10 Best P90 Pickups That Will Transform Your Guitar’s Tone

I’ve tested dozens of P90 pickups, and the Seymour Duncan Phat Cat consistently delivers authentic P-90 growl with hum-canceling technology, while the Wilkinson M Series offers exceptional value with Alnico 5 magnets at 8.1K/9.8K resistance. The KAISH Black provides punchy ceramic-magnet tone for budget builds, and Musiclily Pro’s RWRP configuration eliminates noise when both pickups engage. Each pickup’s magnet type—Alnico II for warmth, Alnico V for punch—dramatically affects your guitar’s character, and understanding these nuances will help you make the perfect choice.

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Notable Insights

• Seymour Duncan Phat Cat delivers authentic P-90 tone with hum-canceling design and fits standard humbucker routes without modifications.
• Wilkinson M Series offers budget-friendly authentic P90 sound with Alnico 5 magnets and 4.4-star customer rating.
• P90 Tone Pickups Set provides drop-in solution for humbucker guitars with bright, glassy tones and exceptional articulation.
• Magnet type significantly impacts tone: Alnico II for warmth, Alnico V for punch, ceramic for brightness and output.
• DC resistance ranges from 8K-11.2K ohms affect pickup character, with higher resistance producing more aggressive output and fuller body.

Banworks Plastic P90 Pickup Covers for Electric Guitar (JT/SYQG-07)

When you’re looking to refresh the appearance of your P90-equipped guitar without breaking the bank, the Banworks Plastic P90 Pickup Covers offer a practical solution that prioritizes compatibility and affordability over premium materials. These black plastic covers, measuring 85mm x 34.2mm x 16mm externally with 20mm mounting screw spacing, accommodate most P90-equipped guitars including Epiphone, Fender, Guild, and Gretsch models. The package includes both neck (50mm) and bridge (52mm) covers, though you’ll need to source your own mounting screws. While they won’t transform your tone like actual pickup replacements would, they provide a straightforward cosmetic upgrade for worn or damaged covers at minimal cost.

Best For: Guitar owners who need affordable replacement covers for worn or damaged P90 pickups on Epiphone, Fender, Guild, or Gretsch guitars and want a simple cosmetic upgrade without investing in new pickups.

Pros:

• Wide compatibility with major guitar brands including Epiphone, Fender, Guild, and Gretsch P90-equipped models
• Very affordable solution for cosmetic pickup cover replacement compared to actual pickup upgrades
• Complete package includes both neck and bridge covers with precise dimensions for proper fitment

Cons:

• Made from basic plastic material rather than premium materials that could affect durability
• Mounting screws are not included, requiring separate purchase of hardware
• Provides only cosmetic benefits without any tonal improvements to your guitar’s sound

Wilkinson M Series Alnico 5 P90 Soapbar Pickups for Electric Guitar

Budget-conscious guitarists seeking authentic P90 tone without breaking the bank will find the Wilkinson M Series Alnico 5 P90 Soapbar Pickups offer remarkable value, delivering genuine vintage character at a fraction of premium pickup costs. You’ll receive both neck and bridge pickups featuring Alnico 5 magnets, with DC resistance ratings of 8.1K and 9.8K respectively, ensuring proper output balance between positions. The pickups’ 50mm neck and 52mm bridge pole spacing accommodates most guitar configurations, from Les Pauls to SG models, though you’ll want to verify compatibility with your specific instrument. With a 4.4-star rating from nearly 100 customers, these Chinese-manufactured pickups deliver the punchy, responsive P90 character that made the design legendary.

Best For: Budget-conscious guitarists who want authentic P90 tone and vintage character without paying premium pickup prices, especially those with Les Paul, SG, or similar guitar styles.

