What are p90 pickups?

What are P90 Pickups?

P90 Pickups: An Overview

P90 pickups are a type of single-coil pickup designed by Gibson, a renowned guitar manufacturer. Introduced in the 1940s, P90 pickups have gained popularity among guitarists due to their unique tone and versatility. In this article, we will delve into the world of P90 pickups, exploring their history, characteristics, and advantages.

History of P90 Pickups

Gibson introduced the P90 pickup in the 1940s as a response to the growing demand for a pickup that could deliver a brighter, more articulate tone. The P90 was designed to replace the Gibson humbucker, which was known for its heavy, muffled sound. The P90 was a single-coil pickup, which meant it had fewer coils than a humbucker, resulting in a lighter, more agile tone.

Characteristics of P90 Pickups

Here are some key characteristics of P90 pickups:

• Single-coil design: P90 pickups have a single coil of wire wrapped around a magnetic core, which is different from humbuckers, which have two coils.
• Bright and articulate tone: P90 pickups are known for their bright, clear tone, which is perfect for genres like rock, blues, and jazz.
• Higher output: P90 pickups have a higher output than traditional single-coil pickups, making them more suitable for overdriven and distorted sounds.
• Less prone to hum: P90 pickups are less prone to hum and noise due to their single-coil design.
• Unique tone: P90 pickups have a distinct tone that is often described as warm, crunchy, and articulate.

Types of P90 Pickups

There are several types of P90 pickups, including:

• Standard P90: This is the original P90 pickup design, characterized by its bright, articulate tone and moderate output.
• Dogear P90: This type of P90 pickup has a dogear shape, which is wider at the neck end and narrower at the bridge end.
• Soapbar P90: This type of P90 pickup has a soapbar shape, which is a rectangular shape with rounded edges.
• Covington P90: This type of P90 pickup is designed for the Les Paul Junior and is characterized by its high-output and crunchy tone.

Advantages of P90 Pickups

Here are some advantages of using P90 pickups:

• Versatility: P90 pickups can be used in a variety of genres, from rock and blues to jazz and country.
• Bright and articulate tone: P90 pickups are known for their bright, clear tone, which is perfect for genres that require a lot of articulation and definition.
• Higher output: P90 pickups have a higher output than traditional single-coil pickups, making them more suitable for overdriven and distorted sounds.
• Less prone to hum: P90 pickups are less prone to hum and noise due to their single-coil design.
• Unique tone: P90 pickups have a distinct tone that is often described as warm, crunchy, and articulate.

Disadvantages of P90 Pickups

Here are some disadvantages of using P90 pickups:

• Higher noise floor: P90 pickups have a higher noise floor than humbuckers, which can be a problem in live performances.
• Less sustain: P90 pickups tend to have less sustain than humbuckers, which can be a problem for guitarists who rely on sustain for their sound.
• More prone to feedback: P90 pickups are more prone to feedback than humbuckers, which can be a problem in live performances.

Table: P90 Pickups vs. Humbuckers

Conclusion

P90 pickups are a unique and versatile type of pickup that offers a bright, articulate tone and a higher output than traditional single-coil pickups. While they have some disadvantages, such as a higher noise floor and less sustain, they are a popular choice among guitarists due to their unique tone and versatility. Whether you’re a rock, blues, or jazz guitarist, P90 pickups are definitely worth considering for your next guitar upgrade.