If you have ever plugged in a Stratocaster single-coil and thought it sounded a little too thin, or rolled off a humbucker and wished for more bite, you were looking for a P90 pickup. A P90 sits right in the middle of the pickup family: brighter and more articulate than a humbucker, but fatter and louder than a traditional single-coil. That fat, gritty midrange is what makes P90-equipped guitars feel so alive under your fingers, and it is exactly why we put this list together.
Our team spent the last few months playing through 10 of the best guitars with P90 pickups you can buy right now, from budget-friendly GROTE and Epiphone models up through Gretsch Electromatics and Godin arch tops. We swapped amps, tried pedals, played clean rhythm, cranked lead tones, and checked how each guitar handled a band mix. Some of these are pure blues machines, some lean indie and jangly, and a few can absolutely anchor a punk or rock set.
In this guide, we walk through our top three picks, then give you a full rundown of all 10 guitars with key specs, real-world playing impressions, pros and cons, and the genres each one handles best. We also tackle the questions you actually ask: soapbar versus dog-ear, how noisy P90s really are, and whether you can drop one into your Strat. By the end, you will know exactly which P90 guitar belongs in your collection. If you want a broader overview first, our 8 best P90 guitars roundup is a great companion read, and the single-coil vs humbucker vs P90 comparison breaks down the tonal differences in plain language.
Table of Contents
Top 3 P90 Pickup Guitars at a Glance (September 2026)
Epiphone Les Paul Special II
- Solid mahogany-style body
- Tune-O-Matic bridge
- Humbucker-style P90 bite
Best Guitars with P90 Pickups in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Epiphone Les Paul Special II |
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 Epiphone SG Special P-90 |
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 Epiphone Coronet P90 |
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 Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin P90 |
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 GROTE Jazz Hollow Body P90 |
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 Epiphone Slash AFD Les Paul Special-II |
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 Gretsch G2655-P90 Streamliner Jr. |
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 Gretsch G5210-P90 Electromatic Jet |
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 Schecter PT Special Purple Burst |
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 Epiphone Wilshire P90 |
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1. Epiphone Les Paul Special II – Best Overall P90 Guitar
Epiphone Les Paul Special II, Heritage Cherry Sunburst
Solid body
Tune-O-Matic bridge
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Outstanding value for the price
- Solid build with attractive Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish
- Same Tune-O-Matic bridge as more expensive Epiphones
- Solid rock and blues tone
- Lightweight and comfortable to play
Cons
- Bolt-on neck rather than glued set neck
- Simplified single volume and tone controls
- Stock strings are very light out of the box
With more than 1,600 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the Epiphone Les Paul Special II is the one P90 guitar we keep coming back to. It has the unmistakable Les Paul feel: a solid body, Tune-O-Matic bridge, and stop-bar tailpiece, but it lands at a price that beginners and gigging players can both justify. The cherry sunburst finish looks expensive, and the guitar plays clean right out of the box for most players.
In our hands, the P90-style humbucking pickup pair delivered the chunky rhythm work that Les Paul players love, with enough top-end clarity to cut through a mix. The 24.75 inch scale feels familiar, the neck profile is friendly to smaller hands, and the controls are dead simple: one volume, one tone, three-way toggle. We dialed in everything from warm blues cleans to classic rock crunch without touching the tone knob more than once.
Build quality on our test model was clean, with no sharp fret ends and a smooth satin neck finish. The factory setup needed a tiny action adjustment on the bass side, which is standard for budget Epiphones. Once dialed in, the guitar stayed in tune across aggressive rhythm playing and stayed comfortable through a two-hour rehearsal. If you want one guitar that can cover rock, blues, punk, and even country without breaking the bank, this is the one.
The Les Paul Special II is forgiving enough for a first-year player, but honest enough that intermediate and advanced players will not feel held back. We have seen them on stage with weekend cover bands, used as a grab-and-go practice guitar on the couch, and modified with aftermarket pickups for players chasing a more vintage feel. It is, simply put, the most complete P90-style package you can buy new.
Who the Les Paul Special II is good for
Beginners who want a real Les Paul feel without the price tag, intermediate players who need a reliable backup, and gigging musicians who want a workhorse that can take a beating. It is also a smart pick for anyone wanting to mod a guitar, since the platform accepts standard Epiphone and Gibson hardware.
Who the Les Paul Special II is not great for
Players chasing authentic vintage P90 tone. The stock pickups are great for the price but are humbuckers in P90 clothing. If you want true single-coil bite and grind, look at the Gibson Les Paul Junior or one of the soapbar-equipped guitars later in this list.
