Have you ever stared at your guitar, dreaming of a fatter, warmer sound, but loved the look of your P90 pickups? It’s a common guitar player’s dilemma! Many musicians want the rich, bluesy tone of a P90, but also crave the quiet power and versatility of a humbucker. The problem is, finding a pickup that fits into a P90 slot but gives you that humbucker sound can feel like searching for a hidden treasure map.
You might find yourself overwhelmed by all the choices. Some sound too thin, others too muddy, and figuring out what’s best for your playing style feels like a puzzle. This is where P90-sized humbuckers come in! They offer a cool middle ground, giving you a different flavor of tone without needing to change your guitar’s body. But how do you pick the right one?
In this post, we’re going to break down the world of P90-sized humbuckers. We’ll explore what makes them special, what to listen for, and how to choose the perfect set to unlock new sounds for your guitar. Get ready to discover the secret to getting that humbucker magic in a P90 package!
Our Top 5 P90 Sized Humbucker Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 P90 Sized Humbucker Detailed Reviews
1. LAMSAM P90 Tone Pickups Set
Rating: 9.1/10
Looking to inject some classic P90 tone into your humbucker-equipped electric guitar? The LAMSAM P90 Tone Pickups Set offers a compelling solution. These pickups are designed to fit directly into standard humbucker cavities, providing a versatile upgrade for a wide range of guitars. They feature Alnico V magnets, known for their strong magnetic field and clear tone, and come in a stylish chrome finish.
What We Like:
- Rich P90 Tone: Delivers a smooth, full sound that’s a step up from standard humbuckers.
- Humbucker Size: Easily fits into existing humbucker routes without modification.
- Alnico V Magnets: Provides a strong, clear, and dynamic output.
- Adjustable Pole Pieces: Allows you to fine-tune string balance and intonation.
- Chrome Finish: Adds a sleek and professional look to your guitar.
- Includes Hardware: Comes with springs and screws for easy installation.
What Could Be Improved:
- DC Resistance is Reference: The exact DC resistance might vary slightly, which could be a concern for some players.
- Lead Length Variation: The difference in lead length between the neck and bridge pickups might require careful planning during installation.
This LAMSAM P90 set is a fantastic option for guitarists seeking that sought-after P90 character in a humbucker-sized package. It’s a straightforward way to enhance your guitar’s sonic palette.
2. Wilkinson WMHR AlNiCo V Mini Humbucker For P90 Cutout
Rating: 9.1/10
Guitarists seeking a versatile upgrade will love the Wilkinson WMHR AlNiCo V Mini Humbucker. This pickup fits right into a P90 cutout without needing any changes to your guitar. It’s a humbucker, which means it cancels out unwanted noise, giving you a cleaner sound. The AlNiCo V magnets provide a rich and full tone that sounds great in any position.
What We Like:
- It fits P90 cutouts easily, so no need to modify your guitar.
- It’s a humbucker, which cuts out annoying buzz and hum.
- The tone is fantastic, offering a full and clear sound.
- It works well for both the neck and bridge pickup spots.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might want even more tonal options.
- Availability could be wider for easier access.
This pickup offers a great way to improve your guitar’s sound. It’s an excellent choice for players who want a humbucker’s benefits without changing their guitar’s body.
3. Seymour Duncan Phat Cat Humbucker-Sized P-90 Pickup Set – Neck and Bridge Electric Guitar Pickups
Rating: 8.5/10
Unleash a classic tone on your modern guitar with the Seymour Duncan Phat Cat Humbucker-Sized P-90 Pickup Set. These pickups give you the legendary P-90 sound without any changes to your guitar. They fit right into humbucker routes, making it super easy to get that vintage vibe.
What We Like:
- Get genuine P-90 bite and growl without guitar mods.
- Turn your humbucker guitar into a vintage tone machine.
- Enjoy authentic, focused mid-bite and rich harmonics.
- Experience boosted sustain and articulation thanks to Alnico 2 magnets.
- Hand-built in the USA with quality materials for squeal-free playing.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might prefer a wider range of magnet options for different tonal characteristics.
- The distinct P-90 tone, while loved by many, might not suit every musical genre.
