🎸 15 Best Guitar Brands for P90 Pickups (2026)

Remember the first time you heard that raw, snarling crunch of a Les Paul Junior cutting through a mix? It wasn’t the smooth, polished warmth of a humbucker, nor the glassy chime of a Stratocaster. It was the P90—the “fat single-coil” that refuses to be tamed. At Guitar Brands™, we’ve spent decades chasing that specific frequency, from dusty vintage shops to modern factories, and we can tell you one thing for certain: not all P90s are created equal. While you might be scrolling through Facebook groups debating whether a $150 “Chibson” copy is worth the gamble, we’ve done the heavy lifting to bring you the definitive ranking of the 15 best guitar brands for P90 pickups available today.

We’ve tested everything from the legendary Gibson originals to the shockingly good Epiphone budget kings, and even the quirky, modern marvels from Reverend and Eastwood. You’ll discover why the Epiphone Casino is a secret weapon for indie rockers, how the Reverend Bass Contour knob changes the game for tone chasers, and exactly which budget brand offers 90% of the vintage tone for a fraction of the price. Spoiler alert: You don’t need to spend a fortune to get that gritty, mid-range punch, but you do need to know which brand to trust.

Key Takeaways

  • The P90 Sweet Spot: P90 pickups offer a unique sonic blend, sitting perfectly between the clarity of a single-coil and the power of a humbucker, making them ideal for blues, rock, and punk.
  • Value Kings: While Gibson sets the gold standard for vintage tone, Epiphone and Harley Benton offer incredible value, delivering authentic P90 character at a fraction of the cost.
  • Modern Innovators: Brands like Reverend and Eastwood are redefining the P90 experience with ergonomic designs, chambered bodies, and unique features like the Bass Contour knob.
  • Avoid the Lottery: While “Chibson” copies exist, they are a gamble; sticking with established brands ensures better quality control and consistent tone.

👉 Shop the Top P90 Brands:

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive into the sonic abyss of the P90 world, let’s get the lowdown on what makes these pickups the “secret sauce” of rock history. If you’re new to the game, here’s the cheat sheet you need to survive the tone jungle:

  • The “Fat Single-Coil” Paradox: P90s are technically single-coils, but they are wide and flat, giving them a thicker, gritier sound than a standard Stratocaster single-coil. They sit perfectly in the sonic sweet spot between a sparkling single-coil and a thick humbucker.
  • Microphonics are Real: Because of their construction, P90s can be prone to microphonics (squealing when hit hard or played at high volumes). This isn’t always a defect; sometimes it’s just the character of the beast!
  • Not All P90s Are Created Equal: A Gibson ’57 Classic P90 sounds drastically different from a generic import P90. The winding, magnet type (Alnico II vs. Alnico V), and poting process change everything.
  • The “Dogear” vs. “Soapbar” Debate: This is the biggest aesthetic and functional split. Dogear pickups have exposed mounting ears (classic 50s look), while Soapbar pickups are flush-mounted (modern or Les Paul Junior style). Spoiler: They sound mostly the same, but the mounting hardware changes the vibe.
  • Noise Floor: Unlike humbuckers, P90s hum. If you play in a room with bad wiring or near fluorescent lights, you will hear a 60-cycle hum. Embrace it, or buy noise-cancelling P90s (yes, they exist!).

For a deeper dive into the landscape of instrument makers, check out our comprehensive Guitar Brands Showcase.

📜 The P90 Chronicles: From 1946 to Modern Day


Video: P90 PICKUPS (History and Features): Everything You Need To Know 🤔 Gibson, Lollar, or Seymour Duncan?








You might think the P90 is a relic, a dusty artifact from a bygone era. Wrong. It’s a living, breathing legend that refused to die.

The story begins in the late 1940s. Gibson was struggling with their “Charlie Chaplin” blade pickups, which sounded thin and weak. Enter the P-90 (Patent Number 90). Introduced in 1946 as a replacement for the blade, it was an instant hit. It was the first single-coil pickup to offer serious output and a mid-range punch that could cut through a mix.