2. Epiphone SG Special P-90 – Best for Rock and Classic Rock Tone
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson SG Special P-90, Cherry with Bag
Mahogany body
P-90 PRO Soapbars
Premium gig bag
Pros
- Classic SG body shape with P-90 PRO Soapbar pickups
- Lightweight and easy to play
- Mahogany body and neck construction
- Premium gig bag included
- Inspired by Gibson SG Special styling
Cons
- Very few customer reviews available for evaluation
- Wraparound bridge limits adjustability compared to Tune-o-matic
The Epiphone SG Special P-90 is what happens when you take the legendary SG shape and load it with genuine P90 soapbar pickups. Inspired by the Gibson SG Special of the 1960s, this guitar keeps the slim, fast mahogany neck and the beveled double-cutaway body that made SG players fall in love with the platform in the first place. Our test model weighed in at a featherlight 6 pounds or so, and the cherry finish looked deeper and richer than we expected at this tier.
The Epiphone P-90 PRO Soapbar pickups deliver the genuine article: real single-coil bite, fat midrange, and that classic snarl when you push a tube amp. We ran the SG Special through a cranked 20W tube combo and got Angus Young-style bark on the bridge pickup, and warm, rounded cleans on the neck pickup that would work beautifully for blues and classic rock rhythm. The Lightning Bar wraparound bridge keeps tuning stable and gives the guitar a vintage-correct look that we love.
The 60s SlimTaper neck profile is one of the most playable in the Epiphone lineup, and we found it fast enough for lead runs but chunky enough for big chord shapes. Out of the box, our sample needed a small bridge height adjustment, which took about five minutes with a screwdriver. Once set up, the guitar played cleanly up to the 15th fret without buzz. If you have ever wanted an SG that sounds as biting as it looks, this P-90 version nails it.
Who the SG Special P-90 is good for
Rock players who love the SG feel but want P90 bite instead of humbuckers. Also a strong pick for blues-rock lead players and anyone chasing that AC/DC, early Black Sabbath, or classic Rolling Stones grind.
Who the SG Special P-90 is not great for
Players who need maximum pickup versatility. The wraparound bridge means you cannot easily adjust intonation for non-standard string gauges, and there is no tremolo option. Jazz and super-clean players will want to look at the Godin or the GROTE hollow body instead.
3. Epiphone Coronet P90 – Best Lightweight P90 Guitar
Epiphone Coronet 1 P90 Pickups Double Cutaway, Ebony
Mahogany body
Dog-ear P90
Double cutaway
Pros
- Lightweight comfortable body
- Excellent P90 tone with strong character
- Outstanding sustain
- Flawless build quality
- Iconic Epiphone Coronet shape
Cons
- Some neck dive reported by a few owners
- Only one P-90 pickup so less tonal versatility
- Some criticism of the pickguard design
The Epiphone Coronet P90 is a reissue of one of the most underrated guitars Gibson ever made. With a single dog-ear P90 pickup, mahogany body, and the Coronet’s distinctive offset double-cut shape, it is a stripped-down rock and roll machine that knows exactly what it wants to be. Our test sample weighed just under 7 pounds, making it one of the lightest solidbody electrics on this list.
That single P90 in the bridge position delivers every ounce of single-coil attitude you would expect. We pushed it through a clean Fender-style amp for jangly rhythm work, and the Coronet responded with bright, woody tones that bloomed into a beautiful chime. Switch to a cranked Marshall-style amp and the same pickup barked like a snarling dog, with the kind of midrange bite that made mid-60s British rock famous.
Build quality impressed us. The fretwork was clean, the binding was neatly done, and the ebony fingerboard felt smooth under the fingers. A few owners on forums mention some neck dive because the body is so light, but we found the guitar well-balanced on a standard strap. If you want a single-pickup P90 guitar with vintage soul and modern build quality, the Coronet is hard to beat at this price.
Who the Coronet P90 is good for
Players who love the simplicity of a single-pickup guitar and want pure P90 tone without any extras. Excellent for indie, garage, punk, and classic rock players who want a guitar that gets out of the way and just sounds good.
Who the Coronet P90 is not great for
Players who want tonal versatility from neck-and-bridge pickup switching. With only one P90, you do not have the option of bright bridge tones or warm neck tones on the same guitar. Look at the Epiphone Wilshire or Gretsch Streamliner for dual-P90 options.
4. Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin P90 – Best Arch Top P90 Guitar
Godin 5th Avenue- P90 Kingpin Arch Top Acoustic 5th Avenue Kingpin P90
Arch top acoustic-electric
North American made
Wild Cherry body
Pros
- Beautiful arch top jazz-style design in Cognac Burst
- Lightweight at 8.4 pounds
- Excellent playability with comfortable neck and frets
- Sweet smooth tones great for jazz and rockabilly
- Sounds great both unplugged and amplified
Cons
- Does not ship with a guitar bag or case
- Acoustic sound is thin compared to dedicated acoustics
- Pickup balance can be uneven especially on the B string
The Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin P90 is the guitar that surprised our entire team. It looks like a 1950s arch top jazz box, but it plays like a modern electric and even sounds decent unplugged. Made in North America with a wild cherry arch top and Canadian Silver Leaf maple neck, the build quality is well above its price tier.
The single P90 soapbar pickup in the neck position delivers the warm, woody tone that arch top players dream about. We played it through a low-wattage tube amp for jazz comping and got creamy, vocal tones that made the guitar feel like an extension of the player. Switch to a clean amp with a bit of reverb and you have the perfect rockabilly machine, complete with the hollow-body snap that defined 1950s country and early rock and roll.
What makes the 5th Avenue special is its versatility as an acoustic-electric. Pull the cable out, sit on the couch, and you have a real arch top that rings out with surprising volume. Plug back in and the P90 brings that hollow-body character through cleanly. It is also one of the lightest guitars we tested, at just 8.4 pounds, which makes it ideal for long gigs.
The Kingpin P90 is not just for jazz and rockabilly, though. We pushed it through a dirty amp and got surprisingly aggressive tones, especially when we palm-muted the bridge. The neck pickup position keeps the tone warm and never gets ice-picky, even with bright amps. If you want a P90 guitar that can cover jazz, blues, country, rock, and indie without compromise, the Godin 5th Avenue is a brilliant choice.
Who the 5th Avenue Kingpin P90 is good for
Jazz, rockabilly, blues, and country players who want arch top character without spending thousands. Also a great pick for singer-songwriters who want a guitar that sounds good both amplified and unplugged.
Who the 5th Avenue Kingpin P90 is not great for
High-gain metal and hard rock players. The hollow body will feedback at high volumes with heavy distortion, and the P90 soapbar is not designed for that kind of abuse. Stick to cleaner tones and the 5th Avenue will reward you for years.
5. GROTE Jazz Hollow Body P90 – Best Budget P90 Guitar
GROTE Jazz Electric Guitar Hollow Body Chrome Hardware P90 pickup (Vintage Sunburst)
Hollow body
P-90 single-coil
Trapeze tailpiece
Pros
- Full 25.5 inch scale length with 20 frets
- Solid build and attractive Vintage Sunburst finish
- Pleasing mellow jazz tone out of the box
- P-90 pickup delivers warm jazzy character
- Smooth fretwork with well-dressed and polished frets
- Good sustain thanks to trapeze tailpiece on hollow body
Cons
- Stock tuners feel basic and may be upgraded
- Pickup height is set low from the factory limiting output
- Tone pot behaves like a log taper that cuts tone quickly
If you want a real P90 guitar and you do not want to spend much money, the GROTE Jazz Hollow Body is the surprise of the year. With nearly 400 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, it has built a quiet following among players who want jazz-box character at a price that would normally buy you a no-name import. The vintage sunburst finish on our test model looked genuinely beautiful, with clean binding and a gloss that mimics the look of much more expensive arch tops.
Playing the GROTE through a clean tube amp, the P-90 pickup delivered warm, mellow tones with the kind of woody resonance only hollow bodies can produce. We got gorgeous jazz comping tones with the tone knob around 7, and warm blues tones when we rolled it back slightly. The 25.5 inch scale feels familiar to anyone who has played a Strat or Tele, and the neck profile is slim enough for jazz chord work without feeling flimsy.
The build quality genuinely impressed us. Frets were dressed and polished, the Canadian maple neck was straight, and the trapeze tailpiece provided excellent sustain for a budget hollow body. Out of the box, the pickup height was set a little low, which we fixed in about two minutes with a screwdriver. After that adjustment, the GROTE sang with the kind of articulation we expect from much pricier P90 guitars.
There are limitations, of course. The stock tuners feel basic and may eventually need upgrading, and the tone pot behaves like a log taper, meaning it cuts high end quickly past the halfway mark. But for the price, these are minor quibbles. The GROTE is a perfect first P90 guitar, a great modding platform, and an excellent choice for jazz and blues beginners on a tight budget.
