Ever heard that classic, fat, and punchy guitar tone that just makes you want to play louder? Chances are, you’ve heard the magic of a P90 pickup. But when you start looking for them, a confusing question pops up: what size P90 do I need? It’s not as simple as you might think, and picking the wrong size can lead to a lot of frustration and wasted money. You want your guitar to sound its best, and the right pickup size is a big part of that.
Many guitarists get stuck here, wondering if a P90 will even fit in their guitar’s pickup route. They worry about things looking weird or not being able to get the right sound because the pickup isn’t the right size. It’s a common problem that can stop you from getting the tone you’ve been dreaming of. But don’t worry, this guide is here to help you solve that mystery!
By the end of this post, you’ll understand exactly what P90 sizes are out there. We’ll break down the differences and show you how to figure out which one is perfect for your instrument. You’ll gain the confidence to choose a P90 that not only sounds amazing but also fits like a glove. So, let’s dive in and demystify the world of P90 Humbucker Sizes so you can get back to making great music!
Our Top 5 P90 Humbucker Size Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 P90 Humbucker Size Detailed Reviews
1. LYWSMSK Alnico 5 Magnet Humbucker Sized P90 Electric Guitar Pickups Neck & Bridge Pickups (Chrome)
Rating: 9.5/10
Looking to give your electric guitar a new voice? The LYWSMSK Alnico 5 Magnet Humbucker Sized P90s are here to help! These pickups are designed to fit into a humbucker route but deliver the classic, punchy sound of a P90. The chrome finish looks sharp, and they come as a set for both your neck and bridge positions, making a complete upgrade easy.
What We Like:
- Classic P90 Tone: These pickups give you that sought-after P90 sound – bright, raw, and powerful, perfect for rock, blues, and punk.
- Humbucker Size: They easily drop into guitars with humbucker pickup routes, saving you the trouble of routing your guitar body.
- Alnico 5 Magnets: Alnico 5 magnets provide a strong magnetic field for clear notes and good sustain.
- Chrome Finish: The plated brass cover in chrome looks stylish and adds a touch of class to your guitar.
- Balanced Output: With a slight difference in resistance (Neck 7.5K, Bridge 8K), they offer a balanced sound between the two positions.
What Could Be Improved:
- Bobbin Material: The bobbins are made of plastic, which might not be as durable as other materials for some players.
- Inductance Values: The inductance values (Neck 2.2H, Bridge 2.65H) are on the lower side, which might influence the overall tonal character for those seeking very high output.
These LYWSMSK P90s offer a fantastic way to get a classic sound in a modern package. They’re a solid choice for guitarists wanting to inject some vintage grit into their tone without major modifications.
2. LAMSAM P90 Tone Pickups Set
Rating: 9.4/10
The LAMSAM P90 Tone Pickups Set offers a unique sound for electric guitars. These pickups are designed to fit into guitars that normally use humbucker pickups. They bring the classic P90 tone to a humbucker-sized package. This set includes both a neck and a bridge pickup, both with Alnico V magnets. The chrome finish looks sharp on any guitar.
What We Like:
- The Alnico V magnets give these pickups a rich, smooth sound.
- They are designed to fit into standard humbucker pickup cavities, making them an easy upgrade.
- The chrome-plated metal housing helps to cut down on unwanted noise (hum).
- You can adjust the height of each pole piece to fine-tune your sound.
- The package includes everything you need, like springs and screws, to install them.
What Could Be Improved:
- The DC resistance is listed as a reference, so exact values might vary slightly.
- The lead lengths are different for the bridge and neck pickups, which might require some planning during installation.
This LAMSAM P90 Tone Pickups Set is a solid choice for guitarists looking to experiment with a classic P90 sound in a humbucker format. They offer a great tone and are easy to install for a significant upgrade.
3. Artec SHA66C Alnico 5 Splendor P90 Style Humbucker Sized Single Coil Bridge Pickup 8.8K for Les Paul Style Electric Guitar
Rating: 9.1/10
Want to give your Les Paul, SG, or ES-335 style guitar a new voice? The Artec SHA66C Alnico 5 Splendor pickup is a cool option. It’s a humbucker-sized single-coil pickup that sounds like a P90. This pickup fits right in the bridge position. It has big Alnico V pole pieces. This pickup gives you a sound that’s in the middle. It’s not as heavy as a humbucker, but it’s not as thin as a regular single-coil. Your clean notes will sound clear. Your crunchy notes will have more punch. Chords will ring out with more life. It won’t sound muddy, but it’s not too bright either. This pickup is a great way to change your guitar’s tone.