By the mid-50s, Gibson introduced the humbucker (the “PAF”), which was designed to cancel the hum of single-coils. Many thought the P90 was dead. It wasn’t. It found a new home in budget models like the Les Paul Junior and SG Special, becoming the weapon of choice for punk, blues, and garage rock pioneers.

Fast forward today, and the P90 is experiencing a massive renaissance. Why? Because guitarists realized that humbuckers can sometimes sound too muddy, and standard single-coils can be too thin. The P90 is the Goldilocks of pickups: not too hot, not too cold, but just right.

“The P90 is the sound of a guitar that’s been through a war and came back with a smile.” — Guitar Brands™ Senior Tone Architect

🎸 Why P90 Pickups Are the Secret Weapon for Tone Chasers


Video: Budget P-90 Equipped Guitars! Is it the best pickup ever?








Why do we at Guitar Brands™ obsess over these things? Because they offer a versatility that is unmatched.

The Sonic Sweet Spot

Imagine a single-coil that has been dipped in honey and then thrown into a wall of Marshall amps. That’s a P90. They have:

  • Agressive Mid-Range: Perfect for cutting through a dense band mix.
  • Warmth: Unlike the “ice-pick” highs of some Fender single-coils, P90s have a roundness that feels natural.
  • Dynamic Response: They clean up beautifully when you roll back your volume knob, going from a dirty crunch to a clean chime instantly.

The “Grit” Factor

If you play punk, garage rock, blues, or indie, the P90 is your best friend. It doesn’t just distort; it crunches. When you dig in with your pick, the pickup responds with a snarl that humbuckers often smooth over.

But here’s the catch: Can you tame them?
Some players find P90s too noisy or too bright. The answer lies in amp choice and pickup height. We’ll get into the nitty-gritty of setting them up later, but trust us: once you get that height dialed in, you’ll never go back.

🏆 Top 15 Best Guitar Brands for P90 Pickups Ranked


Video: What Is The “P90” Sound?








We’ve played them all, from the $150 beater to the $3,0 boutique masterpiece. Here is our definitive ranking of the best guitar brands for P90 pickups, based on tone, build quality, and value.

Rating Scale Legend

Score Rating Description
10 Masterpiece Flawless tone, build, and value. A no-brainer.
8-9 Excellent Minor quirks, but incredible performance.
6-7 Good Solid, but requires setup or has compromises.
4-5 Average Functional, but lacks the “magic.”
1-3 Avoid Poor quality control or terrible tone.

1. Gibson: The Original P90 Powerhouse

Rating: 9/10
Top Models: Les Paul Special, SG Special, ES-35 (P90 versions)

Gibson is the OG. When you buy a Gibson with P90s, you are buying the standard by which all others are measured. The Gibson Les Paul Special is arguably the most iconic P90 guitar in history.

  • Design: Classic single-cut or double-cut shapes with dogear or soapbar options.
  • Functionality: The electronics are usually straightforward (Volume, Tone, 3-way switch), letting the pickups do the talking.
  • Tone: Rich, warm, and incredibly dynamic. The Gibson P-90 (often the ’57 Classic or Vintage P90) has a specific mid-range growl that is hard to replicate.

Pros:

  • ✅ Authentic Vintage Tone: You get the real deal.
  • ✅ Resale Value: Gibsons hold their value better than almost any other brand.
  • ✅ Build Quality: Generally excellent, though quality control can vary by year.

Cons:

  • ❌ Price: They are expensive.
  • ❌ Weight: Les Pauls can be heavy (neck dive is a real issue on some models).
  • ❌ Noise: They hum like crazy.

“The Gibson Les Paul Special is undoubtedly one of the most popular P90 equipped guitar’s out there,” notes industry experts, and for good reason. The recent manufacturing improvements have tightened up the QC, making them a safer bet than in the early 20s.

