If you’re a guitar enthusiast or musician looking to enhance your tone, you might want to consider installing P90 pickups. P90 pickups are a popular choice among guitarists because of their unique tone, clarity, and versatility. In this article, we’ll be discussing three different P90 wiring diagrams that you can use to upgrade your guitar’s setup. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this guide will help you navigate through the process of wiring your guitar with P90 pickups.
What is a P90 Pickup?
P90 pickups are single-coil pickups that were first introduced by Gibson in the 1940s. They are known for their warm, fat, and clear tone that sits somewhere between a single-coil and a humbucker. P90s are commonly used in rock, blues, and jazz music, and have been a favorite among guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Thunders, and Pete Townshend.
Compared to other single-coil pickups, P90s have a wider and flatter coil with larger magnets. This design results in a broader frequency range and a more powerful output. P90 pickups are also known for their noise-canceling properties, making them a great choice for players who want a single-coil tone without the hum.
The Basics of P90 Wiring
Before we dive into the wiring diagrams, let’s take a look at some of the basic wiring principles that apply to P90 pickups. P90 pickups require a ground wire, a hot wire, and a wire for the pickup cover (if applicable). The ground wire should always be connected to the back of the volume potentiometer, while the hot wire goes to the switch or selector, depending on your guitar’s configuration.
When wiring P90s, it’s important to pay attention to the polarity or direction of the magnets. The magnets in P90 pickups are oriented differently from other single-coil pickups like Stratocasters or Telecasters. To get the best sound and cancel out any hum, the magnets in each pickup should be opposite in polarity.
P90 Wiring Diagrams
Now, let’s take a look at some of the P90 wiring diagrams that you can use for your guitar. These diagrams are just examples, and you can tweak them to fit your guitar’s configuration and your personal preferences.
1. 2-Pickup, 3-Way Switch Wiring
This wiring diagram is a popular choice for guitars with two P90 pickups and a three-way switch. This setup allows you to switch between the neck and bridge pickups or use both pickups at the same time. Here’s how to wire it:
| Hot wire from the neck pickup | Connect to the middle lug of the switch |
| Hot wire from the bridge pickup | Connect to the top lug of the switch |
| Ground wire from both pickups | Connect to the back of the volume potentiometer |
| Wire for the pickup cover | Connect to the back of the volume potentiometer |
2. 2-Pickup, 4-Way Switch Wiring
If you want a more versatile setup for your P90 pickups, you can use a 4-way switch. This setup allows you to use both pickups in series or parallel, in addition to the individual neck and bridge positions. Here’s how to wire it:
| Hot wire from the neck pickup | Connect to the top lug of the 4-way switch |
| Hot wire from the bridge pickup | Connect to the bottom lug of the 4-way switch |
| Ground wire from both pickups | Connect to the back of the volume potentiometer |
| Wire for the pickup cover | Connect to the back of the volume potentiometer |
3. 3-Pickup, 5-Way Switch Wiring
If you have a guitar with three P90 pickups and a five-way switch, you can try this wiring diagram. This setup allows you to use all three pickups individually, as well as in combination with each other. Here’s how to wire it:
| Hot wire from the neck pickup | Connect to the top lug of the switch |
| Hot wire from the middle pickup | Connect to the middle lug of the switch |
| Hot wire from the bridge pickup | Connect to the bottom lug of the switch |
| Ground wire from all pickups | Connect to the back of the volume potentiometer |
| Wire for the pickup covers | Connect to the back of the volume potentiometer |
FAQs
1. Can I mix P90 pickups with other types of pickups?
Yes, you can mix P90 pickups with other types of pickups like humbuckers or single-coils. However, you should be aware that this can affect the overall tone and output of your guitar. You might need to adjust the wiring or use different pots to balance the volume and tone of each pickup.
2. Do I need to shield my guitar when installing P90 pickups?
Shielding your guitar can help reduce noise and interference, especially if you’re using high-gain settings or playing in a noisy environment. However, it’s not mandatory to shield your guitar when installing P90 pickups. If you want to shield your guitar, you can use copper or aluminum foil, conductive paint, or shielding tape on the pickguard, control cavity, and other exposed areas.
3. Can I wire P90 pickups in reverse polarity?
Wiring P90 pickups in reverse polarity can create a different sound that’s more nasal or honky, but it can also cause phase cancellation and hum. If you want to experiment with reverse polarity, make sure you do it with caution and test the sound before making any permanent modifications.
We hope this guide has helped you understand the basics of P90 wiring and provided you with some useful diagrams to try out. Remember to take your time and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any mistakes or damage to your guitar. With a little patience and practice, you can achieve the tone and sound you’ve been looking for with your P90 pickups!
