Introduction to P90 Pickups
P90 pickups, also known as single coil soapbar pickups, are a classic electric guitar pickup design that dates back to the 1940s. First developed by Gibson in 1946, the P90 pickup has a recognizable rectangular shape and a bright, focused tone that helped define the sound of early rock and roll.
Unlike full-size humbucker pickups, P90s are single coil designs, meaning they use one coil of wire around a magnet to capture the guitar’s string vibrations. This single coil construction gives P90s a crisp, detailed sound with enhanced treble response compared to humbuckers. The magnet and coil are housed within a rectangular plastic cover, leading to the "soapbar" nickname.
What really makes the P90 stand out is its robust midrange and smooth overall voice. The tone strikes a balance between the thicker sound of a humbucker and the bite and twang of single coil pickups like those found on Fender Stratocasters. This allows the P90 to work well for genres from country to punk rock. The balanced coil wind helps P90s produce warm, rich clean tones while also excelling at fat, singing leads when driven into overdrive.
While the original P90 soapbar is the most iconic style, there are a few modern variations:
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Dogear P90s: Feature a smaller cover and are often seen on Les Paul guitars.
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Humbucker-sized P90s: Allow the pickup to be installed in humbucker routing while retaining single coil tone.
No matter the exact shape, P90 pickups deliver an exceptional vintage-flavored tone that makes them one of the most beloved pickup designs.
P90 Pickups vs. Humbuckers and Single-Coils
P90 pickups have a very distinct tone and feel compared to humbuckers and single-coil pickups. In terms of construction, P90s are single coil pickups, meaning they have one coil wrapped around a magnet, as opposed to humbuckers which have two coils.
The single coil design makes P90s brighter and more articulate than humbuckers, with more note separation. P90s also have a fatter, warmer tone in the midrange compared to humbuckers, which tend to sound more scooped in the mids.
Compared to traditional single coil pickups like Stratocasters, P90s have a bit more output and midrange thickness. The tone of a Strat single coil is very bright and crisp, while a P90 smooths out some of the ice pick highs but still retains articulation. P90s are also a bit louder and higher output than standard single coils.
The unique tone profile of P90s makes them well suited for certain styles of playing. Blues guitarists often favor P90s for their fatness and smooth sustain. Rock guitarists use them to get a crunchier rhythm tone without losing note definition. P90s are also popular in punk and indie rock for their raw, aggressive sound.
When choosing between pickup types, consider the tonal qualities and attributes of each. P90s sit in the middle ground between single coils and humbuckers, offering the best of both worlds – some twang and brightness, but also thick mids and full output. Think about your preferred guitar tones and styles when deciding between these three classic pickup options.
Best P90 Pickups on the Market
When it comes to finding the best P90 pickups for your electric guitar, there are several top brands producing high-quality options with different tones and features. Some of the most popular P90 manufacturers include Seymour Duncan, Gibson, Lindy Fralin, and DiMarzio.
Gibson’s own P90 pickups are designed to recreate that vintage 1950s Gibson tone. Models like the ’57 Classic provide a smooth, warm sound perfect for blues and classic rock. Their Burstbucker P90s offer a bit more output and bite for a crunchier rock tone.
For hotter output P90s, Seymour Duncan makes killer options like the Pearly Gates set. Created to capture ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons legendary tone, these have tons of midrange punch and growl. Seymour Duncan’s Vintage P90s aim for more of an authentic vintage vibe.
Lindy Fralin’s P90s are handmade in the USA and known for excellent clarity. His Vintage Hot and Steel Pole 43 models are great for everything from country to heavy rock. For noise-free performance, Lindy’s P90s with Alnico V magnets and hum-cancelling coils are a top choice.
DiMarzio also makes P90s that cover a wide tonal range. The Bluesbucker offers a smoother, more vintage P90 sound. For cutting rock tones, the Area P90 and Super Distortion P90 are awesome choices.
When it comes to vintage vs. modern P90 pickups, vintage models from brands like Gibson aim to recreate the sound of original 1950s P90s. These provide a smooth, warm, midrange-focused tone perfect for blues and classic rock.
Modern P90 pickups from Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio and others use upgraded magnets and hotter coils to provide more output, clarity and high end cut. These work great for hard rock, metal, and shredding styles.
For players dealing with noise issues, hum-cancelling P90s from Bare Knuckle, Lollar, and others offer P90 tone in a noiseless package. The coil configuration eliminates hum while retaining single coil character.