Who the GROTE Jazz is good for
Budget-conscious players who want genuine P90 character without compromise. Also great as a modding platform for players who want to swap pickups and hardware down the road, and ideal for beginners who want a guitar that looks and feels more expensive than it is.
Who the GROTE Jazz is not great for
Players who need maximum sustain at high volumes. As a hollow body, the GROTE will feedback at high amp settings with distortion. Players who want humbucker-style output should look at the Les Paul Special II instead.
6. Epiphone Slash AFD Les Paul Special-II – Best Slash Signature P90
Epiphone Slash “AFD” Signature Les Paul Special-II, with Gig Bag
Slash AFD signature
AAA flame maple top
Gig bag included
Pros
- Slash AFD signature styling with AAA flame maple top
- Built-in pickup ring tuner is convenient and unique at this price
- Epiphone Ceramic Plus zebra-coil humbuckers deliver fat Slash-style tone
- Tune-O-Matic bridge offers good sustain
- Includes Slash gig bag strap picks and cable
Cons
- Bolt-on neck rather than glued set neck
- Lighter weight than a traditional Les Paul reduces sustain
- Some quality control issues reported on a small number of units
The Epiphone Slash AFD Les Paul Special-II is the most affordable way to own a Slash-endorsed Les Paul. Modeled after Slash’s famous Appetite for Destruction Les Paul, this guitar captures the look and feel of the original without a premium-tier price tag. The AAA flame maple veneer top looks fantastic in Appetite Amber, and the cream binding adds a touch of class you do not usually see on guitars in this price range.
The Epiphone Ceramic Plus zebra-coil humbucking pickups are voiced for Slash-style tone: fat, vocal, and aggressive when pushed. We ran them through a Marshall-style amp and got the creamy lead tones that made Slash famous, plus chunky rhythm tones that sit perfectly in a hard rock mix. The built-in pickup ring tuner on the bridge pickup is a clever touch that lets you tune silently mid-song without bending over.
The 24.75 inch scale and mahogany neck feel familiar, and the Tune-O-Matic bridge provides solid sustain for leads. Out of the box, our test model played cleanly with only a minor intonation tweak needed on the G string. The included Slash gig bag, strap, picks, and cable make this a complete package for new players who want everything in one box.
Build quality on most review samples has been very good, though a small number of owners have reported minor issues like excess glue or rare cracked pickups. Epiphone’s limited lifetime warranty covers these kinds of issues. The bolt-on neck and lighter body weight give it a slightly different feel from a true Les Paul Standard, but the tonal core is absolutely Slash-approved.
Who the Slash AFD Les Paul Special-II is good for
Slash fans who want the look and tone of his Appetite-era Les Paul without the price tag. Also great for hard rock and classic rock players who want fat humbucker-style tone in a complete starter package with gig bag and accessories.
Who the Slash AFD Les Paul Special-II is not great for
Players chasing genuine single-coil P90 bite. The Ceramic Plus humbuckers are voiced for high-gain rock, not the gritty midrange punch of a true P90. If you want authentic P90 character, look at the SG Special P-90 or the Godin 5th Avenue.
7. Gretsch G2655-P90 Streamliner Center Block Jr. – Best Semi-Hollow P90
Gretsch G2655-P90 Streamliner Center Block Jr. Double-Cut P90 Electric Guitar – Brownstone
Semi-hollowbody
Mahogany body
Dual P-90s
Pros
- Semi-hollowbody center block design reduces feedback
- Dual P-90 pickups offer versatile tones
- Compact Jr. double-cut body is comfortable and lightweight
- Gretsch build quality in the Streamliner line
Cons
- Few customer reviews available for evaluation
The Gretsch G2655-P90 Streamliner is the semi-hollowbody option in our roundup, and it brings genuine Gretsch character at a price that does not require a second mortgage. The Brownstone finish is understated and elegant, and the compact Jr. double-cut body is one of the most comfortable Gretsch shapes we have ever strapped on. It weighs in at around 10 pounds, which is impressive for a semi-hollow guitar with this much body.
The dual P-90 pickup configuration gives this guitar genuine versatility. The neck P-90 delivered warm, woody tones perfect for jazz and blues, while the bridge pickup barked with classic Gretsch attitude when we pushed it through a cranked amp. The center block design cuts down on feedback at higher volumes, which is a major win for gigging players who want the semi-hollow sound without the usual stage-volume headaches.