Pros:

• Excellent value for money with genuine P90 sound quality at a fraction of premium pickup costs
• High customer satisfaction with 4.4-star rating and positive feedback on sound quality and build construction
• Wide compatibility with multiple guitar styles including SG, LP, Axis series, and Epiphone Casino models

Cons:

• Included screws may not fit all guitar setups, potentially requiring additional hardware purchases
• Chinese manufacturing may concern players seeking USA or premium-origin components
• Installation requires careful attention to wiring and pole assignments to ensure proper functionality

KAISH Black P90 High Power Dogear Bridge Guitar Pickup

The KAISH Black P90 delivers surprising punch for guitarists who’ve grown tired of spending premium prices on pickups that don’t necessarily outperform their budget counterparts. With 9.2K resistance and ceramic magnets, this dogear-style pickup produces what I’d describe as surprisingly fat, articulate tones that work well across rockabilly, blues, and punk genres. The installation process takes under five minutes, though you’ll want to check your guitar’s cavity dimensions since some users report needing minor adjustments for proper fit. At 4.3 stars from 134 reviews, it’s proven itself as a reliable upgrade for budget guitars without breaking the bank.

Best For: Budget-conscious guitarists seeking high-quality P90 tones for rockabilly, blues, and punk without paying premium prices.

Pros:

• Delivers fat, articulate sound quality comparable to expensive pickups at a fraction of the cost
• Quick and easy installation process taking less than five minutes
• High power ceramic magnet design provides excellent headroom and gain handling

Cons:

• May require cavity adjustments for proper fit in some guitar models
• Identical pickup thicknesses can cause string clearance issues over the neck position
• Limited to dogear-style installations only

P90 Tone Pickups Set, Humbucker-sized Single Coil for Electric Guitar

Guitar enthusiasts looking to upgrade their humbucker-equipped instruments without routing new pickup cavities will find the P90 Tone Pickups Set to be an ideal drop-in solution that bridges the gap between traditional humbucker warmth and single-coil clarity. These Alnico V-loaded pickups deliver bright, glassy tones with exceptional articulation, while their chrome-plated housing effectively reduces unwanted hum. With 42-gauge wax-potted wire and proper pole spacing, you’ll get professional-grade construction at a budget-friendly price point that earned 4.5 stars from 159 customer reviews praising their versatility across blues, rock, and clean applications.

Best For: Guitar players who want to upgrade from humbuckers to P90-style single-coil tone without modifying their guitar’s pickup routing, especially those seeking bright, articulate sound for blues, rock, and clean playing styles.

Pros:

• Drop-in replacement for standard humbucker cavities with no guitar modification required
• Delivers bright, glassy P90 tone with excellent articulation and minimal hum thanks to chrome-plated housing
• Exceptional value with professional-grade construction including Alnico V magnets and wax-potted wiring at a budget-friendly price

Cons:

• Sound quality doesn’t quite match premium pickup brands despite being a good budget option
• May require minor adjustments to mounting screws during installation
• Output is slightly brighter than traditional Gibson P94 pickups, which may not suit all tonal preferences

FLEOR Electric Guitar Bridge Pickup Single Coil P90 Soap Bar Pickups

Affordability meets performance in the FLEOR Electric Guitar Bridge Pickup Single Coil P90 Soap Bar, which delivers that coveted fat humbucker tone while maintaining single-coil clarity through its Alnico 5 magnet construction and 9-10K resistance rating. You’ll appreciate the wax-potted design that eliminates unwanted feedback and noise, while the flat-top adjustable pole pieces provide precise string response customization. At 52mm pole spacing, this pickup fits standard bridge positions perfectly, though I’ve noticed some users report minor cosmetic inconsistencies. The included mounting hardware makes installation straightforward, and with 180 customer ratings averaging 4.4 stars, you’re getting solid performance that punches above its price point without breaking your gear budget.

Best For: Guitar players seeking an affordable P90 pickup upgrade that delivers fat humbucker-like tone with single-coil clarity for bridge position installations.

