Dimarzio HS-2 (DP116)
HUMBUCKER (SC SIZE)
Sound Profile ?
High-output humbucker with a focused yet open response that delivers strong punch, fluid sustain, and exceptional note definition under both clean and driven tones.
Bass
7
Mids
7.5
Treble
8
Pickup Character
Powerful and highly articulate humbucker with tight lows, vocal mids, and an open, harmonically rich top end. Its balanced coil structure and AlNiCo 5 magnetic field create an expressive, dynamic response with excellent sustain, fast attack, and impressive clarity across the entire frequency range.
Electrical Profile ?
Core Parameters
In Series
DCR
17,42 kΩ
Inductance
3,58 H
Capacitance
144 pF
North Coil
DCR
8,71 kΩ
Inductance
2,66 H
Capacitance
209 pF
South Coil
DCR
8,73 kΩ
Inductance
2,27 H
Capacitance
152 pF
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Resonance Behavior
f₀
Peak
Q
IN SERIES (Both Coils)
No Load
3,34
-32,54
2,6
500k
3,41
-36,04
2,1
250k
3,49
-37,72
1,5
North
No Load
3,69
-26,84
2,7
500k
3,72
-29,96
2,0
250k
3,75
-31,49
1,8
South
No Load
4,17
-32,81
3
500k
4,23
-35,63
2,1
250k
4,29
-37,23
1,7
Magnetic Field ?
North Coil
Polarity
- UP
1.
BAR / AlNiCo 5
South Coil
Polarity
South UP
1.
BAR / Alnico 5
99 mT
density
2.
84 mT
density
3.
87 mT
density
4.
87 mT
density
5.
84 mT
density
6.
92 mT
density
Spread
15 mT
(min 84 / max 99)
Strong Character
Magnet density (mT) describes the magnetic field strength at each pole and how the pickup interacts with the strings.
Different magnet types have different ranges (e.g. Alnico ~30–65 mT, Ceramic ~60–90+ mT), and some variation is normal — even within the same pickup.
Typical pole-to-pole variation is ~5–15 mT.
Spread describes this:
Lower spread → more even response
Higher spread → more character and dynamics
Slugs → smoother field
Screws → more focused response
Different magnet types have different ranges (e.g. Alnico ~30–65 mT, Ceramic ~60–90+ mT), and some variation is normal — even within the same pickup.
Typical pole-to-pole variation is ~5–15 mT.
Spread describes this:
Lower spread → more even response
Higher spread → more character and dynamics
Slugs → smoother field
Screws → more focused response
Winding ?
North Coil
1.
44 AWG SPU
6000 - 7000 turns
South Coil
1.
44 AWG SPU
6000 - 7000 turns
Total (Combined)
12000 turns
Wax Potting
Full potting — maximum stability, no squealing even at high gain
This humbucker features a remarkably balanced dual-coil architecture with closely matched DC resistance values (8.73k / 8.71k), creating an exceptionally cohesive and refined overall response. The moderate inductance combined with high resonant frequencies reveals a design focused on preserving openness, articulation, and dynamic range while still delivering authoritative output and sustain.
The south coil presents the brighter and more immediate side of the pickup. Its resonant peak around the 4.2–4.3 kHz region and slightly sharper Q behavior give it a lively upper-mid presence, fast transient response, and impressive harmonic sparkle. The coil reacts beautifully to picking dynamics, producing a crisp attack with excellent string separation and expressive detail.
The north coil introduces additional body and smoothness into the tonal structure. Its slightly higher inductance and internal capacitance reinforce the midrange character and add a richer, more vocal quality to the sustain envelope. This creates a fluid lead response with enhanced note bloom and a warm, polished harmonic texture while still maintaining impressive clarity.
In series mode, both coils combine into a highly musical and versatile system. The loaded resonance settling around 3.4–3.5 kHz is especially revealing: despite the strong output and dense winding structure, the pickup retains an unusually open and articulate high end. The low end remains tight and controlled, the mids feel broad and expressive, and the treble stays smooth yet highly detailed.
The Q-factor behavior is particularly impressive. Rather than becoming narrow or compressed, the resonance profile remains balanced and organic, allowing chords to breathe naturally while single notes develop a rich harmonic complexity. The relatively broad bandwidth contributes to a wide, dimensional response with excellent clarity across the fretboard.
The AlNiCo 5 bar magnet generates a strong and energetic magnetic field with very consistent flux distribution across the strings. The measured pole density values indicate a confident and stable magnetic structure that supports even string balance, fast transient tracking, and excellent sustain. The attack feels immediate and responsive while preserving a highly musical touch sensitivity.
The fully potted construction enhances stability and allows the pickup to handle high-gain applications effortlessly while maintaining its harmonic openness and detailed articulation. Saturated tones remain focused and controlled, while cleaner settings reveal an impressive amount of clarity, sparkle, and dynamic expression.
Overall, this is a highly refined modern humbucker that successfully combines power, openness, harmonic richness, and dynamic responsiveness. It delivers a premium playing experience with a broad tonal palette, exceptional articulation, and an inspiring balance between aggression, musicality, and expressive detail.