If you’re looking to upgrade your guitar’s pickups, you might want to consider a P90 pickup. Known for their powerful, raw sound, P90 pickups are the perfect choice for players who want a more robust tone than a single coil can offer, but don’t want to sacrifice the clarity and definition of a humbucker.
What is a P90 Pickup?
A P90 pickup is a single coil pickup that was invented in the 1940s by Gibson. It features a wider coil than a typical single coil pickup, which gives it a fatter, more powerful sound. P90s are often described as having a “growl” or “bark” that is perfect for rock, blues, and other styles of music that demand a lot of sustain and grit.
P90 pickups come in two main formats: soapbar and dog ear. Soapbar P90s are rectangular in shape and are typically mounted directly into the guitar’s body. Dog ear P90s, on the other hand, have rounded edges and are mounted using ears that stick out from the sides of the pickup.
How to Wire a P90 Pickup
Wiring a P90 pickup is relatively simple, but it’s important to follow the correct steps to ensure that your pickup is wired correctly and will function properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wire a P90 pickup:
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before you start wiring your P90 pickup, you’ll need to gather the tools and materials that you’ll need. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:
| Tool/Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Soldering Iron | A soldering iron is used to melt and join metal components together. |
| Solder | Solder is a metal alloy that is used to join two metal components together. |
| Wire Cutters | Wire cutters are used to cut and strip the wires that connect the pickup to the guitar’s electronics. |
| Wire Strippers | Wire strippers are used to remove the insulation from the wires that connect the pickup to the guitar’s electronics. |
| P90 Pickup | A P90 pickup is the component that you’ll be wiring into your guitar. |
Step 2: Remove the Old Pickup
If you’re replacing an existing pickup with a P90, you’ll need to remove the old pickup before you can install the new one. Use your wire cutters to snip the wires that connect the old pickup to the guitar’s electronics, then gently pull the pickup out of the guitar.
Step 3: Install the P90 Pickup
Place the P90 pickup into the guitar’s pickup cavity, making sure that it is oriented correctly. If you’re installing a soapbar pickup, make sure that the pickup’s mounting holes line up with the screw holes in the guitar’s body. If you’re installing a dog ear pickup, make sure that the ears on the pickup line up with the ears on the pickup ring.
Step 4: Solder the Wires
Using your wire cutters and wire strippers, prepare the wires that will connect the P90 pickup to the guitar’s electronics. Most P90 pickups have two wires: a hot wire and a ground wire. The hot wire is usually connected to the center lug of the pickup’s volume pot, while the ground wire is connected to the pickup’s metal casing.
Once you have prepared the wires, use your soldering iron and solder to join the wires to the appropriate components in the guitar’s electronics. Be careful not to overheat the components or apply too much solder, as this can cause damage to your guitar.
Step 5: Test the Pickup
Once you have soldered the wires in place, it’s time to test out your new P90 pickup. Plug your guitar into an amp and play some notes to see how the pickup sounds. If everything is working properly, you should hear a powerful, full-bodied tone that is perfect for rock and other heavy music styles.
P90 Pickup FAQs
What kind of guitar is a P90 pickup best suited for?
P90 pickups are best suited for guitars that are designed for rock, blues, and other heavy music styles. They are often used in Les Paul-style guitars, but can also be installed in other solid-body electric guitars.
What is the difference between a soapbar and a dog ear P90 pickup?
The main difference between a soapbar and a dog ear P90 pickup is their shape. Soapbar P90s are rectangular in shape and are mounted directly into the guitar’s body, while dog ear P90s have rounded edges and are mounted using ears that stick out from the sides of the pickup.
Can I use a P90 pickup with my guitar’s existing electronics?
Yes, you can use a P90 pickup with your guitar’s existing electronics, but you may need to make some adjustments to ensure that the pickup is wired correctly. It’s a good idea to consult a guitar technician or experienced DIYer before attempting any major modifications to your guitar’s electronics.
What are the pros and cons of using a P90 pickup?
Pros of using a P90 pickup include their powerful, raw sound, which is perfect for rock and other heavy music styles. They also offer good clarity and definition, which is important for players who want to be able to hear each note clearly.
Cons of using a P90 pickup include their tendency to produce more noise and feedback than other types of pickups, especially at high volume levels. They also require more space in the guitar’s pickup cavity than single coil pickups, so they may not fit in guitars with smaller cavities.
In conclusion, wiring a P90 pickup into your guitar is a great way to upgrade your guitar’s tone and give it a more powerful, raw sound. Follow the steps outlined above to wire your P90 pickup correctly, and consult the FAQs for more information on using and installing P90 pickups. Happy playing!