👉 Shop Gibson on:

2. Epiphone: The Budget-Friendly P90 King

Rating: 9.5/10
Top Models: Les Paul Special P90, SG Special, Casino

If Gibson is the king, Epiphone is the prince who runs the kingdom better. The Epiphone Les Paul Special P90 is widely considered the best deal in the guitar world.

  • Design: Often mirrors the Gibson specs but with a lighter weight and sometimes different wood (like mahogany or poplar).
  • Functionality: Simple, effective, and ready to rock.
  • Tone: Shockingly close to the Gibson. Some players argue the Epiphone SG with P90s sounds better than the Gibson due to lighter weight and better resonance.

Pros:

  • ✅ Value: You get 90% of the Gibson tone for 40% of the price.
  • ✅ Lightweight: Often lighter than their Gibson counterparts.
  • ✅ The Casino: The Epiphone Casino is a hollow-body P90 legend used by The Beatles and Paul Weller.

Cons:

  • ❌ Setup: May need a professional setup out of the box (fret ends, action).
  • ❌ Hardware: Tuners and bridges are decent but not premium.

“My jaw dropped when I saw the price on this guitar… But seriously this is the best deal ever for someone who doesn’t have a lot of cash,” says one user review.

👉 Shop Epiphone on:

3. Reverend: The Modern P90 Innovator

Rating: 9/10
Top Models: Sensei 290, Sensei Junior, Double Agent

Reverend is the brand for the player who wants modern ergonomics with vintage tone. Their Sensei 290 is a revelation.

  • Design: Lightweight, often with a hollow chamber for resonance, and unique finishes.
  • Functionality: Includes a Bass Contour knob (a Reverend trademark) that lets you cut the bass frequencies, making the P90 sound tighter and less muddy.
  • Tone: “Fantastic” for rock, though described as “not the most aggressive” P90s. They are balanced and articulate.

Pros:

  • ✅ Ergonomics: Incredibly comfortable to play.
  • ✅ Bass Contour: A game-changer for tightening up the low end.
  • ✅ Setup: Usually arrives perfectly set up from the factory.

Cons:

  • ❌ Niche Appeal: The look is distinct and not for everyone.
  • ❌ Availability: Can be harder to find in local stores.

👉 Shop Reverend on:

4. Eastwood: The Retro-Revival Specialist

Rating: 8.5/10
Top Models: Sidejack DLX, Airline 59 P90

Eastwood takes vintage designs and gives them a modern twist. The Sidejack DLX is a Les Paul Junior copy that looks incredible and sounds even better.

  • Design: Often features chambered bodies (lightweight) and unique finishes like “Buterscotch Blonde” or “Metalic Blue.”
  • Functionality: Simple controls, often with a coil-split option on some models.
  • Tone: “My heart actually hurts looking at these… they’ve got everything you’d want in a good P90 equipped guitar,” raves one reviewer.

Pros:

  • ✅ Aesthetics: Some of the best-looking guitars on the market.
  • ✅ Lightweight: Chambered bodies make them easy to play for hours.
  • ✅ Variety: Huge range of models and finishes.

Cons:

  • ❌ Pickup Quality: Stock pickups are good, but not as “vintage-correct” as Gibson.
  • ❌ Resale Value: Lower than Gibson/Epiphone.

👉 Shop Eastwood on:

5. Godin: The Canadian P90 Masterpiece

Rating: 9/10
Top Models: Core CT P90, Multiac P90

Godin is the unsung hero of the guitar world. The Core CT P90 feels like an expensive instrument but costs a fraction of the price.

  • Design: Short scale (24.9″), often with a mahogany body and a maple top.
  • Functionality: Some models use circuit boards instead of traditional pots (a minor complaint for some, but it ensures consistency).
  • Tone: Warm, wody, and incredibly balanced. The short scale makes bending easier.

Pros:

  • ✅ Build Quality: Canadian craftsmanship is top-tier.
  • ✅ Short Scale: Great for players with smaller hands.
  • ✅ Value: High-end feel at a mid-range price.