The Seymour Duncan Phat Cat set offers an incredible way to inject vintage soul into your electric guitar. If you crave that iconic P-90 sound with modern convenience, this pickup set is a fantastic choice.
4. LAMSAM P90 Tone Pickup
Rating: 8.8/10
The LAMSAM P90 Tone Pickup, Chrome-90VN, offers a unique blend of classic P90 grit and humbucker-sized convenience for your electric guitar. This neck position pickup brings a rich, smooth tone to your instrument, making it a fantastic option for players looking to upgrade or build a guitar with a humbucker-sized cavity. Its Alnico V magnets and wax potting help to reduce unwanted noise, ensuring a cleaner sound. The individual pole pieces can be adjusted, allowing you to fine-tune the pickup’s response to your playing style.
What We Like:
- Provides a rich and smooth P90 tone in a humbucker-sized package.
- Alnico V magnets and chrome-plated housing help reduce hum for a cleaner sound.
- Individual pole pieces are adjustable for personalized tone shaping.
- Comes with all the necessary hardware for installation, including springs and mounting screws.
- Offers a great way to achieve a classic P90 sound without modifying existing humbucker routes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The DC resistance is listed as a reference, which might leave some players wanting a more precise specification.
- While compatible with standard humbucker cavities, guitarists might need to be aware of potential height adjustments for perfect integration.
This LAMSAM P90 pickup delivers a sought-after tone in a versatile format. It’s a solid choice for guitarists seeking to expand their sonic palette.
5. Seymour Duncan SPH90-1 Phat Cat P-90 Bridge Pickup – Nickel – Humbucker-Sized P-90 Growl
Rating: 8.8/10
Ready to unleash some serious tone? The Seymour Duncan SPH90-1 Phat Cat P-90 Bridge Pickup in Nickel offers the legendary P-90 sound in a humbucker-sized package. This pickup brings a powerful growl and a fat midrange punch to your guitar. It’s designed to give you that classic P-90 tone without the annoying hum. Plus, it’s easy to install and even offers cool mod options.
What We Like:
- It gives you that awesome, gritty P-90 sound without any annoying buzz.
- The humbucker size means it fits right into most guitars without needing changes.
- You get a rich, punchy midrange tone that really cuts through.
- It’s super easy to do cool things like coil-splitting or phase mods to change your sound.
- Installation is a breeze; you can just drop it in and play.
- Seymour Duncan stands behind it with a lifetime warranty, so you know it’s built to last.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it fits humbucker routes, some guitarists might prefer a true P-90 size for a slightly different aesthetic.
- The “Phat Cat” name might suggest a warmer, thicker tone than some P-90s, but this pickup leans towards the brighter, more cutting side of the P-90 spectrum, which might not be for everyone.
If you crave that iconic P-90 bark and bite but want a hassle-free upgrade, the Phat Cat is a fantastic option. It delivers big tone and great flexibility for any guitarist.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your P90 Sized Humbucker
So, you’re looking to swap out your guitar pickups for something with a bit more bite and character? You’ve heard about P90 sized humbuckers and now you’re wondering what makes them special and how to pick the right ones. This guide will help you understand everything you need to know.
What Makes P90 Sized Humbuckers Unique?
P90 sized humbuckers are a clever invention. They fit into the body routes designed for single-coil P90 pickups, but they offer the sound of a humbucker. This means you get the classic P90 “bark” and “growl” combined with the hum-canceling benefits and often a fatter tone of a humbucker. It’s a great way to upgrade your guitar’s sound without needing major body modifications.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for P90 sized humbuckers, keep these features in mind:
- Magnet Type:
- Alnico: These are very common. Alnico 5 magnets give a strong, bright tone. Alnico 2 magnets offer a warmer, smoother sound.
- Ceramic: Ceramic magnets usually provide a higher output and a more aggressive, cutting tone.
- Coil Winding: The way the wire is wound around the bobbins affects the tone. Hand-wound coils are often seen as higher quality, but machine-wound coils can also produce excellent sound.
- Output Level: This refers to how loud the pickup is. High-output pickups are great for rock and metal, while lower-output pickups are better for blues and vintage tones.
