Ever stared at a guitar pickup and wondered, “What in the world is a P90, and why does it come in different sizes?” You’re not alone! Many guitarists love the raw, gritty sound of P90s, but when it’s time to buy, they hit a wall. It’s confusing because P90s don’t always fit where you expect them to. You might want that classic P90 tone, but your guitar is built for humbuckers, and figuring out how to make them fit can feel like solving a puzzle with missing pieces.
That’s where understanding P90 humbucker sizes comes in. It’s the key to unlocking that perfect sound without the hassle. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll clear up the confusion about P90s fitting into humbucker routes, and you’ll be confident in choosing the right pickup for your guitar. Get ready to make a smart decision and get the tone you’ve been dreaming of!
Top P90 Humbucker Size Recommendations
- 𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙧-𝙎𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙙 𝙋90-𝙎𝙩𝙮𝙡𝙚 𝙏𝙤𝙣𝙚- designed to fit many standard humbucker pickup routes, this P90-style single coil pickup set delivers a clearer, brighter, and more articulate tone than many stock humbuckers, with classic growl, smooth mids, and responsive clean or driven sound.
- 𝘼𝙡𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙤 5 𝙈𝙖𝙜𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙨 & 𝙒𝙖𝙭 𝙋𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 - both neck and bridge pickups are built with Alnico 5 magnets, 42-gauge enamel-coated copper wire, metal covers, shielded wiring, and wax potting to help reduce unwanted noise, squeal, and feedback during normal playing.
- 𝘼𝙙𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 - individual adjustable pole pieces allow players to fine-tune output balance across strings. Pole spacing is approximately 50mm for the neck pickup and 52mm for the bridge pickup, making the set suitable for many HH-style electric guitar replacement projects.
- 𝙎𝙤𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙈𝙪𝙙𝙙𝙮 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙋𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙪𝙥 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙨 - a practical upgrade for players who feel their original humbuckers sound muddy, dark, weak, or lack note definition. These pickups help add more clarity, bite, and single-coil character without requiring major body routing on compatible humbucker-sized guitars.
- 𝙄𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘿𝙄𝙔 𝙂𝙪𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙨 & 𝘽𝙪𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙨 - great for guitar builders, repair techs, hobby modders, and players upgrading project guitars, custom builds, or older instruments. Suitable for anyone wanting P90-voiced character in a humbucker-sized format at an affordable replacement cost.
- Set of neck and bridge pickups, with hardware.
- Ceramic bar magnet pickup.
- Bridge resistance: 8.0k; Inductance: 4.5H; Neck resistance: 7.5k; Inductance: 3.7H;
- Pole spacing is about 52mm on the bridge pickups and 50mm on the neck pickups.
- Sound great and perfect for an upgrade or replacement on any guitar that has P90 style pickups.
- Fits for Les Paul/SG/ES335 and other similar style electric guitar, neck position
- P90 style Humbucker sized single coil pickup, featuring Alnico V big pole pieces, perfect mid-ground between a humbucker and a traditional single-coil, thick and full without sounding muddy, but not overly bright. With plenty of mids, your clean and crunch tones will have more definition, allowing your chords to ring out
- Polepiece spacing: 50mm (1-31/32 inch), mounting screw holes distance: 78mm (3-5/64 inch)
- Resistance: 8K, tolerance: 0.5K; Magnet: Alnico 5; Pole piece: adjustable screws, fibre bobbin, 2 conductor wires
- Package includes: 1 piece pickup and mounting accessories. Note: Our screws maybe will not fit your usage, please use your own if you can
- Fits for Les Paul/SG/ES335 and other similar style electric guitar, bridge position
- P90 style Humbucker sized single coil pickup, featuring Alnico V big pole pieces, perfect mid-ground between a humbucker and a traditional single-coil, thick and full without sounding muddy, but not overly bright. With plenty of mids, your clean and crunch tones will have more definition, allowing your chords to ring out
- Polepiece spacing: 52.5mm (2-1/16 inch), mounting screw holes distance: 78mm (3-5/64 inch)
- Resistance: 8.8K, tolerance: 0.5K; Magnet: Alnico 5; Pole piece: adjustable screws, fibre bobbin, 2 conductor wires
- Package includes: 1 piece pickup and mounting accessories. Note: Our screws maybe will not fit your usage, please use your own if you can
- Fits for Les Paul/SG/ES335 and other similar style electric guitar, neck and bridge position
- P90 style Humbucker sized single coil pickup, featuring Alnico V big pole pieces, perfect mid-ground between a humbucker and a traditional single-coil, thick and full without sounding muddy, but not overly bright. With plenty of mids, your clean and crunch tones will have more definition, allowing your chords to ring out
- Polepiece spacing: the neck is 50mm (1-31/32 inch), the bridge is 52.5mm (2-1/16 inch), mounting screw holes distance: 78mm (3-5/64 inch)
- Resistance: 8K (neck) and 8.8K (bridge), tolerance: 0.5K; Magnet: Alnico 5; Pole piece: adjustable screws, fibre bobbin, 2 conductor wires
- Package includes: 2 pieces pickups set (neck / bridge) and mounting accessories. Note: Our screws maybe will not fit your usage, please use your own if you can
- The Phat Cat is a true single-coil P90 Soapbar retrofitted under a humbucker cover for use in humbucker-equipped guitars. We originally developed this pickup in the Seymour Duncan Custom Shop for Hamer Guitars, but eventually the demand became so great that we moved it to regular production.