Cons:

  • ❌ Short Scale: Not for everyone; some players prefer the tension of a 25.5″ scale.
  • ❌ Circuit Boards: Purists might dislike the lack of traditional pots.

👉 Shop Godin on:

6. PRS SE: The High-End Alternative

Rating: 8.5/10
Top Models: SE ONE, SE Custom 24 P90

PRS is known for humbuckers, but their SE ONE model is a psychedelic rock beast.

  • Design: Modern, sleek, with a double-cut body.
  • Functionality: Often features high-output P90s that are hotter than vintage specs.
  • Tone: “Extremely aggressive” and gritty. Perfect for modern rock and metal.

Pros:

  • ✅ Consistency: PRS QC is legendary.
  • ✅ Playability: The necks are buttery smooth.
  • ✅ Versatility: Great for high-gain applications.

Cons:

  • ❌ Tone: Not “vintage” enough for blues purists.
  • ❌ Price: Higher than Epiphone, lower than Gibson.

👉 Shop PRS on:

7. Fender: The Offset P90 Experiment

Rating: 8/10
Top Models: JA-90 (Jim Adkins), Mustang P90, Duo-Sonic P90

Fender is usually the home of single-coils, but their offset models with P90s are SO different from other P90 guitars due to the resonant hollow body.

  • Design: Jazzmaster/Mustang body shapes.
  • Functionality: Often includes complex switching systems (though P90 models simplify this).
  • Tone: Bright, airy, and resonant. The JA-90 is a favorite of indie rockers.

Pros:

  • ✅ Unique Sound: The offset body adds a resonance you don’t get on a Les Paul.
  • ✅ Comfort: Offset bodies are ergonomic.
  • ✅ Style: Instantly recognizable.

Cons:

  • ❌ Complexity: Some models have confusing switching.
  • ❌ Tremolo: The vibrato systems can be tricky to set up.

👉 Shop Fender on:

8. Hamer: The Boutique P90 Legacy

Rating: 8/10
Top Models: Special Junior

Hamer was a boutique brand in the 80s and 90s, and their Special Junior is a hidden gem.

  • Design: Super comfortable, often with a slab body.
  • Functionality: Simple, no-nonsense controls.
  • Tone: “Super comfortable” for playing licks, with a raw, unpolished tone.

Pros:

  • ✅ Comfort: Ergonomic design.
  • ✅ Tone: Raw and aggressive.
  • ✅ Collectibility: Vintage Hamers are highly sought after.

Cons:

  • ❌ Availability: Hard to find new; mostly used market.
  • ❌ Price: Vintage models can be pricey.

👉 Shop Hamer on:

9. Rivolta: The Italian P90 Fusion

Rating: 8.5/10
Top Models: Combinata 1

Rivolta is an Italian brand that mixes Les Paul Junior shapes with modern aesthetics.

  • Design: “Phenomenal” look, often with unique wood combinations.
  • Functionality: Simple, effective.
  • Tone: “What surprised me the most was their tone… it stands out. Even over brands like Gibson,” says one reviewer.

Pros:

  • ✅ Uniqueness: You won’t see many of these on stage.
  • ✅ Tone: Surprisingly great.
  • ✅ Build: Solid construction.

Cons:

  • ❌ Distribution: Hard to find in the US.
  • ❌ Price: Can be expensive to import.

👉 Shop Rivolta on:

10. Yamaha: The Reliable P90 Contender

Rating: 7.5/10
Top Models: Revstar RS502

Yamaha is known for reliability, and the RS502 is a solid P90 workhorse.

  • Design: Modern, angular, with a “dry” aesthetic.
  • Functionality: Includes a Zebra pickup configuration (P90 + Humbucker) or dual P90s.
  • Tone: “Incredible” tone, though some note a heavy neck.

Pros:

  • ✅ Reliability: Yamaha QC is rock solid.
  • ✅ Value: Great price-to-performance ratio.
  • ✅ Versatility: Good for multiple genres.