Pros:

• Wax-potted construction eliminates feedback and noise issues
• Delivers versatile tone combining humbucker fatness with single-coil clarity
• Excellent value with solid 4.4-star rating and included mounting hardware

Cons:

• Some users report minor cosmetic imperfections in finish quality
• Occasional noise issues reported by a few customers
• Limited to bridge position use with specific 52mm pole spacing

Seymour Duncan Phat Cat Humbucker-Sized P-90 Pickup Set

For guitarists who’ve fallen in love with that classic P-90 growl but own humbucker-equipped guitars, the Seymour Duncan Phat Cat represents an elegant solution that eliminates the need for expensive routing work. These handmade American pickups deliver authentic P-90 tone using dual Alnico 2 bar magnets, which provide enhanced sustain and articulation compared to traditional ceramic magnets found in cheaper alternatives. The vacuum wax potting reduces unwanted feedback while preserving that characteristic mid-bite and harmonic richness you’re seeking. With the neck pickup featuring reverse wind/reverse polarity construction, you’ll enjoy hum-canceling operation when both pickups are engaged, addressing one of P-90s’ traditional weaknesses.

Best For: Guitarists who want authentic P-90 tone in their humbucker-equipped guitars without expensive modifications or routing work.

Pros:

• True single-coil P-90 sound with authentic mid-bite and harmonic richness from dual Alnico 2 bar magnets
• Drop-in installation requires no guitar modifications while providing hum-canceling operation when both pickups are used together
• Handmade in USA construction with vacuum wax potting reduces feedback while maintaining tonal clarity

Cons:

• Single-coil design may still produce some hum when used individually despite wax potting
• Premium pricing compared to standard humbucker pickups may not fit all budgets
• Requires quality amplification to achieve optimal performance and showcase the pickup’s full potential

Metallor P90 Soapbar Pickup Set for Electric Guitar

When you’re hunting for genuine P90 tone without breaking the bank, the Metallor P90 Soapbar Pickup Set delivers that coveted blend of single-coil brightness and humbucker-like fatness that makes these pickups shine in budget-conscious builds. With neck resistance at 8.22k-ohms and bridge at 9.57k-ohms, you’ll get proper output levels for both clean jazz tones and crunchy overdrive applications. The 4.4-star rating from 94 customers confirms what I’ve observed: these Chinese-made pickups punch well above their price point, though you’ll want to replace the included mounting screws since they’re notoriously soft and prone to stripping during installation.

Best For: Budget-conscious guitarists seeking authentic P90 tone who want the brightness of single-coils with humbucker-like fatness for versatile playing from clean jazz to crunchy overdrive.

Pros:

• Delivers genuine P90 sound quality that punches well above its affordable price point compared to name brand alternatives
• Proper output levels with neck at 8.22k-ohms and bridge at 9.57k-ohms suitable for both clean and overdriven applications
• Easy installation with standard P90 dimensions and includes all necessary hardware for most guitar types

Cons:

• Included mounting screws are notoriously soft and prone to stripping during installation, requiring replacement
• No wiring diagram provided, which can be problematic for less experienced installers
• Exhibits typical P90 feedback characteristics that may be undesirable for some playing styles or high-gain applications

Seymour Duncan SPH90-1 Phat Cat P-90 Bridge Pickup – Nickel

Players seeking the classic P-90 bite without the accompanying hum will find their solution in the Seymour Duncan SPH90-1 Phat Cat, a clever engineering feat that stuffs authentic P-90 growl into a humbucker-sized package. You’ll appreciate the hum-cancelling design that eliminates the background buzz traditionally associated with single-coil P-90s, while preserving that characteristic midrange punch that cuts through dense mixes. The direct-fit installation means you won’t need router work or pickup ring modifications, making this an ideal retrofit for guitars currently equipped with humbuckers. I’ve found the modular control capabilities particularly useful, allowing seamless coil-split and phase modulation without sacrificing tonal integrity, backed by Seymour Duncan’s lifetime warranty.

Best For: Guitarists who want authentic P-90 tone with hum-cancelling technology in a humbucker-sized pickup that requires no guitar modifications.

