative designs and ability to cater to modern playing styles, particularly in the rock and metal genres. Their pickups are frequently praised for their focused, tight response and excellent cut-through in high-gain settings.
Ultimately, both companies offer exceptional products, and many guitarists find themselves using pickups from both manufacturers depending on their needs. The best approach is to listen to sound samples, try out different pickups if possible, and consider the specific requirements of your playing style and desired tone when making a decision.
FAQ
Are Seymour Duncan pickups better than DiMarzio?
There is no definitive answer as to whether Seymour Duncan pickups are better than DiMarzio or vice versa. Both companies produce high-quality pickups with their own unique characteristics. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference, playing style, and the specific tonal qualities a guitarist is seeking. It’s best to listen to sound samples and, if possible, try out pickups from both manufacturers to determine which suits your needs better.
Can I mix Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio pickups in the same guitar?
Yes, you can mix Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio pickups in the same guitar. Many guitarists experiment with different pickup combinations to achieve their desired tone. When mixing pickups from different manufacturers, it’s important to consider factors such as output level, frequency response, and overall tonal balance to ensure a cohesive sound. Some popular combinations include a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge with a DiMarzio PAF Pro in the neck, or a DiMarzio Super Distortion in the bridge with Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders in the neck and middle positions.
Do Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio pickups fit in all guitars?
While Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio design their pickups to fit a wide range of guitars, not all pickups will fit every guitar without modification. Both companies offer pickups in various form factors, including traditional humbucker sizes, single-coil sizes, and specialized shapes for specific guitar models. Before purchasing a pickup, it’s essential to check the dimensions and mounting style to ensure compatibility with your guitar. Both Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio provide detailed specifications and fitment guides on their websites to help guitarists find the right pickup for their instrument.