Top 8: Best P90 Guitar Ultimate Buyer’s Guide (2024)
The sound produced by a P90 guitar is often sought after for its warmth, clarity, and versatility in electric guitars. These pickups provide a unique tonal character that has become a staple in various genres, from blues and jazz to punk rock and indie. Below are my top 5 choices.
Epiphone Les Paul Special
The Epiphone Les Paul Special is incredible value for the quality of the instrument. This guitar will give you the true P90 sound and feel for a much lower cost than many other options.
Epiphone Wildkat
If you’re looking for a semi-hollow body gutiar then the Epiphone Wildkat does not disappoint! It’s an excellent guitar with a very unique look and feel and amazing live sound.
Yamaha Revstar
If the modern look is what you’re after, then look no more. The Yamaha Revstar delivers. It’s a compact body guitar with a punchy tone that will impress any guitar fan.
Gibson Les Paul Junior
One of Gibson’s P90 offerings, this all time classic Gibson Les Paul Junior is a beautiful guitar with tones to die for. The sound you can get with this bad boy is out of this world!
Gibson SG Special
Legends have played the SG Special. And so can you! The Gibson SG Special is the ultimate rock’n roll guitar and it does not disappoint. You’ll have tone out of this world.
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In this article, I’ll cover some of the best P90-equipped guitars that cater to various budgets and preferences.
I was introduced to a P90-equipped guitar early in my guitarist and composer career. It’s a mind-blowing experience to play one for the first time; the tone is out of this world!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
In this article, I’ll cover some of the best P90-equipped guitars that cater to various budgets and preferences.
I was introduced to a P90-equipped guitar early in my guitarist and composer career. It’s a mind-blowing experience to play one for the first time; the tone is out of this world!
Top Picks for Tone Enthusiasts
Having P90 pickups in your guitar can supercharge your tone.
We’re going to talk about the characteristics that set P90 guitars apart from other options on the market. I’ll also help you understand the variations within P90 designs and the key factors to consider when choosing the right P90 guitar for your playing style.
There are many P90-equipped guitars available today, and I hope I can assist you in finding the best P90 guitar for your needs.
Here are my top picks for the best products.
1. Epiphone Les Paul Special
Tero’s Thoughts
I’m a huge fan of Epiphone guitars. Don’t get me wrong, I love Gibson guitars where Epiphones originally came from, but the quality and value Epiphone brings to the table is incredible! The Epiphone Les Paul Special continues this tradition and does not disappoint! It’s an inspiring guitar to play, the sound and feel are out of this world.
5 / 5
Best For
Beginner and Pro
Price Range
Affordable
Genres Covered
Pop, Rock, Hard Rock
Additional Features
Warm Tones
The Epiphone Les Paul Special is a great choice if you’re looking for an affordable P90-equipped guitar. This model features a mahogany body, slim taper neck, and dual P90 pickups, providing a warm, rich tone perfect for blues, rock, and other styles. The wraparound bridge allows for easy intonation and string action adjustment, ensuring a comfortable playing experience.
Key Features:
User Experience:
I’m blown away. This guitar plays like a dream! You’ll have to try one out to experience it. And the tone is out of this world.
Pricing:
Very affordable considering the quality you’re getting.
What I Like/Dislike About the Product
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Get Started with the Epiphone Les Paul Special.
2. Epiphone Wildkat
Tero’s Thoughts
The Epiphone Wildkat is another quality offering by the brand. This guitar oozes attitude and grace. The semi-hollow body combined with the P90 pickups generates a warm sound that you’ll get hooked on in no time!
5 / 5
Best For
Beginner to Pro
Price Range
Affordable
Genres Covered
Jazz, Pop, Rock
Additional Features
Semi-Hollow Body
Another excellent option within the Epiphone family is the Epiphone Wildkat. This semi-hollow body guitar has a unique design with a mahogany body and maple top, giving it a distinct look and feel. The Wildkat has dual P90 dogear pickups that deliver a vintage sound, adding depth and warmth to your music. This guitar sounds great with a sturdy Bigsby tremolo system and attractive finishes, and looks stunning on stage.