- Construction: Look for sturdy construction with good quality wire and bobbins.
Important Materials
The materials used in a pickup significantly impact its sound and durability.
- Magnet Wire: This is usually made of copper. The gauge (thickness) of the wire and the number of turns influence the pickup’s output and tone. Thicker wire and more turns generally mean higher output.
- Magnets: As mentioned, Alnico (various grades like Alnico 2, 5, 8) and Ceramic are the most common. Each has a distinct magnetic pull and affects the string vibration differently.
- Bobbin Material: Most bobbins are made of plastic. Some premium pickups might use vintage-style butyrate bobbins, which some players believe contribute to a warmer tone.
- Baseplate: This is the metal plate at the bottom of the pickup. It can be made of nickel-silver or brass, affecting sustain and resonance.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Many things can make a P90 sized humbucker sound amazing or just okay.
- Factors That Improve Quality:
- Careful Winding: Precise and consistent coil winding is crucial.
- High-Quality Magnets: Good magnets create a strong, clear magnetic field.
- Good Soldering: Clean and strong solder joints ensure a reliable connection.
- Shielding: Proper shielding reduces unwanted noise and hum.
- Reputable Brand: Many companies have a long history of making excellent pickups.
- Factors That Can Reduce Quality:
- Poor Winding: Uneven or sloppy winding can lead to inconsistent tone or noise.
- Cheap Materials: Low-quality magnets or wire will not produce the best sound.
- Bad Soldering: Loose connections can cause crackling or complete signal loss.
- Lack of Shielding: This can make your guitar sound noisy, especially with high gain.
User Experience and Use Cases
P90 sized humbuckers are incredibly versatile. They are a fantastic choice for guitarists who love the P90 sound but want to avoid the hum that single-coils can produce.
- Blues and Rock: Many players enjoy the P90 sized humbucker for its thick, creamy tone that can still cut through a mix. It’s great for classic rock riffs and bluesy solos.
- Jazz: The warmer Alnico magnets can offer a smooth, jazzy tone that’s rich and full.
- Hard Rock and Metal: Higher-output versions with ceramic magnets deliver the power and aggression needed for heavier music.
- Versatile Guitars: If you have a guitar routed for P90s, these pickups let you switch to a humbucker sound without permanent modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a P90 sized humbucker?
A: It’s a humbucker pickup that is built to fit in the same body routes as a standard P90 single-coil pickup.
Q: Why would I choose a P90 sized humbucker over a regular humbucker or a P90?
A: You get the hum-canceling benefit of a humbucker with the sonic character that’s often associated with P90s, and it fits in P90 routes.
Q: Do they sound exactly like a regular humbucker?
A: No, they often have a P90-like character, which can be brighter and more mid-focused than a typical PAF-style humbucker.
Q: What kind of magnets are usually used?
A: Alnico magnets (like Alnico 2 or 5) and Ceramic magnets are common.
Q: Are they hard to install?
A: Installation is similar to installing any other humbucker or P90. If you can solder, you can do it. Many guitar techs can also install them for you.
Q: Can I get them in different colors?
A: Yes, they come in various colors, including black, cream, white, and sometimes with metal covers.
Q: What kind of music are they best suited for?
A: They are very versatile and work well for blues, rock, indie, jazz, and even some harder rock styles.
Q: Will they fit in any guitar with P90 routes?
A: Yes, that is their main purpose – to fit into P90 pickup cavities.
Q: How do I know if I have P90 routes?
A: P90 routes are typically larger than standard single-coil routes (like Stratocaster pickups) and are designed to house the P90 pickup cover.
Q: Where can I buy them?
A: You can find them at most online music gear retailers, guitar stores, and directly from pickup manufacturers.
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.
Hi, I’m Robert Contreras, a passionate archery instructor based in the USA. With years of experience under my belt, I’ve dedicated my life to mastering the art of archery and sharing its intricacies with enthusiasts of all levels. Through my website, 10Bows.com, I invite you to explore a treasure trove of tips, techniques, and personal insights that reflect my journey in the world of archery. Whether you’re picking up a bow for the first time or refining your skills, I’m here to help guide you toward precision, focus, and a deeper appreciation for this timeless sport.