- The Phat Cats give you all the authentic grit and growl that you’d expect from a great vintage P90 Soapbar in the bridge position, and the authentic P90 bounce and sparkle in the neck position. Chords have bright, ringing harmonic overtones while solos have that classic P90 cut and edge. We use two Alnico 2 bar magnets to give you more sustain and a compressed attack, while the metal covers provide more shielding and noise reduction than standard soapbar covers.
- Other appointments include a nickel silver bottom plate, single-conductor braided hookup wire and vacuum wax potting for squeal free operation. The neck model is RW/RP, reverse wind reverse polarity, from the bridge pickup to provide noiseless operation when used together.
- Handmade in Santa Barbara, California: Seymour Duncan takes pride in designing and crafting our products to create the most amazing sound possible. That starts with providing an environment that attracts and retains our great team of engineers, product designers and craftsmen, many of whom have been with the company for decades.
- DCR Neck: 7.98, DCR Bridge: 8.49, Magnet: Alnico 2, 1c Braided Shield Cable
- The Phat Cat is a true single-coil P90 Soapbar retrofitted under a humbucker cover for use in humbucker-equipped guitars. We originally developed this pickup in the Seymour Duncan Custom Shop for Hamer Guitars, but eventually the demand became so great that we moved it to regular production.
- The Phat Cats give you all the authentic grit and growl that you’d expect from a great vintage P90 Soapbar in the bridge position, and the authentic P90 bounce and sparkle in the neck position. Chords have bright, ringing harmonic overtones while solos have that classic P90 cut and edge. We use two Alnico 2 bar magnets to give you more sustain and a compressed attack, while the metal covers provide more shielding and noise reduction than standard soapbar covers.
- Other appointments include a nickel silver bottom plate, single-conductor braided hookup wire and vacuum wax potting for squeal free operation. The neck model is RW/RP, reverse wind reverse polarity, from the bridge pickup to provide noiseless operation when used together.
- Handmade in Santa Barbara, California: Seymour Duncan takes pride in designing and crafting our products to create the most amazing sound possible. That starts with providing an environment that attracts and retains our great team of engineers, product designers and craftsmen, many of whom have been with the company for decades.
- DCR Neck: 7.98, DCR Bridge: 8.49, Magnet: Alnico 2, 1c Braided Shield Cable
- Recommended For: All positions
- Wiring: 1 Conductor
- Magnet: Alnico
- Resistance: 8.12 Kohm
Choosing the Right P90 Humbucker Size Pickup: A Buyer’s Guide
So, you’re looking to upgrade your guitar with some P90 humbucker size pickups. That’s a great choice! P90s offer a unique, fat, and punchy tone that’s different from both traditional single-coils and humbuckers. But with humbucker size P90s, you get that classic P90 sound in a package that fits into humbucker routing. This guide will help you find the perfect set.
Why Humbucker Size P90s?
Traditional P90s have their own distinct size, which doesn’t fit into a standard humbucker route. Humbucker size P90s are designed to mimic that beloved P90 tone but with a form factor that makes them an easy swap for guitars already equipped with humbuckers. This means you can get that raw, gritty, and versatile P90 sound without needing to route your guitar body.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for humbucker size P90s, keep these features in mind:
- Magnet Type: Most P90s use Alnico magnets. Alnico 2 magnets tend to give a warmer, smoother tone with more natural compression. Alnico 5 magnets offer a brighter, punchier sound with more output and clarity.
- Winding Style: Hand-wound pickups often have a more organic and nuanced sound compared to machine-wound ones. However, good machine-wound pickups can still sound fantastic.
