Designed for John Petrucci’s Music Man JP13 guitar, the new Illuminator 7 Neck and Bridge Models are the next generation in John’s signature pickups with DiMarzio. John says he looks for versatility in his pickups so that he’s able to span a multitude of different sounds within one guitar, going from massive overdrive, very tight, rhythmical and aggressive to “more expressive, dynamic and very liquid” when he plays solos. They’re a bit bold possessing the clarity and presence that a 7-string pickup needs, balancing vintage and modern qualities without sacrificing the best of either.

John used the Illuminator and Illuminator 7 pickups during the recording of Dream Theater’s upcoming self-titled album.

In keeping with John's desire to increase the difference between neck and bridge pickup sounds, the Illuminator 7 Bridge Model does three things: it opens up the mids, bumps the highs up a notch, and tightens the lows. The open midrange allows overdriven sounds to be powerful without harshness, while the tighter bass response avoids muddy lows.

Recommended For: Bridge position

Quick Connect: No

Wiring: 4 Conductor

Magnet: Ceramic

Resistance: 11.17 Kohm

Year of Introduction: 2013

Color: Black

Pole Pieces: Nickel