The single P90 pickup is a popular choice for guitar players who want a vintage tone. Wiring a single P90 pickup can be a challenge, but with the help of a wiring diagram, it becomes much easier. In this article, we will discuss the single P90 wiring diagram in detail, including the components and wiring instructions for this classic pickup.
What is a P90 Pickup?
The P90 pickup is a single-coil pickup that was first introduced by Gibson in the late 1940s. It has a distinct and warm sound, and is known for its midrange and treble frequencies. The P90 pickup is often used in blues, rock, and jazz music, and is a popular choice for players who want a vintage sound.
The P90 pickup has a unique design that sets it apart from other single-coil pickups. It has a wider coil and larger magnets than a traditional single-coil pickup, which gives it a fatter and more detailed sound. The P90 pickup is also known for its noise-canceling properties, which make it a great choice for high-gain applications.
The Components of a Single P90 Wiring Diagram
The single P90 wiring diagram consists of several components, including the pickup itself, a volume potentiometer, a tone potentiometer, and a switch. These components work together to create the desired tone and allow the player to adjust the volume and tone of the pickup.
The Pickup
The P90 pickup is the heart of the wiring diagram. It is a single-coil pickup that usually has two wires: one for the hot output and one for the ground. The pickup is mounted in the guitar body either with screws or springs, depending on the guitar’s design.
The Volume Potentiometer
The volume potentiometer controls the overall volume of the pickup. It is usually a 500k or 250k potentiometer, depending on the desired tone. The potentiometer has three connections: the input, the output, and the ground. The input is connected to the pickup, the output is connected to the switch, and the ground is connected to the guitar’s ground.
The Tone Potentiometer
The tone potentiometer controls the high frequencies of the pickup. It is usually a 500k or 250k potentiometer, depending on the desired tone. The potentiometer has three connections: the input, the output, and the ground. The input is connected to the switch, the output is connected to the volume potentiometer, and the ground is connected to the guitar’s ground.
The Switch
The switch selects between the pickup and the tone circuit. In the P90 wiring diagram, a three-way switch is used. The switch has three connections: the common, the input, and the output. The common is connected to the guitar’s ground, the input is connected to the volume potentiometer, and the output is connected to the tone potentiometer.
Wiring Instructions for a Single P90 Pickup
Now that we have discussed the components of a single P90 wiring diagram, let’s look at how to wire it. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Mount the Pickup
The first step is to mount the pickup in the guitar body. This can be done by using screws or springs, depending on the guitar’s design. Make sure that the pickup is securely mounted and that the wires are not touching the guitar’s cavity walls.
Step 2: Connect the Pickup
The second step is to connect the pickup to the volume potentiometer. This is done by soldering the hot wire to the input lug of the potentiometer and the ground wire to the guitar’s ground.
Step 3: Connect the Volume Potentiometer
The third step is to connect the volume potentiometer to the switch. This is done by soldering the output lug of the potentiometer to the switch’s input and the ground lug to the guitar’s ground.
Step 4: Connect the Tone Potentiometer
The fourth step is to connect the tone potentiometer to the switch. This is done by soldering the input lug of the potentiometer to the switch’s output and the ground lug to the guitar’s ground.
Step 5: Test the Wiring
The final step is to test the wiring. Plug the guitar into an amplifier and test the volume and tone controls to make sure that they are working properly.
FAQ
What is the difference between a P90 and a humbucker pickup?
A P90 pickup is a single-coil pickup, while a humbucker pickup is a dual-coil pickup. The main difference between the two is that a humbucker pickup is quieter and has a smoother sound, while a P90 pickup has a more aggressive and midrange-heavy sound.
What type of guitar is a P90 pickup best suited for?
A P90 pickup is best suited for guitars that have a solid body and a Gibson-style scale length. They work well in guitars that are made for blues, rock, and jazz music.
Are there any disadvantages to using a P90 pickup?
One disadvantage of using a P90 pickup is that it can be noisy in high-gain applications. However, this can be mitigated by using noise-canceling techniques or by using a humbucker pickup instead.
Conclusion
The single P90 wiring diagram is a classic setup that is popular among guitar players who want a vintage sound. It can be a challenge to wire a P90 pickup, but with the help of a wiring diagram and some basic soldering skills, it becomes much easier. By following the instructions outlined in this article, you can wire a single P90 pickup and enjoy its warm and distinct sound.
