DiMarzio Satch Track Neck DP425

Originally published February 3, 2016

The Satch Track Neck is the next evaluation in the Satriani line of DiMarzio pickups.  As I’ve hinted at before, I think Mr. Satriani knows the value of a classic vibe voicing infused into his shredding.

At a guitar show circa 2004 (I think?!), I saw Satriani talk about how he’d been starting to check out some 24 fret options, but he didn’t simply want to move a humbucker down closer to the bridge and compromise what he wanted from the neck position pickup.  He also talked about trying some alder bodies as well, but that’s a different conversation.  lol!

Installation

For this review, I am using a neutral-sounding single-hum with maple neck/board and an official Floyd Rose double locking tremolo system. Controls include a Bourns 500k pot and a Switchcraft 1/4″ output jack.  Wiring was set up for series, split and parallel.  I first tested it with a Mo’ Joe in the bridge and then with a boutique bridge humbucker, just to get more perspective. Tuning is E standard with 09-42 strings.

Evaluation

This is a cool little pickup.  DiMarzio continues to blow me away with their offerings for neck pickups.  A well-placed output level, a nicely balanced EQ, and a very musical voice.  The Satch Track really holds its own as a versatile neck pickup that can cover a lot of ground.  The highs cut through with a touch of sweet to the edge.  The lows are precise and punchy.  The lower mids have a bit of a growl while the upper mids has just a little bit of cocked wah – but not too much.

A dirty amp setting reveals a pickup that can be a new favorite lead tone.  The Satch Track is ready to soak up whatever gain you feed it and produce a rich edge that compliments open chords, barre chords, single note lines and singing sustained notes.  Harmonics and squeals jump and pop out in front of the mix.  It makes me want to put it in the middle position and take it out for a spin.

Clean amp settings go over like a charm.  Series wiring has a fullness, parallel delivers a nice airy response, and split mode produces that chimey clean you’ve been looking for.  And all that from a ceramic magnet.  How cool is that?

Demo

Check out a demo video of Joe showing off the Satch Track, paired with the Mo’ Joe in the bridge:

Specs

The Satch Track is going to be good for fusion, alternative, hard rock, progressive, shred, heavy metal, and punk styles. It is available from DiMarzio is over 10 color options with chrom, black, and gold rail colors.

For reference, this DiMarzio Satch Track Neck DP425 rail hum canceling strat pickup evaluation was conducted with a Fractal Axe-Fx II XL+ featuring Celestion Impluse Responses and Fractal MFC-101 MIDI Foot Controller.  In addition, real cabs in use are Marshall 1960B, Mojotone British, and Peavey 6505 cabs loaded with Celestion Classic Series Vintage 30s and Classic Series G12M Greenbacks.

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