The Best P90 Pickups in 2023

Are you in pursuit of the perfect tone for your guitar? Unleash the potential of your instrument with our lineup of the best P90 pickups on the market! P90s, a type of single-coil pickups, have been loved by musicians across genres for their unique tone – warmer than Fender-style single coils and grittier than your average humbuckers. This fusion of sweet mids, bright highs, and resonant lows brings a multidimensional sound that can make your guitar sing across various musical styles.

Whether you’re a blues aficionado, a rock ‘n roll enthusiast, or a jazz connoisseur, our comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect P90s for your tonal preference. Let’s embark on this quest for your guitar’s soulmate pickup!

 

Seymour Duncan Antiquity P-90

Overview

The Seymour Duncan Antiquity P-90 is a highly esteemed pickup for guitar players. Available in both neck and bridge positions, the Antiquity P-90 is notable for its exceptional definition and clarity. Constructed from Alnico 2 magnets, it is recognized for its warm and vintage tone. As a part of the Antiquity series, the P-90 aims to replicate the classic voicing of vintage pickups. This product is handcrafted in California with high-quality materials and is available in black or cream-aged covers. What’s more, it can easily replace any standard P90-sized rout.

Key Benefits

• Excellent definition and clarity
• Warm and vintage tone due to Alnico 2 magnets
• Available in both neck and bridge positions
• Can be used in various guitar setups due to its versatility
• Hand-built with high-quality materials
• Offers a vintage, classic rock sound
• Capable of delivering a room-filling sound and cool low-end response
• Adds a touch of vintage warmth and character to the guitar tone

Pricing

The Seymour Duncan Antiquity P-90 is available for purchase on the manufacturer’s website and other online retailers. Seymour Duncan also offers a 21-day exchange policy for their pickups, which further emphasizes the brand’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

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Pros & Cons

From my personal perspective, the Antiquity P-90 has several admirable qualities. The warm, full sound it delivers in the neck position is particularly remarkable, adding a sweet and musical quality to single notes. The pickup’s performance in the bridge position should not be underestimated either, producing a gritty and defined sound, complete with a great midrange grind. Similarly, the pickup’s unique design features a dog ear cover which adds a nostalgic touch, harkening back to the original P-90 pickups. When paired with aluminium Bigsby bridges, the Antiquity P-90 delivers a fat and unique sound.

However, like any product, the Antiquity P-90 has its downsides. While it offers versatility, its unique character may not be every guitarist’s preference. This vintage design may not resonate with those seeking a modern and crisp sound. Ultimately, the Seymour Duncan Antiquity P-90’s performance and suitability will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the guitarist.

 

Fishman Fluence Greg Koch P-90

Overview

The Fishman Fluence Greg Koch Signature Series Gristle-Tone P-90 set is the latest addition to the renowned Fluence family. Known for their innovative design, these pickups are characterized by the unique Fluence Core technology, ensuring consistency and eliminating variations that may occur in traditional wire and winding. They can be installed easily in any guitar with a soapbar pickup route and come equipped with push-pull pots that allow for three distinct tonal voices. Notably, these pickups offer a hum-free experience, which is a distinct advantage as it is highly unusual for P-90 pickups.

Key Benefits

• Distinctive, versatile tonal variations with three options: a vintage P-90 sound, a hot overwound tone, and a clear single-coil option.
• The Fluence Core technology ensures consistency and reduces the variations experienced with traditional winding.
• The pickups offer a hum-free experience, which is unique for P-90 models.
• Up to 100 hours of playtime on a single charge.
• The multi-connected-layer boards of the Fluence Core eliminate interruptions and noise.
• The pickups come with push-pull pots for easy variation between tones.

