DiMarzio loves working with Steve Vai. As an artist, he’s constantly evolving and expanding the limits with his playing, composing, and instruments. So, when he approached them about pickups for a new incarnation of his signature JEM, they developed Dark Matter 2 Neck, Bridge, and Middle models. These pickups are specifically EQ’d to match the earthy, organic aura of the new guitar.

High output pickups can sometimes have anomalies in the high register, meaning they have some sharp edges. While they’re high output like Steve’s other pickups, the new Dark Matter 2™ pickups are engineered with a slight softness on the top end.

Dark Matter 2 pickups come standard in the new Ibanez JEM Woody guitar and are available to purchase individually from DiMarzio.

The Dark Matter 2™ represents a change in direction for Steve Vai towards a more organic, smoother sound with softer highs and less raw power.