Ever heard that distinct, gritty snarl coming from a guitar and wondered what magic makes that sound? Chances are, you were hearing the power of P90 pickups! These legendary pickups have been a secret weapon for guitarists for decades, offering a unique voice that’s both fat and punchy, like a humbucker, but with the clear bite of a single-coil. But if you’ve ever tried to pick out a new set, you might have felt a little overwhelmed. It’s like standing in front of a giant ice cream counter – so many flavors, which one is the best for *your* guitar?
Choosing the right P90 pickup can feel like a puzzle. You want that sweet spot sound for blues, rock, or even jazz, but the sheer variety of options can make your head spin. Do you go for the classic, creamy tone, or something a bit more aggressive? This guide is here to cut through the confusion. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand what makes P90s so special and how to find the perfect pair to make your guitar sing.
We’ll dive into what P90s are, how they differ from other pickups, and what to listen for when making your choice. Get ready to unlock a whole new level of tone for your instrument!
Our Top 5 P90 Pickups Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 P90 Pickups Detailed Reviews
1. Wilkinson M Series Alnico 5 P90 Soapbar Pickups Neck and Bridge Set for Les Paul/SG Electric Guitar
Rating: 8.8/10
If you’re looking to inject some classic, powerful tone into your electric guitar, the Wilkinson M Series Alnico 5 P90 Soapbar Pickups Neck and Bridge Set in Cream is definitely worth a look. These pickups are designed to bring that iconic P-90 sound to a variety of guitars, including popular models like the SG and Les Paul, as well as the Epiphone Casino and even some Telecaster styles. They’re built with Alnico 5 magnets, which are known for their strong magnetic pull and ability to produce a bright, punchy sound. The set includes both a neck and bridge pickup, ready to transform your guitar’s voice.
What We Like:
- Delivers that sought-after “iconic” P-90 tone, known for its power and clarity.
- Versatile and fits many popular guitar models like SG, LP, and Epiphone Casino.
- Includes both neck and bridge pickups for a complete setup.
- Wax potting helps reduce unwanted microphonic feedback.
- Genuine Wilkinson parts ensure reliable quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included screws might not fit all guitar mounting holes, so you might need to use your own.
- Being an M series, they are made in China, which might be a consideration for some players.
These Wilkinson P-90s offer a fantastic way to achieve that legendary P-90 sound without breaking the bank. They are a great upgrade for guitarists seeking a bolder, more aggressive tone.
2. LYWSMSK Alnico 5 Magnet Humbucker Sized P90 Electric Guitar Pickups Neck & Bridge Pickups (Chrome)
Rating: 9.2/10
Upgrade your electric guitar’s sound with the LYWSMSK Alnico 5 Magnet Humbucker Sized P90 pickups. These pickups are designed to give you a classic P90 tone but fit into humbucker-sized routes. This means you can get that sought-after P90 sound without modifying your guitar. The chrome finish looks sharp on any axe. They come as a set for both the neck and bridge positions, offering a complete sonic transformation.
What We Like:
- Provides a classic P90 tone in a humbucker size.
- Alnico 5 magnets deliver a strong, clear sound.
- Chrome plated brass covers add a touch of style.
- Includes both neck and bridge pickups for a balanced sound.
- Simple installation for many guitarists.
What Could Be Improved:
- Plastic bobbins are not as premium as some other materials.
- Resistance and inductance values are fairly standard, not exceptionally unique.
These LYWSMSK P90 pickups are a solid choice for guitarists seeking a vintage vibe. They offer a noticeable improvement in tone for their price point.
3. Wilkinson M Series Stacked P90 Soapbar Ceramic Single Coil Pickup Neck Bridge Pickups Set 10K/16K for SG LP Style Electric Guitar
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your electric guitar’s sound with the Wilkinson M Series Stacked P90 Soapbar Ceramic Single Coil Pickup Set. This set includes both neck and bridge pickups in a classic cream color, designed to fit many popular guitar models like the SG and LP. These P90s offer that iconic, powerful sound you’ve heard on countless hit songs.
What We Like:
- Versatile sound: Get classic P90 tones and hum-cancelling single-coil sounds with the coil-splitting feature.
- Wide compatibility: Works with SG, LP, Axis series, Epiphone Casino, and even Telecaster style guitars.
- Durable construction: Wax potting helps prevent unwanted microphonic feedback.
- Clear labeling: “N” for neck and “B” for bridge on the pickup backs make installation easy.