Key Features:
User Experience:
Beautiful guitar to play. Easy, well fitting neck. Just pure enjoyment!
Pricing:
Again very affordable considering the quality you get.
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Get Started with the Epiphone Wildcat.
3. Yamaha Revstar
Tero’s Thoughts
The Yamaha Revstar series guitar deliver a modern guitar with the old school sound of P90s. If you like clean cut modern shapes on a guitar, this is the one for you.
4.5 / 5
Best For
Beginner to Pro
Price Range
Affordable
Genres Covered
All Genres
Additional Features
Modern Body Shape
The Yamaha Revstar offers a stylish and versatile P90 guitar for those who prefer a more modern design. Boasting a double-cutaway body shape, the Revstar features a compact, comfortable body design, perfect for live performances. The P90 pickups provide a punchy, edgy tone that works well for various genres, while the aluminum floating tailpiece ensures tuning stability and ease of use.
Key Features:
User Experience:
Fun and easy guitar to play. The small, modern shaped body makes it great especially for live gigs.
Pricing:
Very reasonably priced for the Yamaha quality.
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4. Gibson Les Paul Junior
Tero’s Thoughts
The Gibson Les Paul Junior is the bad boy of this list. This guitar delivers what you’d expect from the brand of the original electric guitar. It’s pure attitude and rawness. Beautiful guitar with amazing tone.
5 / 5
Best For
Beginner to Pro
Price Range
Reasonable
Genres Covered
Rock, Hard Rock
Additional Features
Raw Sound
An all-time classic, the Gibson Les Paul Junior is an iconic choice for a P90 guitar. This single-cutaway model features a slab mahogany body, P90-style vintage pickups, and a simple yet effective one-knob control for volume and tone. The Les Paul Junior is known for its straightforward approach and powerful output, making it an ideal choice for a high-quality instrument with a raw, uncomplicated sound.
Key Features:
User Experience:
It’s raw, it’s full of tone, it’s fun to play. Be ready for an attitude boost!
Pricing:
The Gibson Les Paul Junior is reasonably priced considering you’re getting a classic piece of history.
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Get Started with the Gibson Les Paul Junior.
5. Gibson SG Special
Tero’s Thoughts
Ok. I know I said the Gibson Les Paul Junior was the bad boy in this list. Maybe, maybe not… the Gibson SG Special definitely rivals that definition. It’s the ultimate rock axe, and you can have one!
4 .5/ 5
Best For
Beginner to Pro
Price Range
Reasonable
Genres Covered
Blues, Rock, Hard Rock
Additional Features
Versatile Sound
Another legendary guitar with P90 pickups is the Gibson SG Special. Featuring a slim, double-cutaway body and short-scale neck, the SG Special is lightweight and comfortable to play. Dual P90 pickups produce a versatile tone that works well for various styles, from blues to hard rock. The guitar also includes a fully adjustable Tune-o-Matic bridge for precise intonation and string height setup.
Key Features:
User Experience:
If you want to project energy and attitude, this is the axe for you. It feels fun yet powerful to play. Its light weight makes it a great live gig guitar.
Pricing:
Reasonably priced considering it’s a part of the rock’n roll history.
What I Like/Dislike About the Product
Like:
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Get Started with the Gibson SG Special.
6. Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II
Tero’s Thoughts
The Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II shows a whole another side to the P90 sound. It’s a guitar featuring classic looks and tones. It’s authencity at its finest.
4 / 5
Best For
Beginner to Pro
Price Range
Reasonable
Genres Covered
Jazz, Blues, Roots
Additional Features
Old School Design
The Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II provides an elegant solution for those who want a P90-equipped guitar with an old-school flavor. This archtop guitar features a Canadian wild cherry body and neck, creating a distinct warmth and resonance. The two P90 pickups produce a smooth yet defined tone perfect for jazz, blues, and roots music.