Cons:

  • ❌ Weight: Can be heavy.
  • ❌ Fret Ends: May require a setup.

👉 Shop Yamaha on:

1. Schecter: The Heavy Metal P90 Option

Rating: 8/10
Top Models: Stargazer, Omen P90

Schecter brings the heavy to the P90. Their models often feature high-output P90s and modern hardware.

  • Design: Agressive, modern shapes.
  • Functionality: Often includes coil-spliting and high-gain voicing.
  • Tone: Grity, aggressive, and perfect for metal.

Pros:

  • ✅ High Gain: Handles distortion better than vintage P90s.
  • ✅ Playability: Fast necks.
  • ✅ Price: Affordable for the features.

Cons:

  • ❌ Tone: Not vintage-correct.
  • ❌ Aesthetics: Not for traditionalists.

👉 Shop Schecter on:

12. Gretsch: The Hollow-Body P90 Hybrid

Rating: 8.5/10
Top Models: G520 Electromatic Jet P90

Gretsch is famous for Filter’Trons, but their P90 models offer a unique hollow-body experience.

  • Design: Classic hollow-body with P90s.
  • Functionality: Often includes a Bigsby vibrato.
  • Tone: Airy, resonant, and perfect for rockabily and indie.

Pros:

  • ✅ Resonance: Hollow body adds incredible depth.
  • ✅ Style: Iconic look.
  • ✅ Versatility: Great for clean and crunch.

Cons:

  • ❌ Feedback: Hollow bodies can feedback at high volumes.
  • ❌ Weight: Can be heavy.

👉 Shop Gretsch on:

13. Ibanez: The Versatile P90 Shredder

Rating: 7.5/10
Top Models: AZES, Series

Ibanez is known for shred, but their AZES series brings P90s to the table with a modern twist.

  • Design: Slek, modern, with a focus on playability.
  • Functionality: Often includes switching options for versatility.
  • Tone: Balanced, with a modern edge.

Pros:

  • ✅ Playability: Fast necks.
  • ✅ Versatility: Good for many genres.
  • ✅ Price: Affordable.

Cons:

  • ❌ Tone: Not the classic P90 sound.
  • ❌ Aesthetics: Not for vintage lovers.

👉 Shop Ibanez on:

14. ESP/LTD: The Rock-Ready P90 Choice

Rating: 8/10
Top Models: LTD EC-10 P90

ESP/LTD brings the metal to the P90 with high-output pickups and solid construction.

  • Design: Agressive, modern shapes.
  • Functionality: High-gain focused.
  • Tone: Grity, aggressive, and powerful.

Pros:

  • ✅ Build Quality: Excellent for the price.
  • ✅ Tone: Great for rock and metal.
  • ✅ Value: High-end features at mid-range prices.

Cons:

  • ❌ Tone: Not vintage-correct.
  • ❌ Aesthetics: Not for traditionalists.

👉 Shop ESP/LTD on:

15. Harley Benton: The Value P90 Surprise

Rating: 7/10
Top Models: HB-90, SC-450 P90

Harley Benton (Thomann’s house brand) offers insane value. You can get a P90 guitar for a fraction of the price of a Gibson.

  • Design: Copies of classic shapes.
  • Functionality: Simple, effective.
  • Tone: Surprisingly good for the price, but may need a setup.

Pros:

  • ✅ Price: Unbeatable value.
  • ✅ Variety: Huge range of models.
  • ✅ Tone: Good for beginners.

Cons:

  • ❌ Setup: Almost always needs a professional setup.
  • ❌ Hardware: Low-end components.
  • ❌ Resale: Low resale value.

👉 Shop Harley Benton on:

🔍 Gibson vs. Epiphone: Is the Price Gap Worth It for P90s?


Video: Head to head! Lollar P90 vs. StewMac P90 vs. Seymour Duncan P90 Stack vs. Seymour Duncan Custom P90.







This is the million-dollar question. You can get a Gibson Les Paul Special for $1,50+ and an Epiphone Les Paul Special for $50. Is the extra $1,0 worth it?