Pricing

Prospective buyers are advised to check the manufacturer’s website or authorized retailers for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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Pros & Cons

In my personal experience, the Gristle-Tone P-90s offer a remarkable range of sound options, from the vintage P-90 sound to a hot overwound tone, and even a clear single-coil option. These dynamic and versatile pickups produce a sweet sound, and while they may lack some of the grit associated with traditional P-90s, their overall musicality and expressiveness more than compensate for this. Each setting offers a unique sound experience. The vintage P-90 setting offers a rich, juicy tone with an added bite, while the overwound setting provides a sizzle that’s perfect for leads and power-chord rhythms. The clear single-coil option, on the other hand, lends a brighter twang and jangle. These pickups are well-suited for heavy music, but they can equally support a range of other playing styles.

One potential downside is that they require a preamp for gain and filtering. However, this small inconvenience is outweighed by the advantages of these versatile, high-quality pickups.

 

Seymour Duncan SPH90-1N Phat Cat Humbucker Pickup

Overview

The Seymour Duncan SPH90-1N Phat Cat Humbucker Pickup is a unique product that bridges the gap between traditional P90 pickups and humbuckers. It’s essentially a P90 pickup, known for its clear and defined sound, but housed in a humbucker-sized casing. This means you can fit it into a guitar that already has humbuckers installed, no modifications needed.

The Phat Cat maintains the characteristic sound of P90 pickups while also delivering the output and sustain that humbuckers are known for. It’s all thanks to an Alnico 2 magnet which provides a vintage tone with a crisp midrange punch. Made by hand in California, USA, this pickup can be used in a variety of guitars, including Gibson Les Pauls, Epiphone Les Pauls, and Fender Stratocasters and Telecasters with humbuckers.

Key Benefits

• Fits into guitars with humbuckers without any modifications
• Delivers the clear, defined sound of P90 pickups
• Offers the output and sustain of humbuckers
• Features an Alnico 2 magnet for vintage tone with a crisp midrange punch
• Handmade and hand-wired in California, USA
• Versatile use across various guitar models
• Sound is ‘phat’ with a strong high end and big bottom, ideal for blues and classic rock
• Two alnico magnet bars enhance the brightness of chords and help solos cut through any mix
• When used in combination, the neck and bridge pickups eliminate hum due to their reverse polarity winding

Pricing

The unique features and handmade quality of the Seymour Duncan Phat Cat pickups suggest they are worth the investment for guitarists seeking to expand their sound without modifying their instruments.

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Pros & Cons

As a guitarist, I enjoy the versatility of the Phat Cat pickups. They’re great for myriad musical styles, from blues and rock to country and indie. The metal cover is a neat feature too, as it reduces noise and adds protection to the pickup. However, there’s one little snag. The pickup is slightly larger than traditional soap-bar-sized P90s and is encased in metal shielding. While it doesn’t impact the sound quality, it does affect its authenticity compared to traditional P90s. This might not be a deal-breaker for everyone, but it’s worth keeping in mind if the aesthetic of traditional P90s is important to you.

 

Gibson P-90 Soapbar

Overview

The Gibson P-90 Soapbar is a versatile single coil pickup that has been a staple in the music industry since the 1940s. Known for its fat, rich, and assertive tone, this pickup has been doing rounds of various genres, gracing the guitars of iconic artists over the decades. The pickup type, whether active or passive, and its position on the guitar are critical factors to consider when opting for a P-90.

Key Benefits

• Unique sound with a blend of brightness from single coil pickups and warmth, thickness of humbuckers
• Suited for a range of music styles including blues, rock, and jazz
• Superior noise-canceling capabilities with a crunchy sound, ideal for aggressive music styles
• Easy to install with the right instructions and online tutorials
• Versatile tone with balanced sound between single coils and humbuckers

Pricing

We find the Gibson P-90 Soapbar to be a budget-friendly option without compromising on performance or sound quality. They’re not necessarily expensive, but rather an investment that offers excellent value for money. If you’re on a tight budget but still want to upgrade your guitar’s sound or add a unique tone, this could be a great option.

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Pros & Cons

Looking at the Gibson P-90 Soapbar from our perspective, it has a unique sound that combines the best of both worlds: the brightness of single coil pickups and the warmth and thickness of humbuckers. It’s well-suited for a variety of musical styles, including blues, rock, jazz, country, indie, and even punk, making it a versatile option. However, it’s worth noting that this pickup might not be the best choice for metal or high-gain music, as it tends to handle lower gain and distortion. But if you’re someone who loves playing a broad range of genres, this could be a great choice for you.