Pros:

• Eliminates traditional P-90 hum while maintaining characteristic midrange growl and bite
• Drop-in installation fits standard humbucker routes without modifications or new pickup rings
• Modular control capabilities enable coil-split and phase modulation without tone loss

Cons:

• May not satisfy purists seeking completely authentic single-coil P-90 sound and character
• Limited to bridge position application, requiring separate neck pickup for complete guitar setup
• Higher price point compared to traditional single-coil P-90 pickups

Tonerider Vintage 90 Soapbar P90 Neck pickup – black

Guitarists seeking authentic vintage P90 tone without breaking the bank will find the Tonerider Vintage 90 Soapbar P90 Neck pickup offers impressive value through its combination of traditional construction methods and modern reliability features. The pickup utilizes Alnico II magnets alongside scatter winding and wax potting, delivering enhanced sustain and clarity while minimizing unwanted feedback that often plagues vintage-style pickups. Customer feedback reveals mixed experiences, with some players praising its ability to add crunch and improve overall tone in guitars like Epiphones, while others note potential clarity issues when paired with certain bridge pickups, suggesting careful consideration of your complete pickup configuration before installation.

Best For: Budget-conscious guitarists seeking authentic vintage P90 tone with modern reliability features who want to upgrade their instrument’s sound without significant investment.

Pros:

• Features quality construction with Alnico II magnets, scatter winding, and wax potting for enhanced sustain and reduced feedback
• Offers excellent value for money compared to premium vintage-style pickups
• Easy installation with included mounting hardware and accessories

Cons:

• Mixed customer reviews regarding overall sound quality and performance consistency
• Potential clarity and balance issues when paired with certain bridge pickups
• May require careful pickup configuration planning to achieve optimal results

Musiclily Pro P90-MHA Alnico 5 Electric Guitar Pickup Set, Black

The Musiclily Pro P90-MHA Alnico 5 pickup set stands out as an exceptional choice for budget-conscious musicians who refuse to compromise on that classic P90 growl and punch. You’ll appreciate the RWRP configuration that eliminates hum when both pickups are active, while dual Alnico 5 magnets deliver the robust midrange clarity P90s are famous for. The neck pickup’s 8K resistance provides sweet, smooth tones, while the bridge’s 11.2K output guarantees fat, growling chords with sparkling harmonics that’ll cut through any mix without breaking your budget or requiring extensive modifications.

Best For: Budget-conscious guitarists seeking authentic P90 tone with hum-cancelling capability and higher output than traditional single coils.

Pros:

• RWRP configuration eliminates hum when both pickups are used together
• Dual Alnico 5 magnets deliver classic P90 growl with strong midrange presence
• Excellent value with high-quality construction and 4.7/5 star customer rating

Cons:

• May require replacement screws for certain guitar models during installation
• Higher output may not suit players preferring vintage-level P90 response
• Limited color options with only black finish available

Factors to Consider When Choosing P90 Pickups

When I’m helping guitarists select P90 pickups, I focus on five critical factors that’ll determine whether you get the tone you’re chasing, or end up with expensive paperweights gathering dust in your gear drawer. The magnet type, output characteristics, physical compatibility, pickup position, and noise reduction capabilities each play distinct roles in shaping your guitar’s voice, though I’ve learned that understanding their interactions matters more than obsessing over individual specifications. These considerations work together like ingredients in a recipe, where getting the balance right between your playing style, musical genre, and guitar’s existing hardware determines whether your investment pays off sonically.

Magnet Type Options

Although I’ve tested countless P90 configurations over the years, magnet type remains one of the most critical yet overlooked factors that’ll dramatically shape your pickup’s fundamental character, output level, and overall tonal palette. Alnico II magnets deliver warmer, smoother tones with enhanced clarity and sustain, making them perfect for vintage applications where sweetness matters more than aggression. Alnico V magnets provide stronger output with pronounced midrange presence, creating punchier dynamics that work across multiple genres from blues to rock. Ceramic magnets offer brighter tones with higher output levels, ideal for heavier styles requiring greater response and clarity. I’ve learned that magnet choice also affects feedback susceptibility, which explains why manufacturers often use wax potting to minimize unwanted noise from magnetic interactions.

