A novel color pigment dispersion set has been developed for ink jet ink applications. The approach utilized proprietary technology to modify the pigment surface by attaching functional groups, which are chosen to impart the desired physiochemical properties for the systems. The need for conventional dispersants is eliminated for water based applications when ionic and/or ionizable groups are attached to the surface. This proprietary method is analogous to that used in commercially available CAB-O-JET® 200 and CAB-O-JET® 300 black pigment dispersions, which provides pigments with enhanced formulation flexibility and superior stability. The new dispersion set comprise surface modified Copper Phthalocyanine blue pigment (IJX™ 253, PB 15:4), Quinacridone red pigment (IJX™ 266, PR 122), and Monoazo yellow pigment (IJX™ 273, PY 74). Other examples will be presented as well. By employing this surface modification technology, we are able to produce a color pigment dispersion set with high surface tension (> 70 dynes/cm), low viscosity (< 3 cP at 10% solids), small particle size, and reliable long term stability, while providing unprecedented formulation latitude and retaining the inherent permanence properties of the color pigments.