DiMarzio DP153RDG Joe Satriani Signature Model FRED (Red w/ Gold Poles)

The FRED® pickup emerged from DiMarzio's quest to enhance the PAF Pro®'s midrange response, but the result was something far more intriguing than anticipated. During development, harmonics that traditional humbuckers typically suppress began surfacing, particularly when paired with overdriven amplifiers and distortion pedals. This unexpected characteristic gave the FRED® a distinctive voice that combines the power output of the PAF Pro® with an aggressive edge full of crank and growl.

Joe Satriani became the first guitarist to recognise and harness these unique tonal qualities, making the FRED® his primary bridge pickup until the Mo' Joe™ arrived. The pickup's remarkable sensitivity to picking dynamics and control adjustments makes it exceptionally responsive to playing technique. Its ability to emphasise upper midrange and treble harmonics through distorted amplification sets it apart from conventional humbuckers, which tend to become fuller and warmer under similar conditions.

Where most humbuckers fatten up with distortion, the FRED® takes the opposite approach, becoming tighter and brighter much like a single-coil pickup. This behaviour creates penetrating solo tones and precise rhythm tracks that cut through dense mixes with clarity. While Satriani uses it exclusively in the bridge position, the FRED® also functions as an distinctive neck pickup when matched with humbuckers of equal or higher output levels.