DiMarzio Steve’s Special

The Steve’s Special somehow defaults to an association with Steve Vai. While Vai is unquestionably one of the artists that are the backbone of the DiMarzio brand, the answer is “no”. Maybe try the “Steve” of DiMarzio engineer Steve Blucher. However, the humbucker does an undeniable association with another DiMarzio artist. The incredible John Petrucci.

Petrucci has the Steve’s Special in his signature Ibanez from the time the pickup is first available in 1995. The Air Norton is in the neck position of that guitar. There is an interim between this and JP’s first signature pickups are offered where the neck position is somewhere between the AN and the LiquiFire. Yes, I do have one of those OEM neck pickups, too, and will be getting to it when time allows.

Yamaha Pacifica P3

In the early 1990s, DiMarzio is making a stock humbucker for the bridge of the Yamaha Pacifica guitar. The marking indicates it as the P3. People that ask are told the closest thing to it is the Steve’s Special. And you know me. so I do have my hands on one of the old P3 humbuckers.

At first glance, the SS uses 12 bolt poles (think of the PAF Pro) and the P3 has 12 filister poles. The poles on each are both the same length. And sorry, but the different threads on the poles means you cannot swap them around. You can feel the bobbins and tell one is full and one is anemic. That’s Dual Resonance (read below). The reading on both models are identical. No joke. But surely, the difference in the poles makes the sound different. Not so much. Don’t go paying the insane prices that some as asking for the P3. I’m here to testify that the SS does indeed have you covered.

Dual Resonance Tech

Dual Resonance is basically mis-matched coils. It’s common for several pickup companies to allow about a 5% variance. But Dual Resonance is an intentional mis-matching of the coils to produce a specific “tuning” of the pickup’s voice. According to the patent, it is pretty much about putting a similar number of turns on each coil. But with different wire gauges.

Installation

The Steve’s Special is going in to a double humbucker shred stick. Maple neck, 24-fret 25-1/2″ scale ebony neck, Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo system, Bourns 500k pot, Pure Tone 1/4″ output jack. Tuning is E standard with 09-42 strings. The P3 humbucker is also tested in this same guitar, back-to-back with the SS.

Evaluation

The Steve’s Special delivers high output and incredible note clarity, making it a standout choice for players who demand precision. Unlike most hot pickups that emphasize midrange punch, this one features scooped mids and a ceramic magnet, resulting in an almost active-pickup tone with tight lows and smooth highs. The result is a balanced and articulate tone that doesn’t feel muddy or harsh. When paired with a high-gain amp, the Steve’s Special produces the kind of singing lead tones with effortless articulation and sustain.

While the scooped mids are noticeable, they don’t make the tone feel weak or thin. Instead, the pickup offers tight low-end, smooth highs, and incredible separation between notes, making it an excellent choice for both rhythm and lead playing. Harmonics leap out with ease, and the sustain is rich and controlled. Even under heavy distortion, every note remains defined, ensuring complex chords and intricate solos cut through the mix.

While known for its high-gain capabilities, the Steve’s Special also delivers stunning clean tones. The result is crisp, articulate cleans with excellent string separation. Whether playing metal, rock, fusion, or blues, this pickup remains clear and responsive, adapting well to different playing styles. It offers a unique blend of power, clarity, and versatility, making it a top choice for guitarists who need a pickup that excels both in the studio and on stage. Whether you need searing leads, tight rhythms, or pristine cleans, the Steve’s Special will deliver.

Specs

Demo

Here is an example from Dream Theater’s 1997 Falling Into Infinity album:

Conclusion

After the Steve’s Special, JP’s signature pickups have a more mid-heavy character, by comparison. But the SS is a solid shot at the Dream Theater tone of the last half of the 1990s. The DiMarzio Air Norton pairs exceptionally well with it in the neck position, providing a well-balanced and versatile setup for players who switch between rhythm and lead frequently. Remember, Dual Resonance is at work here. So be sure to spin the pickup to fine-tune the voice to the character of your guitar and to your playing style.

The Steve’s Special is going to be good for hard rock, shred, progressive and tech metal, early thrash, 80s metal, death metal, hard rock, garage, punk, fusion, grunge, blues rock, hardcore, classic rock, alt rock, pop, djent, nu-metal, and more. . It is available with 9 solid bobbin colors, 8 zebra colors, and a half-dozen options for covers. As usual, pole piece color choice are nickel, gold, and black.

For reference, this DiMarzio Steve’s Special humbucker pickup evaluation was conducted with the following: Fractal Axe-Fx II XL+ featuring Celestion Impluse Responses and Fractal MFC-101 MIDI Foot Controller. ADA MP-1 Tube Pre-Amp loaded with Tube Amp Doctor ECC83 Premium Selected tubes, using the ADA MC-1 MIDI Controller. Fryette LX II Stereo Tube Power Amplifier. Physical cabs 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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