Opinions on P-90 pickups

[Doomas]

I play in a "semi-classic" rock band with two guitar players and both of us play guitars equipped with high output humbuckers. I play lead stuff and have been thinking of switching to P-90 pickups for some extra clarity and bite. I'm not a fan of high-gain tones when it comes to playing rock but I'm a bit concerned about the pickups being noisy when playing loud (the master vol is usually set to about 3-4 o'clock when I play through my 2266C in HDR). Any opinions on P-90s in general would be interesting to read.

[surfnorthwest]

No better classic rock tone than a Les Paul with P90s and a plexi type amp, instant vintage. The VM is a good choice with a P90 guitar.

[slowpokerhino]

I've only had the opportunity to play a P90 equipped guitar once through the VM (a real '56 Les Paul no less!) and I was absolutely in awe of the sound. I'm sure the guitar had a bit to do with it but those P90s were very bright (not piercing like some humbuckers can be), clear and punchy. Loved it.

If you don't feel like getting a whole new guitar you may want to try some low output humbuckers. Lollar low winds, Gibson Burstbucker (#1 & #2), Dimarzio EJ Customs. There are quite a few out there. As a general rule, the higher the output of a pickup the more warmth and gain but you lose clarity and note definition.

[Lungo]

I was considering a Gibson BFG not long ago and played one through a Vintage Modern combo. The P90 in the neck position of that guitar sounded great. A P90 equipped guitar is definately on my wish list.

[Doomas]

Thanks for the tips slowpokerhino. Lower output humbuckers seem like a good option but I have also been thinking about humbucker sized P-90's like the GFS Mean 90 or Dream 90 pickups. The price is very wallet friendly and I dig the looks too. Does anyone have any opinions on them or any experiences with the company's products?

[BNS]

I have a Grosh Electrajet with P-90s. They sound great with the VM. Everyone should have at least one humbucker, single coil and P-90 equipped guitar!

[lukemc]

just thought id chime in on P-90's.
i have R6 Les paul with P-90's and while i love the neck pickup
(sounds like strat or Tele'ish neck pickup but fatter)
but i could never love the bridge pickup.
if your used to getting that real solid sound from your bridge humbucker. the p-90 really wont cut it for you.

ps i also have the same relationship with my Humbuckered les paul but Vice versa. common sense says i should get a BFG, but no binding is a deal Killer

[slowpokerhino]

I agree with you Luke as far as the BFG. I bet it sounds great but really is a very ugly guitar by Les Paul standards.

[snatch]

i have a les paul jr and it screams!!!! but you can roll off the volume and get a very nice warm clean. with the volume cranked and the tone knob rolled back i can get a very close "woman" tone or a neck pickup of a telecaster type tone. they bridge the gap perfectly between single coils and humbuckers. gibsons p90s are pretty hot and have alot of bite which helps them cut through alot. if youre looking for something a little warmer and rounded try some lollars. as far as hum goes i play through a mesa rectifier which is a very high gain amp. as long as i have a place with good power and i dont stand right on top of the amp the hum is very minimal, especially when compared to traditional single coils. any hum that does occur is very easily remedied by my boss noise surpressor. you could also try rocktrons hush pedal or the humx eliminator. amps can be noisy even with humbuckers, especially in bars or clubs with an older electrical system so a good hum eliminator is something every guitar player can benifit from, no matter what your rig consists of.