The Dimebucker pickup is a type of humbucker pickup that is famous for its high output and aggressive tones. It was designed by the late Dimebag Darrell, an iconic guitarist known for his heavy metal sound. To achieve the signature tone of Dimebag Darrell, you need to know how to wire your guitar with a Dimebucker pickup.
What is a Dimebucker Pickup?
A Dimebucker pickup is a type of humbucker pickup that was designed by the Seymour Duncan Company in collaboration with Dimebag Darrell. It is a high-output pickup that produces a lot of sustain and aggressive tones, making it a popular choice among guitarists who play heavy metal or similar genres.
The Dimebucker pickup is a dual-coil pickup that has four wires, which can be used to wire the pickup in different configurations for various tonal options. It is named after Dimebag Darrell, who was known for his heavy metal sound and his use of this particular pickup.
Wiring a Dimebucker Pickup
Wiring a Dimebucker pickup is not difficult, but it requires some knowledge and skills to do it correctly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wire a Dimebucker pickup:
| Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|
| Green | Coil Tap |
| Red & White | Series Link |
| Black | Ground |
Step 1: Remove the Old Pickup
Before you can wire a Dimebucker pickup, you need to remove the old pickup from your guitar. To do this, unscrew the pickup cover and gently pull out the pickup from the cavity.
Step 2: Prepare the Dimebucker Pickup
Once you have removed the old pickup, you can now prepare the Dimebucker pickup for installation. Start by identifying the four wires that are coming out of the pickup. The wires are usually color-coded: green, red, white, and black.
Step 3: Connect the Ground Wire
The black wire is the ground wire, which is used to ground the pickup to the guitar’s electronics. Connect the black wire to the ground wire on the guitar’s output jack.
Step 4: Connect the Series Link Wire
The red and white wires are used to link the two coils of the Dimebucker pickup in series. Connect the red wire to the hot wire on the guitar’s output jack and connect the white wire to the corresponding wire on the guitar’s volume pot.
Step 5: Connect the Coil Tap Wire
The green wire is used to tap one of the coils of the Dimebucker pickup, producing a single-coil sound. Connect the green wire to a switch or push/pull pot that will enable you to switch between the single-coil and humbucker modes.
FAQ
What is the difference between a Dimebucker and a regular humbucker pickup?
A Dimebucker pickup has a higher output and more aggressive tone than a regular humbucker pickup. It is also wired differently and has four wires instead of two, which allows for more tonal options.
Can I use a Dimebucker pickup for other genres besides heavy metal?
Yes, you can use a Dimebucker pickup for other genres besides heavy metal. It produces a lot of sustain and overdrive, which can be useful for rock, blues, and other genres that require a powerful and aggressive tone.
Do I need special tools to wire a Dimebucker pickup?
You don’t need any special tools to wire a Dimebucker pickup, but you will need a soldering iron and some basic soldering skills. It’s also helpful to have a wiring diagram or guide to follow.
Where can I find a wiring diagram for my guitar?
You can find a wiring diagram for your guitar online, or you can check the manufacturer’s website or user manual. You can also consult a guitar technician or a forum for guitarists to get help with wiring your guitar.
Can I wire a Dimebucker pickup myself, or do I need to hire a professional?
You can wire a Dimebucker pickup yourself if you have some basic knowledge and skills in guitar electronics and soldering. However, if you are not confident in your abilities, it is always a good idea to hire a professional guitar technician to do the wiring for you.
Conclusion
Wiring a Dimebucker pickup is a great way to achieve the signature tone of Dimebag Darrell and get that heavy metal sound that you’ve always wanted. With the right tools and skills, you can wire your guitar with a Dimebucker pickup and enjoy the aggressive and powerful tones that it produces. Use this guide as a reference to help you wire your Dimebucker pickup correctly and get the most out of your guitar.