Key Features:
User Experience:
Truly enjoyable guitar to play. Authentic vintage feel and tone.
Pricing:
Reasonably priced considering the quality.
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Get Started with the Godin 5th Avenue CW Kinpin II.
7. Harley Benton
Tero’s Thoughts
The Harlie Benton is a great budget-conscious option. Surprisingly good quality too for being a lower priced guitar.
4 / 5
Best For
Beginner to Pro
Price Range
Affordable
Genres Covered
Pop, Rock, Hard Rock
Additional Features
Excellent Sustain
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Harley Benton range offers affordable P90 guitars without compromising quality. Harley Benton P90 models often feature mahogany bodies and set-neck construction, providing excellent tone and sustain, while the P90 pickups produce a strong, well-balanced sound.
Key Features:
User Experience:
Pure fun to play. The tone and sustain surprise you first!
Pricing:
Affordably priced.
What I Like/Dislike About the Product
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Get Started with the Harley Benton.
8. Gretsch G
Tero’s Thoughts
The Gretsch G delivers what you’d expect from the brand – extremely versatile tone and vintage looks.
4 / 5
Best For
Beginner to Pro
Price Range
Affordable
Genres Covered
Jazz, Blues, Rockabilly, Surf, Country
Additional Features
Bigsby Tremolo
Finally, the Gretsch G series offers a selection of P90-equipped guitars with retro aesthetics and versatile tonal options. These guitars often feature hollow or semi-hollow body designs with classic Bigsby tremolo systems, making them perfect for vintage enthusiasts. The P90 pickups in these models offer a rich, full tone that complements genres such as rockabilly, surf, and country.
Key Features:
User Experience:
This guitar is true to its roots! Fun to play with the classic tones and feel.
Pricing:
Affordably priced.
What I Like/Dislike About the Product
Like:
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Get Started with the Gretsch G.
Essential Features
Body Type
When choosing a P90 guitar, there are two primary body types to consider: a solid body and a semi-hollow body.
Solid-body guitars, made from materials like alder or mahogany, offer a robust and full sound, whereas semi-hollow body guitars feature a wooden center block with hollow wings, providing a combination of resonance and warmth that many players appreciate. Consider your desired tone and playing style when making your decision.
Scale Length
The scale length of a P90 guitar is an important factor as it can influence the instrument’s feel and sound characteristics.
Typically, P90 guitars have a shorter scale length, providing a warmer, darker tone. Remember that the shorter scale length might make fretting and bending strings easier for some players.
Changing strings on a P90 guitar is no different from other electric guitars, except the shorter scale length will have more extra string left over to cut off.
Neck Position
The neck position of a P90 guitar contributes significantly to its tonal range.
With P90 pickups, a neck position usually provides warm, round tones focusing on lows and mids, suited for rhythm playing or smooth lead lines. When selecting a P90 guitar, it’s essential to consider how the neck position will impact your preferred sound.
Bridge Position
Bridge position P90 pickups are known for their bright and aggressive sound.
This is ideal for players looking for more bite in their tone, and it’s a great choice for cutting through the mix in a band setting. Be sure to consider whether the guitar’s bridge position will produce the sound you’re after.
Pickup Sets
There are two main P90 pickup styles: dog ear and soap bar.
Dog Ear
Dog ear pickups have triangular mounting flaps on either side of the pickup and are often found on hollow and semi-hollow body guitars.
Soap Bar
Soap bar pickups have rectangular covers and are typically used in solid-body guitars.
Both options offer a unique tonal range, but your choice will depend on your preferences and the guitar’s construction.
Many other factors add to the overall quality of the guitar; the mahogany body, rosewood fretboard, and alder body are all signs of a high-quality P90 guitar.
By evaluating these essential features, you can find the ideal instrument to match your playing style, taste, and budget.
P90 Pickups and Tone
P-90 Pickups
P-90 pickups are a classic type of electric guitar pickup known for their versatility and unique tonal qualities. With a higher output than typical single-coil pickups, P-90s offer a warm, focused tone perfect for various music styles. The Seymour Duncan Antiquity P-90 is an excellent example of this classic design, with its vintage-inspired sound and appearance.