Mojotone 56 Quiet Coil P-90

Overview

The Mojotone 56 Quiet Coil P-90 is a passive pickup designed to give users the vintage P-90 tone without the annoying hum. It honors the original vintage design with vintage spec 42 gauge coil wire, lower Gauss Alnico magnets, adjustable polepieces, and vintage braided leads. Unlike other hum-canceling pickups, it doesn’t rely on PC boards, batteries, or stacked coils. Plus, its design fits neatly into shallow vintage routs, so there’s no need for any routing modifications.

Key Benefits

• Delivers an authentic and pure P-90 tone
• Uses vintage-spec materials and construction for a true vintage feel
• Does not require any routing modifications
• Does not use PC boards, batteries, or stacked coils
• Adjusts volume without loss of clarity or treble
• Potted to reduce microphonics and unwanted feedback
• Matches the output of an 8.6K vintage P-90 (bridge pickup) and an 8K vintage P-90 (neck pickup)

Pricing

We encourage potential buyers to do some research and compare prices across various platforms to ensure they get the best value.

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Pros & Cons

From our experience, the ’56 Quiet Coil P-90 has many strong points. It delivers an authentic P-90 tone, which is a big plus for those of us who appreciate the vintage sound. When you crank it up, it has a big, bold sound with a classic grind that really interacts well with the amplifier. And even when you dial back the volume, you don’t lose that sweet, clean tone of a vintage P-90, nor do you lose any clarity or treble.

On the downside, the original vintage P-90 pickups from the 1950s were known for their 60-cycle hum. While this pickup is designed to prevent that hum, some modern players might still find it a bit bothersome.

However, customer reviews show that most users are thrilled with the pickup’s ability to deliver that vintage P-90 tone without the hum, with many noting improved clarity and reduced noise. Some have even used the pickup in Les Paul-style guitars and reported great results. So, it seems the pros far outweigh the cons with the Mojotone 56 Quiet Coil P-90.

 

Kent Armstrong Stealth 90 Noiseless P90

Overview

The Kent Armstrong Stealth 90 Noiseless P90 is a noiseless P90 pickup that has been meticulously designed to offer high performance and excellent sound quality. Manufactured in Korea, the HP90 pickup boasts a fully shielded and potted structure with a ceramic magnet type. It delivers a high output and maintains a fantastic tone through its unique use of opposing coils to eliminate hum. Impressively versatile, the HP90 pickup is available in both bridge and neck positions, allowing you to achieve the perfect calibration set for your guitar.

Key Benefits

• High output and great tone without any unwanted hum
• Available in both bridge and neck positions for a balanced sound
• More midrange and a rounder, stronger tone compared to other noiseless P90 pickups
• Excellent overdrive sound and crunchy tone ideal for aggressive music styles
• Easy to install and can fit in standard humbucker slots without modifications

Pricing

The Kent Armstrong Stealth 90 Noiseless P90 is a premium pickup that offers excellent value. Originally sold for $160 directly from Kent’s shop, a factory-made version was later introduced at a more competitive price point. This makes it a cost-effective choice for guitarists looking to upgrade their pickups without breaking the bank.

Pros & Cons

As a guitar accessories provider, we’ve had the opportunity to explore the pros and cons of the Kent Armstrong Stealth 90 Noiseless P90 firsthand. On the plus side, it offers a higher output and is quieter compared to other noiseless P90 pickups. It also delivers a strong midrange and a rounder, stronger tone. The pickup is particularly appreciated by those who favor aggressive music styles, thanks to its heavy overdrive sound and crunchy tone.

On the downside, some users have reported that the HP90 might not pair well with certain humbuckers, leading to a lower output compared to other pickups. Therefore, we recommend reaching out to Kent Armstrong for advice on how to successfully pair the HP90 with other pickups. Additionally, while the plastic cover of the pickup might not feel high-end, it doesn’t compromise the overall performance and durability of the pickup.

