Compare
DiMarzio D Activator vs DiMarzio FRED
DiMarzio D Activator
bridge humbucker
82 match
high confidence
DiMarzio FRED
humbucker
Compared with the DiMarzio D Activator, the DiMarzio FRED has an Alnico V magnet (warmer, smoother).
Specs side by side
differs marks specs where they part ways| Spec | DiMarzio D Activator | DiMarzio FRED |
|---|---|---|
| DC resistancediffers | 11.41k | 10.38k |
| Inductancediffers | 4.56 H (measured, 1 reading) | 4.48 H (compiled) |
| Magnetdiffers | Ceramic | Alnico 5 |
| Coil | Hum-cancelling | Hum-cancelling |
| Bass (tone chart)differs | 5.5 / 10 | 4.5 / 10 |
| Mids (tone chart)differs | 6 / 10 | 5 / 10 |
| Treble (tone chart)differs | 4 / 10 | 5.5 / 10 |
| Slotdiffers | bridge humbucker | humbucker |
| Traits | vintage output, tight & aggressive | vintage output |
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
97
measured inductance
Magnet
45
Ceramic vs Alnico 5
Coil
100
same coil type
Brightness
75
tone charts on the same scale
Mids
83
tone charts on the same scale
Bass
83
tone charts on the same scale
Videos
No videos for either pickup collected yet.
What players and reviewers say
On the DiMarzio D Activator
“The low end delivers some thump, but doesn't flub out or get muddy.”
“The mids and highs are very nice for lead work in the neck position.”
On the DiMarzio FRED
“The low end stays tight and controlled, never spilling over into mud.”
“Light picking produces a clean and articulate response, while digging in brings out aggression and bite.”