- Coil Construction: Look for well-constructed coils. The way the wire is wrapped around the bobbins affects the tone.
- Output Level: P90s generally have a medium to high output. Consider what kind of sound you want – lower output for a cleaner, more dynamic tone, or higher output for more grit and sustain.
- Cover Material: While less impactful on tone than magnets or windings, the cover can add a touch of warmth. Metal covers (like nickel or chrome) are common, but some come with plastic covers.
Important Materials
The materials used in pickups directly influence their sound and durability.
- Magnets: As mentioned, Alnico (Aluminum, Nickel, Cobalt) is the standard for P90s. The specific alloy of Alnico makes a difference.
- Magnet Wire: This is usually copper wire. The gauge (thickness) and insulation of the wire affect resistance and tone.
- Bobbin Material: The bobbins hold the wire. They are typically made of plastic or sometimes a stronger material like vulcanized fiber.
- Leads: The wires that connect the pickup to your guitar’s electronics. Good quality leads ensure a clean signal.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a pickup sound amazing or just okay.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Precise Winding: Even winding and consistent tension contribute to a clear, balanced tone.
- High-Quality Magnets: Good magnets have strong, consistent magnetic fields.
- Careful Assembly: Proper soldering and secure components prevent unwanted noise.
- Proper Wax Potting: This process seals the coils in wax to stop microphonic squealing, which is when the pickup picks up unwanted vibrations.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Loose Winding: Inconsistent wire wrapping can lead to muddy or weak sound.
- Weak or Inconsistent Magnets: These can result in a loss of output and clarity.
- Poor Soldering: Bad connections create noise and signal loss.
- Lack of Wax Potting: This can cause feedback issues.
User Experience and Use Cases
Humbucker size P90s are incredibly versatile. They excel in many musical styles.
- Blues and Rock: Their fat, creamy tone with a bit of bite is perfect for classic blues licks and crunchy rock riffs.
- Jazz: Many players enjoy the warm, articulate sound of P90s for jazz, offering a unique alternative to traditional humbuckers.
- Indie and Alternative: The raw, sometimes aggressive character of P90s fits well with the diverse sounds of indie and alternative music.
- Versatile Players: If you play a bit of everything, P90s can offer a great middle ground, handling clean tones with clarity and dirty tones with authority.
They are often a favorite for guitarists who want the power of a humbucker but the character and responsiveness of a single-coil. You can easily swap them into guitars that originally had humbuckers, like many Les Pauls, SG-style guitars, or other solid-body electrics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a P90 and a humbucker size P90?
A: A humbucker size P90 has the same dimensions as a standard humbucker pickup, allowing it to fit into humbucker routes. A traditional P90 has a different, larger size.
Q: Will humbucker size P90s fit in any guitar with humbucker routes?
A: Yes, they are specifically designed to fit into the standard routes for humbucker pickups.
Q: Can I mix a humbucker size P90 with a regular humbucker?
A: Yes, you can! Many guitarists do this to get a combination of tones. For example, a P90 in the neck for warm lead tones and a humbucker in the bridge for powerful rhythm.
Q: Are humbucker size P90s noisy?
A: While P90s are technically single-coil pickups and can be more susceptible to hum than true humbuckers, good quality ones are often well-shielded or wax-potted to minimize noise. They are generally less noisy than traditional P90s.
Q: What kind of amplifier works best with humbucker size P90s?
A: They sound great with most amplifiers! They especially shine with tube amps that can be pushed into overdrive, bringing out their natural grit and sustain.
Q: How do humbucker size P90s sound compared to regular single-coil pickups?
A: P90s are fatter and have more midrange punch than most traditional single-coils. They have more output and a thicker tone.
Q: Do I need to change my guitar’s wiring if I install humbucker size P90s?
A: Usually not. If you are replacing existing humbuckers, the wiring is often compatible. However, it’s always a good idea to check the wiring diagrams for your specific pickups and guitar.
Q: What is “wax potting” and why is it important?
A: Wax potting is when the pickup coils are dipped in wax. This stops unwanted vibrations and prevents the pickup from producing a loud, high-pitched squeal called microphonics.
Q: Can humbucker size P90s handle high-gain distortion?
A: Yes, they can. While they offer clarity at lower volumes, their robust midrange and output allow them to cut through a distorted mix very well.
Q: Where are humbucker size P90s typically made?
A: They are made all over the world by many different manufacturers. You can find them from large, well-known brands to smaller boutique pickup winders.