In 1972, with the invention of the Super Distortion – the DP100 – Larry DiMarzio didn't simply launch his own company: He created the entire concept of replacement pickups. The DP100F CR is a passive humbucker, primarily intended for the bridge position. In contrast to the original version, the current model features four-conductor wiring and has more versatile switching options. The humbucker employs ceramic magnets and, with a resistance of 13.68kOhm, has a very high output that quickly distorts tube amplifiers, in keeping with its name. The Super Distortion has been an integral part of the sound of Rock music since the 1970s and can be heard on countless records, from Kiss to Boston to Def Leppard. In addition to the standard humbucker model, there are also variants available in single coil and P90 formats, as well as for seven and eight-string guitars.
When the Super Distortion first saw the light of day in the early 70s, it came at just the right time to change the way Rock music sounded. The DP100's extremely high output levels could push the guitar amps of the time as hard as they could go, achieving a degree of distortion that was literally unheard of. Even today, the passive humbucker still has impressive qualities in this regard, delivering present and snappy mids alongside a low end that is immensely powerful without ever being muddy: Perfect not only for classic 70s and 80s Hard Rock sounds, but also for modern high-gain styles. Despite the very high output level, a clean sound can still be achieved if the volume on the guitar itself is turned down a little. In addition, the four-conductor wiring means that the DiMarzio DP100FCR can also be used for single-coil operation.
The DiMarzio DP100FCR Super Distortion is the perfect humbucker for musicians who want more power for their electric guitar. The combination of its high output level, rich bass response, and assertive mids delivers a full sound that high-gain die-hards will really love. It doesn't matter whether players prefer the vintage high-gain sound of the 80s or more modern styles – the whole approach is defined by a heavily pronounced midrange and huge amounts of overall output. The DiMarzio Super Distortion is available for guitars with typical Gibson string spacing, as well as in an F-spacing variant for tremolo or Floyd Rose guitars. The DP100F CR model shown here is in cream, and has F-spacing with slightly wider pole pieces. Catering to a range of aesthetic preferences, it is also available in other colours, such as white, black, and even zebra.
In 1972, Larry DiMarzio created the first ever interchangeable pickup system for electric guitars. He went on to found the company and gave it its name. The New York-based manufacturer has long since become one of the largest suppliers in the field and provides guitarists and bassists with a comprehensive selection of pickups and other accessories. DiMarzio also works intensively with renowned artists such as Steve Vai, John Petrucci, Steve Lukather, Paul Gilbert, Steve Morse and Billy Sheehan, as well as renowned manufacturers such as Ibanez and Music Man.
The DiMarzio Super Distortion humbucker is primarily conceived to be installed in the bridge position of a solid-body electric guitar with a tremolo. The output level may be too high for semi-hollow guitars, and would likely generate a lot of feedback. Although designed for use in the bridge position, installation in the neck position is not out of the question – though it would be wise to lower the pickup a little to make sure the output is balanced with that of the bridge humbucker. Ultimately, wherever the DP100 is installed, the four conductors enable a variety of wiring options, such as splitting the humbucker – meaning that only one coil is actually active, producing sounds similar to a single coil. In addition, two Super Distortion humbuckers can also function in a parallel circuit, as Paul Gilbert once favoured in his Racer X days.