Installing P90 Pickups in Your Guitar
Installing P90 pickups in your electric guitar can seem intimidating, but with the right tools and patience, it’s a very doable DIY project. Here’s what you need to know to install P90s like a pro:
Necessary Tools
To install P90 pickups, you’ll need:
- Soldering iron and solder
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Screwdrivers
- Multimeter (to test connections)
- Masking tape (for pickup rings)
Make sure you have a clean, well-lit workspace with room to lay out your guitar body and all necessary tools. Proper preparation makes pickup installation much easier.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
The installation process is similar for both soapbar and dogear P90 pickups. Follow these steps:
- Remove old pickups and electronics from guitar cavity
- Clean out cavity and sand/file area if needed for proper pickup fit
- Place tape rings on body to mark exact pickup placement
- Solder pickup lead wires to output jack as indicated in wiring diagram
- Mount pickups to body using screws, springs, and pickup rings
- Test pickup wiring connections with multimeter
- String up guitar and perform final checkout of pickup output
Pay close attention to wiring diagrams so all connections are made properly. This is key for getting your desired tone from the new P90 pickups.
Wiring Diagrams
There are a few common wiring schemes for P90s:
- Vintage 50s style wiring
- Modern wiring with individual volume controls
- Combining P90s and humbuckers
Make sure you have the correct diagram before soldering. If unsure, consult a guitar tech or the pickup manufacturer.
Troubleshooting Issues
Potential problems like weak output, buzzing, or dead pickups are usually caused by incorrect wiring or faulty solder joints. Check all connections with a multimeter and resolder any bad joints. Swapping pickup leads can also isolate a faulty pickup.
When to Call a Pro
While a DIY P90 install is certainly feasible, some guitarists opt to have a professional handle it. This makes sense if you don’t have the necessary tools or lack soldering experience. Paying a tech ensures it’s done right the first time.
Where to Buy P90 Pickups
When it comes to buying P90 pickups, you have a few different options. Many guitarists choose to purchase from major online retailers like Guitar Center, Sweetwater, and Amazon. The advantage here is convenience – you can quickly browse a huge selection of pickups and easily compare prices. The downside is less opportunity for customization or unique options.
For a more personalized experience, smaller independent shops and custom pickup winders are worth considering. These allow you to get custom wound pickups tailored exactly to your guitar and playing style. Options like pickup type, magnet type, output, etc can all be specified. The downside is this can be more expensive and you’ll have fewer brand name options to choose from.
If you’re interested in vintage P90 tone, buying used pickups is an option. Websites like Reverb allow you to browse used pickups, where you can sometimes find great deals on actual vintage Gibson, Gretsch or other P90s from the 50s-70s. Be sure to closely inspect photos and ask questions about the condition before purchasing. Prices vary wildly based on brand, age and condition.
New P90 pickups range from around $50 up to $300 or more for boutique and custom options. Vintage pickups can also range dramatically in price depending on rarity and demand. In general, P90s tend to be a more affordable pickup option compared to humbuckers.
P90s for Blues
The warm, throaty midrange and dynamic response of P90 pickups have made them a favorite among blues players since the beginnings of the electric guitar. The fat, yet clear tone sits perfectly in a blues mix, allowing lead lines to cut through while also providing excellent clean rhythm tones.
Many of the most legendary blues guitarists relied on P90s to craft their iconic tones. Guitarists like Michael Bloomfield and Peter Green often used Gibson Les Pauls loaded with P90s to record some of the greatest blues rock records of the 1960s. The original Gibson ES-335 featured P90s which blues players like B.B. King used to create their legendary warm, singing tone.
When it comes to the best P90 pickups for blues, vintage-style models excel at providing classic blues tones. Seymour Duncan’s Antiquity P90s are modeled after 50s Gibson P90s and provide excellent vintage output and midrange character perfect for blues. Boutique winders like Lollar, Mojotone and Curtis Novak also make P90s tailored specifically for vintage-flavored blues tones.
For more modern blues tones, Seymour Duncan’s Phat Cat P90s offer a bit more output and low-end punch while still retaining excellent clarity. The overwound design makes them an excellent choice for blues rock and fusion styles that require a bit more aggression.
No matter what specific P90 you choose, the construction and tonal signature of P90 pickups make them one of the best options for electric blues. Their balance of warmth and clarity is unmatched. Blues guitarists looking for the perfect balance of singing leads and chunky rhythms will find their tone in a good set of P90s.
P90s for Rock
P90 pickups played a pivotal role in shaping the early rock guitar tones that came to define the genre. Their fat midrange and dynamic response made P90s a favorite of legendary guitarists like Keith Richards and Malcolm Young. Many of the most iconic rock albums were recorded using P90-loaded guitars.
