The DiMarzio DP163 Bluesbucker delivers authentic, dynamic P-90 single-coil bite and warm mid-range detail in a standard humbucker format. Designed for guitarists who want the expressive vocal tone and edge of a single-coil without modifying their humbucker routing, this passive pickup eliminates annoying 60-cycle single-coil hum while preserving articulate, touch-sensitive dynamic response across high-gain solos and clean rhythm work.
What Does the DiMarzio DP163 Bluesbucker Sound Like?
The Bluesbucker captures the bright, open treble attack and vocal mid-range growl characteristic of a classic vintage P-90 pickup. When played softly through a clean valve amplifier, it produces sweet, transparent top-end detail with open dynamic headroom. Driven into overdrive or high-gain lead channels, the pickup cuts through the mix with a throaty mid-range bite and tight bass response that never turns muddy or compressed. This versatile voicing makes it well suited to musical styles like blues, classic rock, indie, jazz, and roots music, providing exceptional note definition for both complex chord voicings and expressive single-note lead lines.
Patented Virtual Vintage Technology
To achieve true single-coil character within a hum-cancelling dual-coil footprint, DiMarzio utilizes patented Virtual Vintage technology alongside asymmetrical coil winding. One coil operates as the primary sensing coil while the second functions as a dummy coil to cancel hum. This design generates the bright, uncompressed harmonic response of a single-coil pickup without the background noise, magnetic pull, or string dampening associated with traditional single-coils.
4-Conductor Wiring and Flexible Splitting Options
Equipped with 4-conductor lead wire, the Bluesbucker offers versatile wiring options for custom control setups. In standard series mode, it behaves as a noise-free P-90 style pickup. Splitting the pickup via a push-pull pot or mini-toggle isolates the primary sensing coil to produce an even airier, lower-output single-coil chime. Combining two Bluesbuckers in a dual-humbucker guitar allows players to achieve hollow, out-of-phase Strat-style chime when both pickups are engaged together.
DiMarzio DP163 Bluesbucker Specifications
- Pickup Type - P-90 style hum-cancelling pickup.
- Designed For - standard humbucker guitar routs (Stratocaster, Telecaster, Les Paul, semi-hollow models).
- Position Suited To - neck or bridge position (recommended for neck or bridge matched pairs).
- Number of Strings - 6-string.
- Configuration - humbucker sizing (passive).
- Number of Conductors - 4-conductor lead wire.
- Magnet Type - Ceramic.
- Output / DC Resistance - output level 224 mV / DC resistance 10.07 kΩ.
- Wiring & Coils - Virtual Vintage technology with asymmetrical coil design.
- Accessories - mounting hardware included.
A dependable choice for guitarists seeking authentic P-90 bite, hum-free performance, and versatile 4-conductor wiring in a drop-in humbucker size, the DiMarzio DP163 Bluesbucker earns its place in neck and bridge pickup positions.