 

Lindy Fralin P-90 Soapbar Pickup Set

Overview

The Lindy Fralin P-90 Soapbar Pickup Set is a favorite among guitarists who appreciate a high-quality, noiseless P-90 pickup. Born just after World War II, P-90 pickups were initially the standard feature on Gibson guitars before they were supplanted by humbuckers in the late ’50s. The P-90 stands out with its unique tone, boasting a loud, humbucker-like output and a distinctive midrange. These specific Fralin P-90s share a tonal similarity with the original pickups in a PRS McCarty, characterized by a robust bark and significant midrange response. It’s important to note that the Lindy Fralin P-90 Soapbar Pickup Set is designed exclusively for guitars with pickup screws in the body.

Key Benefits

• The pickups deliver a dynamic and responsive performance, with excellent note separation in chords and searing upper mids for lead playing.
• The set offers remarkable noise cancellation and a rich mid-range, crafting a sound that is genuinely noiseless.
• P-90 pickups are versatile, catering to a broad spectrum of music styles from blues and rock to jazz.
• The pickups’ clean sound is ideal for jazz or blues (neck pickup), and country-style playing (bridge pickup).
• The P-90 pickups’ cleaner and brighter sound makes them a preferred choice for country music over humbuckers.

Pricing

While the Lindy Fralin P-90 Soapbar Pickup Set isn’t the most budget-friendly option in the market, its superior quality and vintage tone more than justify its price tag. Beginners might find the price point a bit steep, but for those who can afford it, this set is a worthy investment for its robust mid-range sound, vintage design, and superior craftsmanship.

Pros & Cons

The Lindy Fralin P-90 Soapbar Pickup Set is celebrated for its lively performance and high output. The sound is more refined compared to other P-90s, yet it retains a significant amount of midrange bark. These pickups offer fantastic clean tones, making them perfect for a wide array of music styles.

However, they do not offer the hum-cancelling effect of humbuckers, which can sometimes result in more feedback and noise. Humbuckers also have a stronger bass and mid-range response, which translates into a warmer and fuller sound. Furthermore, humbuckers have a higher output, resulting in a grittier and louder sound. Despite these nuances, the P-90 Soapbar Pickup Set remains a popular choice among iconic guitarists like B.B. King, Angus Young, and Jimmy Page, testifying to its noteworthy performance.

 

DiMarzio Soapbar

Overview

The DiMarzio Soapbar pickup, known for its friendly and versatile sound, is a sought-after choice for guitar enthusiasts. Modeled after the vintage soapbar pickups, the DiMarzio Soapbar is celebrated for its fat high notes with a bite that slice through the mix, bright but not thin low notes. The pickup, available in black or cream, also amplifies the midrange and tightens up the lows. It’s constructed with a unique combination of ceramic magnets and iron loading, providing a sound consistency that doesn’t weaken over time. Suitable for all positions on solid body guitars, the DiMarzio Soapbar was introduced in 1997 and has remained a favorite ever since.

Key Benefits

• Creates a unique blend of P-90 and humbucker tones
• Offers a focused midrange and a bite that cuts through the mix
• Sensitive to adjustment: can be fine-tuned for the desired sound
• Constructed with ceramic magnets and iron loading for consistent sound
• Suitable for all positions on solid body guitars
• Used by famous musicians like Bob Marley, John Lennon, and David Gilmour

Pricing

We recommend checking on the official DiMarzio website or authorized dealers for the most up-to-date pricing.

Pros & Cons

From our perspective, the DiMarzio Soapbar offers an excellent alternative for Gibson P-90 lovers, focusing more on the lower mids and high mids. It’s essentially a humbucker-sized P-90 pickup, blending the best of P-90 and humbucker tones. The DP162 version, for example, delivers a punchy and raw sound that’s quite appealing. In terms of versatility, the DiMarzio Soapbar stands out. Its adjustable nature makes it possible to achieve a variety of tones, akin to single coils or humbuckers, depending on your preferences. However, as with any product, finding the perfect tone may require some trial and error.