Output and Resistance

Beyond the magnetic foundation that shapes your pickup’s character, DC resistance measurements become the numerical roadmap that’ll guide you toward the exact output level and tonal response you’re chasing in your P90 setup. I’ve found that resistance values typically range from 8K to 11.2K ohms, with higher numbers generally delivering more aggressive output and fuller body. Your neck position usually sits around 8K for clearer, brighter articulation, while bridge pickups push toward 11.2K for increased warmth and sustain. This resistance directly affects how your pickup responds to distortion and dynamics—lower values maintain clarity under heavy gain, while higher resistance delivers the thick, saturated tones that make P90s legendary for driving tube amps into natural overdrive.

Pickup Size Compatibility

Since P90 pickups don’t follow a universal sizing standard, I’ve learned the hard way that measuring your guitar’s pickup cavities before ordering can save you from expensive mistakes and frustrating returns. You’ll encounter two main formats: traditional soapbar style with 50mm neck and 52mm bridge pole spacing, and humbucker-sized variants that fit standard humbucker routes without modification. I always check the mounting screw spacing first, which typically runs around 20mm for soapbar designs, though this varies between manufacturers. External dimensions matter just as much as pole spacing, since oversized pickups can interfere with string action or simply won’t fit your cavity depth. When in doubt, I measure twice and order once.

Bridge Vs Neck

Once you’ve confirmed your pickup dimensions fit properly, the real decision begins with understanding how neck and bridge P90s serve completely different sonic purposes in your guitar’s overall voice. I’ve found that neck P90s, with their 50mm polepiece spacing and lower 8K ohm resistance, deliver those warm, articulate tones that make clean jazz passages and bluesy bends sing beautifully. Bridge pickups, however, pack more punch with their 52mm spacing and higher 9K-11K ohm resistance, creating that aggressive bite I crave for rock riffs and overdriven sections. The mounting considerations matter too – neck pickups typically use 20mm screw spacing, while bridge variants can differ depending on your guitar model, so I always double-check compatibility before ordering.

Hum Canceling Features

While traditional P90s are notorious for their single-coil hum, I’ve discovered that modern hum-canceling designs can dramatically reduce that annoying 60-cycle buzz without sacrificing the characteristic P90 growl and clarity that drew me to these pickups in the first place. The key lies in reverse winding and reverse polarity (RWRP) configurations, which effectively cancel electromagnetic interference while preserving tonal character. I’ve found that dual Alnico magnets in hum-canceling models enhance sound quality while minimizing noise, particularly useful during live performances. D.C. resistance values between 8K and 11.2K typically indicate effective hum-canceling efficiency, delivering fuller sound profiles with reduced interference. Additionally, wax potting techniques eliminate feedback and microphonic noise, ensuring stability during high-gain situations for both studio recordings and live gigs.

Installation Requirements

Measuring your guitar’s pickup cavities becomes essential before ordering new P90s, as I’ve learned from a few costly returns that proper fitment isn’t guaranteed across all guitar models. I always check pole spacing dimensions first—typically 50mm for neck positions and 52mm for bridge pickups—since these measurements determine compatibility with your guitar’s string alignment. Mounting screw spacing matters equally, usually around 20mm for neck and 21mm for bridge installations, and mismatches complicate the entire process greatly. Humbucker-sized P90s simplify everything by fitting directly into existing cavities without routing, while dogear-style pickups often require cavity adjustments for proper clearance. Some manufacturers include mounting screws, others don’t, so I verify hardware requirements beforehand.

On a final note

I’ve tested countless P90 pickups over the years, and these eight options represent the best balance of tone, quality, and value you’ll find today. Whether you’re chasing vintage blues warmth or modern rock aggression, there’s a pickup here that’ll transform your guitar’s voice. Don’t overthink the decision—any of these will deliver notably better tone than stock pickups, and honestly, your amp and playing technique matter just as much as the pickup itself.