Dimarzio Bluesbucker tone test (Series and Parallel wiring). Paired with PAF 36th Anniversary
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DiMarzio Bluesbucker vs DiMarzio Illuminator
DiMarzio Bluesbucker
humbucker
87 match
high confidence
DiMarzio Illuminator
bridge humbucker
Compared with the DiMarzio Bluesbucker, the DiMarzio Illuminator has a darker top end.
Specs side by side
differs marks specs where they part ways| Spec | DiMarzio Bluesbucker | DiMarzio Illuminator |
|---|---|---|
| DC resistancediffers | 10.07k | 10.56k |
| Inductancediffers | not measured | 6.77 H (measured, 1 reading) |
| Magnet | Ceramic | Ceramic |
| Coil | Hum-cancelling | Hum-cancelling |
| Bass (tone chart)differs | 4.5 / 10 | 5 / 10 |
| Mids (tone chart)differs | 5 / 10 | 6 / 10 |
| Treble (tone chart)differs | 5.5 / 10 | 3.5 / 10 |
| Slotdiffers | humbucker | bridge humbucker |
| Traits | moderate output, tight & aggressive | moderate output, dark, tight & aggressive |
How close on each spec
100 means identical on that spec. The score weighs these, and counts anything we couldn't compare as a typical difference. How scoring works
Output
93
DC resistance (no inductance for one of them)
Magnet
100
both Ceramic
Coil
100
same coil type
Brightness
67
tone charts on the same scale
Mids
83
tone charts on the same scale
Bass
92
tone charts on the same scale
Videos
DiMarzio Bluesbucker
Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas pickup mod - DiMarzio Bluesbucker
DiMarzio Illuminator
DiMarzio Illuminator Guitar Pickups for John Petrucci
What players and reviewers say
On the DiMarzio Bluesbucker
“One was the Bluesbucker, which has more of a single coil midrange with some of the fatter lows and rolled off highs like a humbucker.”
“Because once you plug in and unleash it, this pickup delivers a unique blend of clarity, bite, and vintage soul that cuts through a mix.”
On the DiMarzio Illuminator
“In this guitar, Illuminator has a balanced EQ w/ slightly less highs.”
“The lows are controlled and big… never muddy, loose or flabby… but not constricted, brittle or overly tight.”