Comparing the Dimarzio Bright-Type Humbuckers: DP156 ＆ DP153

When you want to drastically change a guitar’s sound, the quickest way is to swap out the pickups.
This time, I installed a Dimarzio DP156 and DP153 on an Ibanez RG that I’ve been using again after a long time.

Both are known as brighter sounding humbuckers, but how do they actually sound?
I tested them thoroughly from clean tones to lead playing, and here’s a summary of my impressions.

Dimarzio DP156 & DP153

The pickups installed this time are two from Dimarzio: the DP156 (Humbucker From Hell) and the DP153 (Fred).

DP156

DP153

The DP156 is characterized by its ability to deliver the crispness of a single-coil while still being a humbucker, and it’s also famous for being used by John Petrucci and Paul Gilbert. In fact, I myself used it long ago in combination with the DP155 (Tone Zone). At that time, however, I was bothered by the output difference between the two pickups and eventually replaced it with the DP193 (Air Norton). Since then, I haven’t had many opportunities to use it.

This time, though, I became interested again in that unique bright sound and decided to give the DP156 another try. While thinking about finding a compatible pickup that I hadn’t used before to pair with it, I came across the DP153.

Like the DP156, the DP153 also has the bright, single-coil-like clarity, while retaining an appropriate humbucker thickness, making it a very well-balanced model. It is also famous for being used by Joe Satriani. On some Ibanez models, these two pickups were even installed together as the factory combination, which made me feel it was worth trying them out.

About the Wiring

First, to understand the character of the sound, I used a simple wiring setup: 3-way switch and 1 volume knob.

If I like the sound, I plan to try more complex switching using a super switch, such as coil-tapping or parallel wiring.

DP156 Sound Impressions

I checked the sound in four modes: Clean / Crunch / Distortion / Lead.

Clean

As described, it delivers a very bright and clear tone.
The clean sound from a front humbucker can sometimes be too thick, but that’s not a concern with the DP156. Whether playing arpeggios or strumming chunky chords, the outline comes through clearly, making it versatile across many genres.

Crunch

When playing with light distortion, the separation between chords is excellent.
Even though it’s a humbucker, it doesn’t get muddy, and it has the clarity of a single-coil, making it suitable for funk-style backing as well.

Dist

Even with heavy distortion applied, the attack still has bite, resulting in a well-defined, articulate sound. It cuts through pleasantly even in the neck position.

Lead

For single-note playing, it isn’t too thin, delivering an easy-to-play lead sound.

DP153 Sound Impressions

This one gave an even stronger impression of being a versatile model compared to the DP156.

Clean

A pleasantly dry and bright tone, with just the right amount of humbucker warmth remaining. Its ease of use in clean tones is comparable to the DP156.

Crunch

The full frequency range comes through in balance, making it extremely easy to handle.
It’s not too aggressive, but not too subdued either — it’s a perfectly balanced sound.

Distortion

The crisp attack feels satisfying, and it has enough power for hard rock and metal.
It’s the kind of pickup that feels great when playing tight riffs.

Lead

The guitar’s most singing range comes through strongly, making lead playing enjoyable.
It responds well to picking dynamics, and even in legato passages, the notes are articulate.

Summary — Single-Coil Clarity, Humbucker Thickness. A Versatile and Colorful Pairing

What I strongly felt after trying the DP156 and DP153 is that:
"Even though they are humbuckers, they deliver the crispness of a single-coil very well."
Thanks to that, I found them easy to handle across a wide range of styles, including:

• Hard rock and metal riffs
• Bright backing for pop and funk
• Clean arpeggios
• Clear, cutting lead tones

The DP156 is usually paired with the DP155, and is even sold as a set, but combining it with the DP153 exceeded my expectations. It’s bright but not too thin, lively yet with a solid core — it’s like getting the best of both worlds of single-coil and humbucker characteristics in one setup.
If you’re curious, definitely give this combination a try!

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