Single Coil (Soapbar) · Alnico V magnet
P-90
Gibson's classic single-coil soapbar pickup, known for its raw, punchy midrange and gritty character — the voice of slab-body Gibsons.
Specifications
- Pickup Type
- Single Coil (Soapbar)
- Magnet
- Alnico V
- Typical Position
- Neck/Bridge
- Relative Output
- Medium-High
- DC Resistance
- ~8.0kΩ
- Production Years
- 1952–Present
Tone Characteristics
A snarling, gritty single-coil with a fat midrange, clear highs and a punchy, raw grind. Fatter and warmer than a Strat single-coil, brighter and more aggressive than a full humbucker.
Best Applications
Rock, punk, blues, garage rock — raw, cutting tone.
Common Gibson Models
Les Paul Junior, Les Paul Special, SG Special, SG Junior
Related Pickups
FAQ
- Is the P-90 a single coil?
- Yes — it's a fat single-coil pickup with more output and midrange than a standard single coil, but it doesn't cancel hum like a humbucker.
- P-90 vs humbucker?
- P-90s have single-coil bite and clarity with extra thickness; humbuckers cancel hum and are warmer and smoother.
- What guitars use P-90s?
- The Les Paul Junior and Special, the SG Special, and many historic and modern models offer P-90s.