The Gibson Les Paul was one of the most popular guitars for early rock, and came equipped with P90 pickups until 1957 when humbuckers were introduced. You can hear those raw, gritty P90 tones all over classic Stones records like Sticky Fingers and Exile on Main St. Angus Young’s Gibson SG with P90s drove the sound of AC/DC in the 70s and 80s.
For a vintage rock tone, look for P90s like Seymour Duncan’s Antiquity P90s which are modeled after 50s Gibson P90s. The Lindy Fralin Blues 90s are another great vintage-voiced option. If you need more output for high-gain rock, Seymour Duncan’s Phat Cat P90s have ceramic magnets for hotter output while retaining a P90 character.
Modern rock guitarists still utilize P90s to great effect. Jonny Greenwood relies on his Fender Telecaster loaded with P90s to create Radiohead’s unique guitar textures. Dan Auerbach’s gritty P90 tone defines The Black Keys’ retro blues-rock sound.
No matter what flavor of rock you play, there’s a P90 pickup set that can provide the perfect balance of bite and girth for your sound.
P90s for Metal
The high output and aggressive midrange of P90 pickups make them an excellent choice for metal guitar tones. While humbuckers and active pickups still dominate the metal genre, many guitarists are discovering the advantages of using P90s for metal.
High Output P90s
For modern metal rhythm and lead tones, a hot P90 with high output is recommended. Models like the Seymour Duncan Phat Cat and Lindy Fralin P-92 are designed specifically for metal, with powerful ceramic magnets and enamel coated wire that can handle high gain amps. The increased output gives tight and chunky rhythm chugs and searing lead tones.
Thick Rhythm Tones
The mid-focused frequency response of a P90 can make metal rhythm playing really jump out. By tuning down and boosting the mids, P90s excel at thick, heavy rhythm parts. Scooping the mids with P90s can make metal tones thin and weak. Keeping the mids strong enhances palm muting and makes riffs sound huge.
P90s in Metal Bands
While not as common as humbuckers, many famous metal bands have used P90s. James Hetfield of Metallica played Gibson Les Pauls loaded with P90s early in their career. Other metal bands like Mastodon, Black Label Society, and Converge have also utilized P90s for their distinctive bite and midrange growl. Experimenting with P90s can give a unique tone that stands out in a metal mix.
P90s for Indie/Alternative
The fat, mid-focused tone of P90 pickups has become a staple of indie and alternative rock guitar tones over the past couple decades. The enhanced midrange punch and chime of P90s allows guitarists to cut through dense, effects-heavy mixes where Strat-style single coils might get lost.
The P90’s natural distortion and dynamic response also shines when using more ambient, modulated effects popular in indie music. The pickup’s inherent warmth thickens up the guitar’s sound without muddying it up.
Many indie and alt-rock players have adopted P90-equipped signature models as their go-to guitar for recording and live playing. Models like the Fender Jaguar Kurt Cobain Signature with dual P90s capture the Nirvana frontman’s iconic Nevermind guitar tones. Other notable P90 indie/alt signature models include the Epiphone Les Paul Signature Plus Top Prophecy EX & GX from In Flames guitarist Björn Gelotte and the Fender Pawn Shop Mustang Special with P90s modeled after Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo.
For indie guitarists looking for more tonal variety, guitars with P90s in the neck or bridge combined with single coils or humbuckers in the other position offer the best of both worlds. The P90 punch when needed with the option for glassier Strat tones or a thick humbucker. Overall, P90s have cemented themselves as the pickup-of-choice for iconic indie guitar tones across multiple decades.
Conclusion
P90 pickups have stood the test of time for good reason. With their warm, thick mids and dynamic response, P90s deliver a classic tone that works for a variety of genres and playing styles. From blues to rock to punk, the unique sound of P90s can take your guitar tone to the next level.
While P90s are susceptible to some noise issues, there are hum-cancelling options available to help mitigate this. The tone and feel you get from P90s makes it worth experimenting to find the right set for your guitar and playing style. Don’t be afraid to try out soapbars, dogears, or humbucker-sized P90s to get the perfect tone.
Upgrading your electric guitar with P90 pickups can really open up its tonal palette. If you’ve only ever used single coils or humbuckers, you owe it to yourself to give P90s a shot. Their blend of warmth, articulation and dynamics will bring your guitar to life in exciting new ways. The next step is to find the perfect P90 set for your guitar and start enjoying your new tone!