What We Like:
- Offers a unique P90-like tone in a humbucker size, making installation easy on many guitars.
- Provides a balanced sound with clear mids, great for both clean and crunch tones.
- Alnico V magnets add power and definition to your playing.
- The chrome/black finish looks sharp on many guitars.
- Fits popular guitar styles like Les Paul, SG, and ES-335.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included mounting screws might not fit all guitars, so be prepared to use your own.
- While versatile, the specific tonal character might not be for everyone seeking a very bright or very dark sound.
This Artec pickup is a solid choice for guitarists looking to add some classic P90 flavor to their humbucker-equipped guitars. It’s an accessible way to experiment with new sounds.
4. LAMSAM P90 Tone Pickup
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your electric guitar’s sound with the LAMSAM P90 Tone Pickup. This humbucker-sized single-coil pickup delivers that classic P90 tone right from the neck position. Its chrome finish looks sharp, and it’s designed to easily replace your existing humbucker pickups. Get ready for a richer, smoother sound that breathes new life into your instrument.
What We Like:
- The Alnico V magnets and enamel-wrapped wire give it a rich, smooth tone.
- The chrome-plated housing helps cut down on unwanted noise (hum).
- You can adjust the height of each pole piece for perfect string balance.
- It’s designed to fit into standard humbucker pickup cavities, making installation easy.
- The package includes everything you need: the neck pickup, springs, and mounting screws.
What Could Be Improved:
- The DC resistance is listed as a reference, so actual readings might vary slightly.
This pickup is a fantastic option for guitarists seeking a versatile P90 sound in a humbucker-sized package. It offers a noticeable improvement in tone and is a straightforward upgrade.
5. LAMSAM P90 Tone Pickup
Rating: 9.2/10
Looking to give your electric guitar a fresh sound without major modifications? The LAMSAM P90 Tone Pickup, Humbucker-sized Single Coil Bridge Pick Up Loaded Alnico V Magnets, Chrome-90VB offers a fantastic way to achieve that classic P90 tone in a humbucker-sized package. This bridge pickup is designed to fit right into guitars that normally take humbuckers, making it a super convenient upgrade or a great choice for new guitar builds.
What We Like:
- The Alnico V magnets and wax potting help create a rich, smooth sound that’s full of character.
- Its humbucker-sized design means it’s a direct fit for many guitars, making installation a breeze.
- The chrome-plated metal housing looks sharp and helps cut down on unwanted noise.
- You can easily adjust the height of the pole pieces for the perfect string balance.
- It comes with everything you need to get it installed: the pickup, springs, and mounting screws.
What Could Be Improved:
- The DC resistance is listed as a reference, so exact tone can vary slightly from pickup to pickup.
- While it’s humbucker-sized, for some very specific guitar cavities, minor adjustments might be needed.
This pickup is a solid choice for guitarists seeking a versatile and classic tone. It’s a great way to add some sonic flavor to your instrument without the hassle of routing.
Your Guide to Choosing the Right P90 Humbucker Size Pickup
So, you’re looking to upgrade your guitar’s sound? P90 pickups offer a unique tone, and when you see “P90 Humbucker Size,” it means you’re getting that classic P90 sound in a package that fits into a standard humbucker route. This guide will help you pick the perfect ones.
What to Look For in P90 Humbucker Size Pickups
When you shop for these pickups, keep a few important things in mind.
Key Features to Look For
- Sound: This is the most important part! P90s have a bright, punchy sound with a bit of a bark. They’re louder than single-coils but not as thick as humbuckers. They’re great for rock, blues, and even some jazz.
- Output: This tells you how loud the pickup is. Higher output means more power, which can drive your amp harder. Lower output gives you a cleaner, more vintage sound. Think about the kind of music you play.
- Magnet Type: The magnets inside the pickup shape its tone.
- Alnico: These are very common and give a warm, full sound. Alnico V is popular for its balanced tone.
- Ceramic: These are stronger and give a brighter, more aggressive sound. They can be good for heavier music.
