Back to the basics: P90s!

[The Kernel]

I know that this is a veryyyy basic question, but I think that it is important to fully understand the answer. What are P90s? I mean that in every sense: Sound, size, strengths, weaknesses. What artists use them? Thanks!

[caprae]

P90

[The Kernel]

I guess I wasn't being clear. I was asking for people's opinions on them. Everyone has a different idea

[Fusion1]

I dig the one I kept in my Peavey Firenza in the neck. The bridge I went with a Super Distortion P-90. For cleans I think a P-90 in the neck is the ideal tone, even with the hum... I love the tone of the Peavey so much I'm in no rush to try a Seymour Duncan P-90 at this time.

[blueman335]

P-90's are relevant today, even though they were designed in the 1940's. A HB in the bridge with a P-90 in the neck is a great idea that should be used regularly by manufacturers. There's a handful of LP's & SG's with twin P-90's but that idea should be expanded on.

The noise factor is why Gibson switched most models to HB's, but SO many guys use single coils in their Fenders & Super Strats, so its not a major issue. A P-90 has a much richer & warmer tone than a standard Fender SC.

Fortunately SD has the Phat Cat so we can get that vintage sound in any guitar.

[baritone]

Mike Ness from Social Distortion uses P-90s in his guitar.

[alkeys]

I always thought of a P90 as a like big giant singlecoil- that's basically what they are.

Not as thick and heavy as humbuckers, but growlier than most singlecoils but have awesome high end, brightness, a twangy jangly sound most humbuckers can't do- old school/raw/awesome.

They have a real raw, organic sound- awesome clean tones and sound great with overdrive. Think of them as an angry pissed off singlecoil on PCP.

Personally, I like em- a humbucker at the bridge and a P90 at the neck is pretty rad.

Only drawback is P90s traditionally have that 60 cycle hum just like
non hum cancelling singlecoils.