- Powerful output: The 10K neck and 16K bridge pickups deliver strong, clear tones.
What Could Be Improved:
- Screws might not fit: You may need to use your own mounting screws.
- Origin: While genuine Wilkinson parts, the M series is made in China.
This pickup set offers a fantastic way to inject new life and iconic tone into your guitar. It’s a great option for guitarists looking for that classic P90 vibe with added versatility.
4. Seymour Duncan SP90-1n Vintage P90 Soapbar Neck Single Coil Pickup – Black
Rating: 8.8/10
If you’re looking to add some classic rock and blues grit to your guitar, the Seymour Duncan SP90-1n Vintage P90 Soapbar Neck Single Coil Pickup in black is a fantastic choice. This pickup delivers that iconic P90 sound that players have loved for decades. It’s designed for the neck position, so it will give you warmer, fatter tones than a bridge pickup. This pickup is a single-coil, which means it has a bright and clear voice. The soapbar style looks cool and is easy to install on many guitars. It’s built to last and will help your guitar sound its best.
What We Like:
- It has a rich, warm tone that’s great for blues and rock music.
- The pickup is very versatile and can handle many playing styles.
- It’s easy to install on many different guitars.
- The black soapbar design looks sharp and classic.
- Seymour Duncan is a trusted brand for guitar pickups.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might find the output a little lower than hotter pickups.
- P90s can sometimes pick up more hum than humbuckers.
This pickup will bring a vintage vibe to your playing. You will enjoy the classic sound it provides.
5. Musiclily Pro P90-MHA Alnico 5 High Output P90 Soapbar Single Coil Pickup Electric Guitar Neck Bridge Pickups Set
Rating: 8.5/10
Ready to give your electric guitar a powerful voice? The Musiclily Pro P90-MHA Alnico 5 High Output P90 Soapbar Single Coil Pickup Set in Black is here to do just that. This set includes both a neck and a bridge pickup, designed to fit right into your guitar. P90 pickups are famous for their unique sound, and these are no exception. They offer a strong midrange and more power than many other single-coil pickups. The neck pickup delivers a sweet, smooth tone, while the bridge pickup packs a punch with its 11.2K output. It creates fat, growling chords that are rich and full of sparkling sounds.
What We Like:
- Powerful, high-output sound with a strong midrange.
- Neck pickup offers sweet and smooth tones, while the bridge pickup provides fat, growling chords.
- RWRP design helps cancel out hum for a cleaner sound.
- Alnico 5 magnets and short, wide bobbins create the classic P90 character.
- Includes mounting accessories for easy installation.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included screws might not fit all guitars, so you may need to use your own.
- Resistance values can vary slightly with temperature and humidity.
This pickup set is a fantastic way to upgrade your guitar’s sound. It brings classic P90 grit and power to your playing.
Choosing the Right P90 Pickup: A Guitarist’s Guide
So, you’re looking to upgrade your guitar’s sound? P90 pickups are a fantastic choice. They offer a unique tone that’s somewhere between a bright single-coil and a thick humbucker. This guide will help you find the perfect P90 for your playing style and your guitar.
What to Look For in a P90 Pickup
When you’re shopping for P90s, a few key features make a big difference.
1. Output Level
- High Output: These pickups give you more power. They sound louder and can push your amplifier for a grittier, more distorted tone. They’re great for rock, blues-rock, and heavier styles.
- Medium Output: This is a balanced choice. You get a good amount of bite and clarity. They work well for many genres, including classic rock, blues, and funk.
- Low Output: These pickups offer a cleaner, more articulate sound. They have a brighter chime and respond very well to your playing dynamics. They’re ideal for jazz, clean blues, and country.
2. Magnet Type
The magnets are like the “ears” of the pickup, catching the string vibrations. Different magnets create different sounds.
- Alnico Magnets: These are the most common.
- Alnico II: These give a warmer, smoother tone with less aggressive highs. They are great for vintage sounds and blues.
- Alnico III: These offer a brighter, more open sound than Alnico II. They have a nice clarity.
- Alnico IV: A good middle ground, offering a balanced tone.
- Alnico V: These are the strongest and most common Alnico magnets. They provide a punchy, clear tone with good output. They are very versatile.
- Ceramic Magnets: These are stronger and cheaper than Alnico magnets. They produce a hotter, brighter, and more aggressive sound. They are good for high-gain music.
3. Construction and Winding
- Coil Winding: How the wire is wrapped around the bobbins affects the tone. Hand-wound pickups often have a more organic and dynamic sound. Machine-wound pickups are usually more consistent.
