Larry DiMarzio claims his groundbreaking bridge adjustment surpassed the modifications Eddie Van Halen was renowned for.
Rockin' with DiMarzio: A Deep Dive into the Man Behind the Picks
Larry DiMarzio, a name synonymous with electric guitar innovation, is the man responsible for transforming the soundscape of modern music. A pioneer in pickup design, he revolutionized the electric guitar, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
In his early days, DiMarzio found himself wrestling with the limitations of new guitars. He saw pickups as the perfect solution to compensate for these shortcomings. Little did he know, he would single-handedly ignite the entire aftermarket pickup industry with his hot-output Super Distortion, a game-changer in the world of guitar tech.
The Sound Maestro
From the late '60s to today, DiMarzio's creations have reverberated through the music scene, with the likes of Steve Vai, John Petrucci, and Matteo Mancuso proudly wielding his pickups. In an exclusive interview with Guitarist, DiMarzio has opened up about his relationship with pickups, chronicling his journey from repairman to visionary.
Redefining the Strat
DiMarzio's contributions aren't limited to pickups. In the '80s, he took on the challenge of redesigning the Stratocaster bridge, a move inspired by Fender's decision to start casting bridges. DiMarzio took matters into his own hands, reducing the string spacing and rethinking the bridge's alignment to improve the overall playability and sound of the electric guitar.
A Bridge Too Far... Or Not
One notable quirk of the electric guitar landscape at the time was Eddie Van Halen's Franken-build, which featured a bridge pickup at a slant. DiMarzio wasted no time showing that this design wasn't set in stone. He addressed the string balance issue by altering the outside string alignment and improving the bridge's alignment from the bridge to the tuning pegs, and through the nut—essentially streamlining the entire bridge's operation.
The Floyd Factor
While Floyd Rose's invention has stood the test of time, DiMarzio's innovations have undoubtedly left their mark on the shred scene. His solutions might not have been as popular, yet they showcased the insight and nosiness that have defined his career throughout the years.
Towards the Future
Now in his 75th year, DiMarzio can afford to take a breather, having more than secured his legacy. But that doesn't stop him from maintaining the firm's legacy as he steps back. With an unwavering commitment to quality and an unmatched knack for innovation, DiMarzio has given electric guitar enthusiasts the world over a reason to celebrate.
So, sit back, plug in, and rock out to the symphony of DiMarzio's brilliance. For more guitar news, interviews, lessons, and more, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
- Larry DiMarzio's groundbreaking pickups, including the Super Distortion, have been used by musicians like Steve Vai, John Petrucci, and Matteo Mancuso, showcasing his profound impact on the electric guitar industry.
- In addition to pickups, DiMarzio also redesigned the Stratocaster bridge in the '80s, improving its playability and sound by reducing string spacing and rethinking its alignment.
- DiMarzio's innovations extended to addressing the string balance issue in alternative guitar designs, such as Eddie Van Halen's Franken-build, modifying the bridge's alignment from the bridge to the tuning pegs, and through the nut.
- While Floyd Rose's invention has been influential, DiMarzio's solutions, although less popular, have significantly contributed to the shred scene, highlighting his persistent curiosity and mastery of guitar technology.
- As DiMarzio enters his 75th year, he continues to uphold the brand's legacy, ensuring that electric guitar enthusiasts around the globe can continue to appreciate the symphony of his innovative brilliance.