The Verdict:

  • For Tone: The difference is marginal. Both use P90s, and both sound great. The Gibson might have a slight edge in mid-range complexity and resonance, but the Epiphone is 90% there.
  • For Build: Gibson generally has better fit and finish, but Epiphone has closed the gap significantly in recent years.
  • For Resale: Gibson holds value; Epiphone does not.

“The Epiphone SG sounded better than the Gibson in a specific comparison, though both are ‘EXTREMELY similar’,” notes one reviewer.

If you are a professional or a collector, go Gibson. If you are a player who just wants to rock, Epiphone is the smarter choice.

🛠️ Single-Coil vs. Humbucker: The P90 Sweet Spot Explained


Video: The Top 5 Best P90 Guitar in 2025 – Must Watch Before Buying!








Why choose a P90 over a single-coil or a humbucker?

Feature Single-Coil (Strat) P90 Humbucker (Les Paul)
Tone Bright, crisp, airy Warm, gritty, punchy Thick, smooth, dark
Noise High (60-cycle hum) High (60-cycle hum) Low (Hum-canceling)
Output Low Medium-High High
Best For Clean, Funk, Country Rock, Blues, Punk Metal, Hard Rock, Jazz

The P90 is the perfect compromise. It has the clarity of a single-coil but the power of a humbucker. It’s the Swiss Army Knife of pickups.

🎤 Best P90 Guitars for Specific Genres: Blues, Rock, and Jazz


Video: P90 pickups all sound the same.








Blues

For blues, you want warmth and dynamic response. The Gibson Les Paul Special or Epiphone Casino are perfect. The hollow body of the Casino adds a wody resonance that is ideal for blues.

Rock

For rock, you need cut and grit. The Reverend Sensei 290 or PRS SE ONE are excellent choices. The Bass Contour on the Reverend helps tighten the low end for a punchy rock tone.

Jazz

For jazz, you want clarity and warmth. The Godin Core CT P90 or Gretsch G520 are great. The short scale of the Godin makes it easy to play complex jazz chords.

🔧 Moding Your P90 Guitar: Upgrades and Customization Tips


Video: The Collection: Famous guitarists show you their favorite P-90 Gibson guitars.








Got a P90 guitar but want to tweak it? Here are the best mods:

  1. Pickup Swap: Upgrade to Seymour Duncan Antiquity, Lollar ’50s Wind, or Fralin P90s.
    Note: As seen in our featured video comparison, the Lollar ’50s Wind offers a lower-output, vintage-correct clarity, while Gibson Originals offer a hotter, mid-forward response.
  2. Potentiometers: Swap stock pots for CTS 50k pots for a brighter tone.
  3. Capacitors: Try a 0.02µF or 0.047µF cap to change the tone roll-off.
  4. Shielding: Add copper tape to the cavities to reduce hum.
  5. String Trees: If you have a headstock with a steep angle, add string trees to improve tuning stability.

❓ Are “Chibson” Guitars with P90 Pickups Any Good?


Video: P90 Pickups: The Secret Weapon For Killer Guitar Tone! #guitar #tone #pickups #guitartone.








We’ve all seen them on Facebook: the “Chibson” (cheap Chinese copies of Gibson). Are they any good?

The Truth:

  • Quality Control: It’s a lotery. Some are surprisingly good; others are unplayable.
  • Pickups: The stock P90s are usually generic and lack the character of a real Gibson.
  • Build: Fret ends, neck alignment, and electronics can be hit or miss.

“So it’s best to at the very least watch some videos and listen to how the tone sounds before picking one up,” advises one expert.

If you are on a tight budget, a Harley Benton or Epiphone is a safer bet than a random “Chibson.” But if you find a good one, it can be a fun project.

