Are P90 Pickups Single Coil?
When it comes to guitar pickups, there are many types and configurations to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and tone. One popular type of pickup is the P90, named after its inventor, Les Paul. But the question remains: are P90 pickups single coil?
What are P90 Pickups?
Before diving into the single-coil question, let’s start with the basics. P90 pickups are a type of humbucker pickup that was designed to be louder and fuller than traditional single-coil pickups. They consist of a bar-shaped pole piece wrapped in copper wire, which is placed inside a coil of wire wrapped around a magnet. The unique design of the P90 allows for a wide range of tonal possibilities, making it a favorite among many guitarists.
What Makes a P90 Pickup Single Coil?
Now, back to the question at hand. Are P90 pickups single coil? The answer is yes and no. From a physical perspective, P90 pickups do consist of a single coil of wire wrapped around a magnet. However, unlike traditional single-coil pickups, the P90 is not susceptible to hum and noise, making it a "single coil" in the sense that it doesn’t use opposing coils to cancel out noise.
The Physics Behind P90 Pickups
To understand why P90 pickups are considered "humbuckers" rather than single coils, we need to look at the physics behind their design. When a pickup is wound with a single coil of wire, it is more susceptible to external noise and hum. This is because the magnetic field generated by the pickup coil interacts with external electromagnetic fields, causing the coil to oscillate and produce noise.
In the case of traditional single-coil pickups, the noise and hum are cancelled out by using two opposing coils. The two coils are wound in the same direction and are positioned opposite each other, creating a "differential" design. When external noise hits one coil, the other coil is hit with the same signal, but 180 degrees out of phase. This means that when the noise signal reaches the output, the two signals cancel each other out, resulting in a hum-free signal.
How Do P90 Pickups Overcome Hum?
P90 pickups overcome hum by using a unique design that takes advantage of the interaction between the coil and the magnet. When a magnet is placed near a coil, it induces an electromagnetic field that affects the behavior of the coil. The P90 pickup takes advantage of this by placing the coil close to the magnet, which allows the electromagnetic field to "push and pull" on the coil.
This unique design causes the coil to vibrate in a way that creates a "symmetrical" magnetic field. This symmetrical field, combined with the fact that the P90 is a "push-pull" design (meaning the coil is suspended between two magnets), results in a pickup that is highly resistant to hum and noise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, P90 pickups are indeed single-coil pickups, but they are designed in a way that overcomes the noise and hum that typically affects traditional single-coil pickups. By using a unique combination of magnetism and electromagnetic fields, the P90 pickup is able to create a full and rich tone that is both hum-free and highly expressive.
P90 Pickup Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Magnet Type | Alnico 2, 4, or 5 |
| Coil Material | Copper wire |
| Coil Length | 1.75" (44.5mm) |
| Magnet Strength | Medium-high |
| Resistance | 10kΩ |
| Inductance | 6.5H |
P90 Pickup Applications
P90 pickups are often used in:
• Classic rock and blues
• Indie and alternative music
• Jazz and fusion
• Country and Americana
• Singer-songwriter music
Why Choose a P90 Pickup?
P90 pickups are popular among many guitarists because of their:
• Unique tone: warm, vintage, and articulate
• High gain potential: excellent for overdrive and distortion
• Resistance to hum and noise: makes them ideal for live performances
• Versatility: works well in a variety of musical genres