These pickups consist of metal housing and Alnico magnets, which create a rich sound with a distinct midrange emphasis. You’ll notice that P-90 pickups are often used in bridge and neck positions, offering players many tonal options depending on their playing style.
Single-Coil Pickups
The single-coil pickup design is one of the most fundamental electric guitar pickups. They are characterized by their bright, articulate sound, making them ideal for clean tones, solos, and cutting through a mix. Single-coil pickups are loved for their low output and trademark sparkle, but they’re also known for producing some “single coil hum” when exposed to electrical interference.
However, despite their limitations, single-coil pickups remain popular thanks to their unique tonal properties, perfect for various genres like pop, rock, and blues.
Humbucker Pickups
In contrast to the P-90 and single-coil designs, humbucker pickups use two coils wired together to “buck the hum” generated by single-coil pickups. This design produces higher output, fuller sound, and more aggressive tonal characteristics. They’re ideal for heavier music styles like rock and metal.
Humbucker pickups typically have a pronounced midrange and a warmer overall sound than single-coils. This makes them well-suited for overdriven and distorted tones and capable of producing clear and defined clean sounds.
Choosing the Right P90 Guitar
Playing Style
When selecting a P90 guitar, it’s essential to consider your playing style. Certain features and design aspects of P90 guitars cater to specific genres and techniques. For example, a semi-hollow body guitar with P90 pickups produces a warm, vintage tone perfect for jazz and blues. Solid-body guitars are popular for punk or rock players due to their more aggressive sound.
Budget Considerations
Finding a P90 guitar within your budget is essential. P90 guitars come in various price ranges, and understanding your options for each can help narrow your choices. Here are some suggestions based on different price points:
- Under $500: At this price range, Epiphone offers some good options, like the Epiphone SG Classic – an affordable option with a vintage look.
- $500 to $1000: As you reach the mid-range, the Fender Noventa Telecaster and D’Angelico Premier Bob Weir Bedford are great options, delivering quality craftsmanship and tone at a reasonable price.
- $1000 and above: High-end P90 guitars provide the best value and features regarding craftsmanship, tone, and playability. For instance, the Gibson Les Paul Special and various custom models fall into this category.
Used Market
Don’t forget to explore the used market for P90 guitars, as there is often an opportunity to find instruments at a more affordable price.
If you’re seeking a specific vintage model or a higher-end option, checking guitar forums, local music shops, and online marketplaces can help you find a good deal. Remember that shopping for used guitars requires careful attention to the instrument’s condition and history.
Researching the typical price range for both new and used models of the P90 guitar you’re considering can also help you assess whether a used option is truly the best value for your money.
Versatility and Genres
When looking for the best P90 guitar, it’s essential to consider its versatility and the variety of music genres it can handle.
Let’s check out how P90-equipped guitars can excel in different genres, making them excellent all-around instruments.
Classic Rock
With their fat and warm tones, P90s are perfectly suited for classic rock music. Icons like John Lennon and Tony Iommi relied on Gibson guitars with P90 pickups for their signature sounds.
These guitars allow you to dial in the perfect blend of mid-range clarity and raw, vintage aggression crucial for classic rock riffs and solos while maintaining responsiveness to your playing style.
One great amplifier to match with a P90 guitar is the Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue. This classic amp model reissue can deliver incredible tones.
Hard Rock
P90 guitars can also handle hard rock music with ease. While they might not have the same bite as some high-output humbuckers, they still deliver plenty of punch and clarity, especially when pushing their amps to the limit.
The P90’s edge and growl make it perfect for aggressive riffs and soaring leads.
Punk Rock
Punk rock is about attitude and power, and P90 guitars can deliver just that. Their growling mid-range tones cut through the mix without losing any of their grit.
The P90 sound is unapologetically raw, perfect for punk rock’s fast and frantic riffing.