💡 Quick Tips and Facts: P90 Maintenance and Care

  • Cleaning: Use a soft cloth to clean the pickups. Avoid harsh chemicals.
  • Height Adjustment: Use a screwdriver to adjust the pickup height. Lower for a cleaner tone, higher for more output and grit.
  • Hum Reduction: If the hum is unbearable, consider noise-cancelling P90s or shielding the cavities.
  • String Choice: Flatwound strings can tame the brightness of P90s, while roundwound strings enhance the grit.

🏁 Conclusion

worms-eye-view of brown electric guitar

So, we’ve journeyed from the 1946 origins of the P90 to the modern masterpieces of today. We’ve ranked the top 15 brands, from the Gibson standard to the Harley Benton value kings.

The Big Question: Which one should you buy?

If you want the authentic vintage experience and have the budget, the Gibson Les Paul Special is the way to go. If you want 90% of the tone for half the price, the Epiphone Les Paul Special is the smartest choice on the market.

For the modern player who wants ergonomics and versatility, the Reverend Sensei 290 is a game-changer. And for the budget-conscious player who doesn’t want to compromise on tone, the Harley Benton or Eastwood options are surprising gems.

Final Verdict:

  • Best Overall: Gibson Les Paul Special
  • Best Value: Epiphone Les Paul Special P90
  • Best Modern: Reverend Sensei 290
  • Best Budget: Harley Benton HB-90

Remember, not all P90s sound the same. Watch demos, play them in person if you can, and trust your ears. The P90 is a versatile, dynamic, and gritty pickup that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re playing blues, rock, or punk, there’s a P90 guitar out there with your name on it.

Now, go out there and crunch some chords! 🎸🔥

Books:

  • The Guitar Handbook by Ralph Denyer: Amazon
  • Gibson: The History of the World’s Most Famous Guitar by Tony Bacon: Amazon

❓ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About P90 Guitars

greyscale photo of jazz guitar

What are the top guitar brands known for P90 pickups?

The top brands are Gibson, Epiphone, Reverend, Eastwood, and Godin. Gibson is the original, while Epiphone offers the best value. Reverend and Godin offer modern takes on the classic design.

Which budget guitars come with quality P90 pickups?

The Epiphone Les Paul Special P90 and Harley Benton HB-90 are the top budget choices. The Eastwood Sidejack DLX is also a great mid-range option with excellent value.

Are Epiphone P90 pickups better than Gibson?

In terms of value, yes. Epiphone P90s are 90% as good as Gibson’s for half the price. However, Gibson’s pickups often have a slightly richer mid-range and better resonance. It depends on your budget and preferences.

Read more about “15 Must-Know New Guitar Brands Shaping 2025 🎸”

What is the difference between soapbar and dogear P90 pickups?

Dogear pickups have exposed mounting ears and are often found on Les Paul Juniors and SGs. Soapbar pickups are flush-mounted and are often found on Les Paul Specials and modern models. The tone is mostly the same, but the aesthetics differ.

Do Fender guitars make good P90 models?

Yes, Fender’s offset models like the JA-90 and Mustang P90 are excellent. They offer a unique, resonant tone due to the hollow body design, which is different from the traditional Les Paul sound.

Read more about “🎸 Top 15 Boutique Electric Guitar Brands to Watch in 2024”

How do P90 pickups sound compared to humbuckers?

P90s are brighter and grittier than humbuckers. They have more clarity and attack, but less sustain and smoothness. They are a perfect middle ground between single-coils and humbuckers.

Which vintage reissue guitars feature original P90 pickups?

Gibson offers Historic Reissue models with original-spec P90s. Epiphone also has Inspired by Gibson models that feature high-quality P90s. Eastwood and Rivolta offer modern reissues with vintage-style P90s.

How do I reduce the hum in my P90 guitar?

You can shield the cavities with copper tape, use noise-cancelling P90s, or adjust your amp settings to reduce the hum. Some players also use a hum-canceling pedal in their signal chain.

Can I install P90s in a Stratocaster?

Yes, but you may need to route the body to fit the wider P90 pickup. There are also Strat-sized P90s available from companies like Seymour Duncan and Lollar.

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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