On the downside, no product is perfect, and the DiMarzio Soapbar is no exception. While it does an excellent job mimicking the vintage P-90 sound, some purists might argue it doesn’t exactly match the original. Despite this minor drawback, we believe the DiMarzio Soapbar is a remarkable pickup that brings a distinct blend of tones to the table, making it a worthy addition to any solid body guitar.

What is A P90 Pickup?

A P90 pickup is a versatile single coil pickup that was first introduced by Gibson in the 1940s. It is characterized by its warm and thick tone, often referred to as having a mid-range bark, making it popular for bluesy lead lines. The unique sound of the P90 pickup is distinct from other pickups, typically brighter than a humbucker but not as crisp as a Fender single-coil pickup. This distinct tone makes it a favorite among guitarists across various genres, including iconic musicians such as Tony Iommi, Billie Joe Armstrong, Mick Jones, and John Lennon.

The P90 pickup comes in different variations, including soapbar, dogear, and humbucker-sized options. The original design was intended to replace the Charlie Christian pickup on Gibson’s luxury models. However, its widespread popularity led to its inclusion in all Gibson models until the introduction of the humbucker pickup in 1955. Further innovation in pickup design has led to the creation of hum-canceling options such as stacked coils or side-by-side humbuckers to counter the P90 pickup’s susceptibility to 60-cycle hum.

Today, the P90 pickup is not confined to Gibson models; many pickup designers and manufacturers have created their own versions of these pickups, such as the Seymour Duncan Antiquity P-90, Fishman Fluence Greg Koch P-90, and the DiMarzio Soapbar. Despite the emergence of different pickup options, the P90 pickup remains a popular choice due to its unique sound profile and versatility across multiple music genres.

The History Of P90 Pickups

The P90 pickup, a versatile single coil pickup, was first introduced by Gibson in the 1940s. It was created to replace the Charlie Christian pickup on Gibson’s luxury models and soon garnered popularity due to its unique sound. Characterized by its warmth and thickness, often referred to as having a mid-range bark, the P90 pickup became a favorite among guitarists for bluesy lead lines.

This distinctive sound profile of the P90 pickup was different from other pickups available at the time – it was brighter than a humbucker but not as crisp as a Fender single-coil pickup. Its unique tone made it popular across a range of music genres, with iconic musicians such as Tony Iommi, Billie Joe Armstrong, Mick Jones, and John Lennon favoring it. The P90 pickup comes in different variations, including soapbar, dogear, and humbucker-sized options. Despite the introduction of humbuckers in 1955, the P90 pickup has maintained its popularity, and to this day, it is included in many Gibson models.

Over the years, many pickup designers and manufacturers have created their own versions of these pickups, such as the Seymour Duncan Antiquity P-90, Fishman Fluence Greg Koch P-90, and the DiMarzio Soapbar. Despite the emergence of different pickup options in the market, the P90 pickup continues to be a popular choice due to its unique sound profile and versatility across various music genres.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of the best P90 pickups in 2023, it’s clear that these pickups offer a wide range of tonal possibilities and versatility. Whether you’re seeking the vintage warmth of the Lindy Fralin P-90 Soapbar Pickup Set, the hum-free experience of the Fishman Fluence Greg Koch P-90, or the unique blend of P-90 and humbucker tones from the Seymour Duncan SPH90-1N Phat Cat Humbucker Neck Pickup, there’s a P-90 pickup out there to suit your needs.

Each pickup we’ve discussed has its own strengths and weaknesses, but they all share the common goal of delivering the distinctive P-90 tone that has captivated guitarists for decades. Whether you’re a blues player, a rock enthusiast, or a jazz aficionado, these pickups can help you achieve the perfect tone for your musical style. So, embark on your quest for the perfect P-90 pickup and unlock the full potential of your guitar. With the right pickup, you can take your playing to new heights and explore a world of sonic possibilities. Happy playing!