- Bobbin Material: Most P90 bobbins are made of plastic. Some boutique pickups might use vintage-style butyrate bobbins, which some players believe add a special character.
Important Materials in P90 Pickups
The parts used to build a P90 pickup are crucial for its sound and durability.
- Magnet Wire: This is usually enamel-coated copper wire. The gauge (thickness) of the wire and the number of turns affect the pickup’s resistance and output.
- Magnets: As discussed, Alnico and Ceramic are the main types. Their strength and composition shape the magnetic field.
- Pole Pieces: These are the metal slugs that the wire wraps around. They help focus the magnetic field.
- Baseplate: This is the bottom part of the pickup. For P90s, it’s usually made of plastic.
- Covers: P90s can have open or covered designs. Plastic covers are common. Metal covers can slightly alter the tone, often making it a bit warmer.
Factors Affecting Pickup Quality
Several things can make a P90 pickup sound better or worse.
- Winding Technique: Careful and consistent winding creates a better-balanced tone. Hand-winding can add a unique sonic fingerprint.
- Material Quality: Using high-quality magnet wire and magnets leads to a clearer and more robust sound.
- Shielding: Good shielding in the pickup and your guitar’s electronics reduces unwanted noise and hum. This is very important.
- Assembly: Precise assembly ensures that the pickup functions as intended. Poorly made pickups can sound muddy or microphonic (picking up unwanted noises).
User Experience and Use Cases
P90 pickups are loved by guitarists for their versatility and distinctive voice.
- Blues and Classic Rock: P90s shine here. They deliver that gritty, singing tone that made many classic recordings possible. Think of players like early Santana or Joe Walsh.
- Rock and Hard Rock: With the right amp settings, P90s can handle heavier music. Their raw power and midrange punch cut through a mix well.
- Jazz and Funk: For cleaner tones, lower-output P90s offer a warm, woody sound with great note definition. They have a unique chime that works well for jazz chords and funky rhythms.
- Versatility: Many players find P90s to be an excellent “all-around” pickup. They can handle a wide range of styles with just a change in playing technique or amplifier settings.
P90 Pickup FAQs
Q: What makes P90 pickups different from other guitar pickups?
A: P90s are single-coil pickups, but they use fatter coils and different magnets than traditional single-coils like Stratocaster pickups. This gives them a thicker, warmer sound with more midrange punch, sitting between a Fender single-coil and a Gibson humbucker.
Q: Are P90 pickups noisy?
A: Like other single-coil pickups, P90s can pick up some hum and noise, especially in high-gain situations. However, good quality P90s and proper shielding in your guitar can greatly reduce this.
Q: Can I put P90 pickups in a guitar that doesn’t have them already?
A: Yes, you can! You might need to route out the body of your guitar to make space for the P90s, as they are typically larger than standard humbuckers. You may also need to adjust your pickguard.
Q: What are the best woods for guitars with P90 pickups?
A: P90s sound great in many wood types. Mahogany bodies often pair well for a warm, resonant tone, while alder bodies can offer a brighter, more balanced sound.
Q: Do P90 pickups come in different sizes?
A: While the standard P90 is a specific size, there are “P90-style” humbuckers and soapbar P90s that have a different mounting style. Make sure you know the routing in your guitar.
Q: How do I choose between an open-coil and a covered P90?
A: Open-coil P90s tend to be a bit brighter and more articulate. Covered P90s (with a metal or plastic cover) often have a slightly warmer and smoother tone.
Q: Will P90s change the look of my guitar?
A: Yes, P90s have a distinct look, often with exposed pole pieces and a larger footprint than traditional Stratocaster pickups. They can give your guitar a vintage or “rock and roll” vibe.
Q: What’s the difference between a P90 and a “dog-ear” P90?
A: Both are P90s, but “dog-ear” P90s have mounting tabs that stick out on the sides, resembling a dog’s ears. These are common on guitars like the Gibson Les Paul Junior. “Soapbar” P90s are more rectangular and sit flush in a rectangular route.
Q: Are P90s good for beginners?
A: Absolutely! P90s offer a very inspiring and versatile tone that can help beginners explore different musical styles. Their straightforward design also makes them relatively easy to understand.
Q: How do I clean and maintain my P90 pickups?
A: You can clean the covers with a soft, damp cloth. For the pole pieces, a dry brush can help remove dust. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the pickup’s finish and wiring.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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