Smooth Jazz
You might be surprised, but P90 guitars can also handle smooth jazz with elegance. Thanks to their excellent tone control, you can dial back to get clean tones with just enough warmth and roundness to bring your chords and solos to life.
Their versatility means they can instantly adapt from punchy and aggressive to mellow and soulful, giving you all the necessary flexibility when performing in this genre.
Overall, P90 guitars are incredibly versatile, making them an excellent choice for numerous music genres. From searing hard rock to soothing smooth jazz, these guitars can cover various sounds while maintaining character and charm.
Notable P90 Guitar Players
John Lennon was known for using a P90-equipped guitar during his time with the Beatles. The Epiphone Casino, a hollow-body guitar with P90 pickups, became one of Lennon’s primary instruments in the studio and on stage. These P90s gave Lennon’s guitar a distinct, warm tone that contributed to many iconic Beatles recordings.
Tony Iommi, the lead guitarist for the influential heavy metal band Black Sabbath, also utilized P90 pickups during the early stages of his career. Iommi’s Gibson SG Special was equipped with P90s, which helped to create the heavy, dark sound that defined the band’s style. The P90’s high output and bright cutting character added a unique dynamic to Iommi’s guitar playing.
In addition to these legendary players, many other influential guitarists have made the P90 an integral part of their sound. Some of them include:
- Les Paul helped develop the P90 pickup and used it on several iconic Gibson Les Paul models.
- Pete Townshend of The Who, known for using P90-equipped Gibson SG Specials during the band’s early years, contributed to their aggressive and powerful sound.
- Carlos Santana, who has played a variety of guitars with P90s throughout his career – his distinctive, soulful, and melodic playing style benefits from the warm and expressive qualities of the P90 pickup.
As you can see, the P90 pickup has been a staple for many artists across various genres, providing a versatile and unique sound for guitar players who seek a distinct tonal character. With this rich history, P90-equipped guitars remain popular among musicians today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the bridge pickup affect the sound of a P90 guitar?
The bridge pickup in a P90 guitar usually produces a bright and aggressive sound. This makes P90 guitars a great option for musicians who want more bite in their tone, allowing them to cut through the mix in a band setting.
Why are single coils and the P90 often compared, and how are they a little different?
Single coils and the P90 are both types of pickups that contribute to the tone of a guitar. While similar, the P90 is known for its warmer, thicker tones than the sharper, more articulate sound typically associated with single coils. This distinction in sound makes P90 a good choice for many musicians.
What is the significance of build quality when choosing a P90 guitar?
The build quality of a P90 guitar, including factors such as the solid body guitar design, rosewood fingerboard, and the quality of the pickups used (like the original Gibson P or Epiphone P), plays a crucial role in its overall sound and durability. Good build quality ensures that the guitar will produce consistent, high-quality sound and withstand the rigors of live performance.
Why is the Godin Kingpin P90 considered a fantastic guitar for those looking for an old-school flavor?
The Godin Kingpin P90 is a great guitar for those looking for an old-school flavor due to its classic vintage tone. Its distinctive design features a Canadian wild cherry body and neck, contributing to its distinctive warmth and resonance. Its P90 pickups produce a smooth yet defined tone, making it a favorite among jazz, blues, and roots musicians.
Can beginners and those on a budget find a good P90 guitar at a great price?
Yes, beginners and those on a budget can find a P90 guitar at a great price. Brands like Harley Benton and Epiphone offer affordable options that do not compromise quality. These guitars are known for their great sound and build quality, making them excellent first guitars for those just starting their musical journey.
Conclusion
This versatile pickup offers a unique tonal blend between humbuckers and single-coil pickups. With its warmth, raspiness, and brightness, a P90-equipped guitar can be the perfect companion for various musical genres.
Your preference and playing style will ultimately dictate the best P90 guitar for your needs. Take your time to explore and try out different models before deciding. By doing so, you will find a P90-equipped guitar that fits your sound, feel, and playing style perfectly.
It’s time to find your favorite P90 guitar and get that distinctive sound of P90 fat tones!
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