- Wiring: Some pickups have two wires, while others have four. Four-wire pickups offer more options for wiring them in different ways, like splitting them to get a single-coil-like sound.
Important Materials
The materials used make a big difference in how a pickup sounds and lasts.
- Magnets: As mentioned, Alnico and Ceramic are the main types. They create the magnetic field that the strings vibrate in.
- Wire: The wire used to wrap around the magnets is usually enamel-coated copper. The type and thickness of this wire affect the pickup’s resistance and tone. Thicker wire often means a warmer sound.
- Bobbin: This is the plastic part that holds the wire. Good bobbins keep the wire neatly wound.
- Covers: Some pickups have metal covers. These can slightly change the sound, often making it a little warmer or smoother.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things make a pickup sound better or worse.
What Makes a Pickup Great?
- Hand-Winding: Pickups wound by hand are often made with more care. This can lead to a more consistent and nuanced tone.
- High-Quality Wire and Magnets: Using good materials means a better, more reliable sound.
- Good Construction: When the pickup is put together well, it will last longer and sound better.
What Can Hurt Quality?
- Cheap Materials: Using low-quality wire or magnets will make the pickup sound muddy or weak.
- Poor Winding: If the wire is wound unevenly, it can create unwanted noise or an inconsistent sound.
- Bad Wiring: Incorrect wiring can lead to a weak signal or hum.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you play and what you want to achieve.
How People Use Them
- Rock and Blues Players: Many guitarists love P90s for their grit and clarity. They cut through a mix well.
- Versatile Guitars: If you have a guitar routed for humbuckers, putting P90-sized humbuckers in lets you get a different sound without major modifications.
- Adding Character: They add a distinct voice to your guitar that’s different from standard humbuckers or single-coils.
P90 Humbucker Size Pickups: Your Questions Answered
Here are some common questions you might have.
Q: What is a P90 Humbucker Size pickup?
A: It’s a P90 pickup that’s made to fit into the body cavity of a guitar that’s designed for a standard humbucker pickup. It gives you the P90 tone in a humbucker-sized package.
Q: Why would I choose a P90 Humbucker Size over a regular P90?
A: You choose this size if your guitar already has routes for humbuckers. It lets you get the P90 sound without needing to change the guitar’s body routing.
Q: What kind of sound does a P90 Humbucker Size pickup have?
A: It has a bright, fat, and punchy tone. It’s louder than a typical single-coil pickup but has more bite and clarity than a standard humbucker.
Q: Are P90 Humbucker Size pickups good for distortion?
A: Yes, they handle distortion very well. They have a natural grit and sustain that sounds great with overdrive and distortion pedals.
Q: What are Alnico and Ceramic magnets used for in these pickups?
A: Alnico magnets generally offer a warmer, more vintage tone. Ceramic magnets are stronger and provide a brighter, more aggressive sound, often preferred for heavier music.
Q: Can I mix P90 Humbucker Size pickups with other types of pickups?
A: Yes, you can. Many players mix them with humbuckers or single-coils to create unique tonal combinations. Just make sure the output levels are somewhat matched.
Q: How do I install P90 Humbucker Size pickups?
A: Installation is similar to installing regular humbuckers. You will need to wire them to your guitar’s controls (volume, tone, pickup selector switch) and solder them in place.
Q: Do P90 Humbucker Size pickups hum?
A: While P90s are single-coil pickups and can sometimes pick up electrical hum, many modern P90 Humbucker Size pickups are designed to be hum-canceling.
Q: What brands make good P90 Humbucker Size pickups?
A: Many reputable pickup manufacturers offer these. Brands like Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, and Bare Knuckle Pickups are popular choices.
Q: What’s the difference between a P90 Humbucker Size and a P-Rails pickup?
A: A P90 Humbucker Size aims to replicate the P90 tone in a humbucker shape. A P-Rails pickup is designed to give you P90, single-coil, and humbucker sounds all from one pickup, often with different switching options.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gareth Lewis, and I’m the voice behind CampingGuider.com.. I created this space to share my passion for camping and the great outdoors. With years of experience and countless adventures under my belt, I aim to inspire and guide fellow enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a curious beginner, my goal is to provide you with practical tips, honest reviews, and insights to help you make the most out of your outdoor escapades. Join me on this journey, and let’s explore the beauty of nature together!