D Activator Bridge Humbucker Pickup - Black Review

Active pickup qualities in a passive pickup package. DiMarzio delivers on their promise here.

I've had this pickup installed in my SG for about a week, and all I can say is wow! I play mostly hard rock and metal styles, and this pickup delivers. Originally I was thinking EMG's, but those pickups have qualities I do not like. They can sound somewhat sterile, are not very versatile and involve active electronics and batteries. After doing some research, I stumbled on this… read more little gem. DiMarzio describes it as a passive pickup that delivers everything you like from active pickups, but without the downsides. With some kind of pickup wizardry, they have achieved just this imo. The D-Activators have all of the harmonics, output, pick attack and bite of active pickups, but without the sterility, batteries and lack of headroom Bottom line - if you like the EMG 81 or 60 and want something similar without the active electronics crap? Give this thing a shot. Keep in mind, it will likely sound better in a darker sounding guitar like my SG, because it is rocking some high end. It may sound harsh in a bright guitar. Pros - Excellent pick attack matching that of EMG's - Great harmonics and note clarity - High output, up there with active pickups - No batteries, no bs! Cons - May be too bright for some guitars - Only ok for clean tones (unless you split the coils and roll off the treble)

---

Cancel Comment

Great choice

I have one of these in my Ibanez guitar that came stock with the guitar. This was the first guitar I've ever owned that I didn't immediately rip out the pickups and replace them with EMGs. It sounds very close to the active sound that I love from an EMG 81,but with the ability to coil tap it and get a single coil sound,it sounds much better with clean tones- especially when combined… read more with the neck pickup.You get the best of both worlds-great distorted tones and sweet clean tones as well.It's a lot noisier than an EMG-more feedback,and some hiss with high gain,but the trade off is worth it.I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it if you like high gain,chugging palm muted madness and the ability to play inspiring clean sounds.

---

Cancel Comment