What is a P90 Pickup?
The P90 pickup is a type of guitar pickup designed by Seth Lover, a renowned pickups manufacturer, in the 1940s. It is a single-coil pickup with a unique design that has gained popularity among guitar players for its distinctive tone and versatility. In this article, we will delve into the world of P90 pickups, exploring their history, characteristics, and the benefits they offer to guitarists.
History of P90 Pickups
The P90 pickup was introduced by Seth Lover in the 1940s as a response to the popularity of single-coil pickups. Lover, a master luthier, wanted to create a pickup that would offer a better tone and sustain than the traditional single-coil design. He experimented with various configurations and materials, finally developing the P90 pickup. The P90 pickup quickly gained popularity among jazz and blues musicians, who appreciated its warm, full-bodied tone and versatility.
Characteristics of P90 Pickups
Here are some key characteristics that set P90 pickups apart from other types of pickups:
- Single-Coil Design: P90 pickups are single-coil pickups, meaning they consist of a single coil of wire wrapped around a core of magnetic material. This design allows for a strong magnetic field, which results in a clear and balanced tone.
- Large Bobbin: P90 pickups have a larger bobbin than traditional single-coil pickups, which provides more surface area for the wire to wrap around. This results in a warmer, fuller tone.
- Alnico Magnet: P90 pickups typically use an Alnico magnet, which is known for its warm, smooth tone. Alnico magnets are made from a combination of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt.
- Wound Coils: P90 pickups have wound coils, which means the wire is wrapped around the core in a specific pattern. This results in a more complex tone with a wider range of frequencies.
Benefits of P90 Pickups
P90 pickups offer a range of benefits to guitarists, including:
- Warm, Full-Body Tone: P90 pickups are known for their warm, full-bodied tone, which is perfect for jazz, blues, and rock music.
- High-Frequency Response: P90 pickups have a strong high-frequency response, which results in a bright, clear tone.
- Sustain: P90 pickups are designed to provide a strong magnetic field, which results in excellent sustain and articulation.
- Versatility: P90 pickups can be used in a variety of musical genres, from jazz to rock to country.
Types of P90 Pickups
There are several types of P90 pickups, each with its own unique characteristics and tone:
- Standard P90: The standard P90 pickup is the most common type and is known for its balanced tone and versatility.
- P90-PRS: The P90-PRS pickup is designed for the Paul Reed Smith guitar brand and is known for its bright, aggressive tone.
- P90-LH: The P90-LH pickup is a left-handed version of the standard P90 pickup.
- P90-VB: The P90-VB pickup is designed for the Gibson Les Paul guitar brand and is known for its warm, balanced tone.
Comparison to Other Pickups
Here’s a comparison of P90 pickups to other types of pickups:
| P90 | Humbucker | Single-Coil | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tone | Warm, full-bodied | Rich, balanced | Bright, crisp |
| Hum | Less hum than single-coil | None | More hum than P90 |
| Magnet | Alnico | Ceramic or Alnico | Alnico or ceramic |
| Coil | Wound | Wound or unwound | Wound or unwound |
| Sustain | Excellent | Good | Fair |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the P90 pickup is a unique and versatile pickup that offers a warm, full-bodied tone and excellent sustain. With its single-coil design, large bobbin, and Alnico magnet, the P90 pickup is perfect for guitarists who want a pickup that can handle a variety of musical genres. Whether you’re a jazz, blues, or rock musician, the P90 pickup is definitely worth considering.