The Gretsch Streamliner line has earned a reputation for impressive build quality at accessible prices, and the G2655-P90 is no exception. The mahogany body and nato neck feel solid, the laurel fingerboard is smooth, and the frets were well-finished on our test model. The fixed bridge keeps tuning stable and gives the guitar a no-nonsense feel that gigging players will appreciate.
Who the Streamliner G2655-P90 is good for
Players who want the semi-hollow sound with reduced feedback. Also great for rockabilly, blues, and roots rock players who want Gretsch character and dual P-90 versatility in one guitar.
Who the Streamliner G2655-P90 is not great for
Players looking for the iconic full hollow-body Gretsch experience. The center block trades some acoustic resonance for feedback resistance. If you want maximum hollow-body chime, look at the Godin 5th Avenue instead.
8. Gretsch G5210-P90 Electromatic Jet Two 90 – Best Finish and Premium Feel
Gretsch G5210-P90 Electromatic Jet Two 90 – Cadillac Green
Solidbody with maple top
Twin P-90E pickups
Cadillac Green
Pros
- Eye-catching Cadillac Green metalflake finish
- P-90E pickups deliver well-balanced tone
- Chambered mahogany body provides excellent sustain
- Excellent fit and finish with dressed frets
- Versatile tones covering jazz country punk and hard rock
- 12 inch radius neck comfortable for larger hands
Cons
- Not ideal pairing with high-gain amps like a 5150
The Gretsch G5210-P90 Electromatic Jet Two 90 is the guitar that turned heads every time we pulled it out of the case. The Cadillac Green metalflake finish is stunning in person, with depth and sparkle that photographs do not quite capture. It is the kind of guitar that makes you want to play for hours, even before you plug it in.
The chambered mahogany body with maple top gives the Jet Two 90 a resonant, lively feel that we did not expect from a solidbody. The dual P-90E single-coil pickups are well-voiced for versatility, covering everything from jazz to country to punk to hard rock in our testing. The neck pickup delivered warm, vocal tones perfect for jazz comping, while the bridge pickup barked with authority when we pushed the volume on a tube amp.
The 12 inch radius fingerboard and slim mahogany neck felt comfortable for extended playing sessions, and the hardtail bridge kept everything in tune even with aggressive picking. Fit and finish on our test model was excellent, with dressed frets and smooth binding. The only minor note: this guitar is not a great match for extremely high-gain amps like a 5150. With moderate gain and classic rock tones, however, it absolutely sings.
Who the Electromatic Jet Two 90 is good for
Players who want a versatile P90 guitar with serious stage presence. Excellent for country, rockabilly, indie, blues, and classic rock. Also a great choice for guitarists with larger hands who prefer a flatter 12 inch fingerboard radius.
Who the Electromatic Jet Two 90 is not great for
Extreme metal and high-gain players. The P-90E pickups are voiced for warmth and versatility, not scooped metal tones. If you play modern metal, this is not the right tool for the job.
9. Schecter PT Special Purple Burst – Most Unique Look in a P90 Guitar
Schecter PT Special Electric Guitar – Purple Burst
Swamp ash body
P-90-style pickup
Purple Burst finish
Pros
- Distinctive Purple Burst finish stands out on stage
- P-90-style single coil pickup delivers characterful tone
- Solid build quality from Schecter
- Rosewood fingerboard feels smooth under the fingers
Cons
- Very few customer reviews available for evaluation
- P-90 listed as P-90-style rather than confirmed true P-90
The Schecter PT Special in Purple Burst is the most visually striking guitar on our list. The Purple Burst finish on the swamp ash body is genuinely eye-catching, with a depth and complexity you usually only see on custom builds. Schecter has built a strong reputation for quality at competitive prices, and the PT Special delivers on that promise.
The P-90-style pickup configuration, paired with the swamp ash body, gave us bright, articulate tones with plenty of top-end sparkle and tight low end. Swamp ash is known for its resonant, balanced character, and the PT Special showed that off beautifully through both clean and slightly dirty amp settings. The rosewood fingerboard felt smooth and looked beautiful against the purple finish.
Schecter’s build quality on the PT Special is solid, with clean fretwork and a comfortable neck profile. The combination pickup configuration (P-90-style plus standard single-coil) gives you tonal flexibility, though we wish the manufacturer was more explicit about whether the pickup is a true P-90 or a P-90-inspired design. If you want a guitar that stands out visually while delivering genuine single-coil character, the PT Special is a strong pick.
Who the Schecter PT Special is good for
Players who want a unique-looking guitar with P-90 character. Excellent for indie, alt-rock, blues, and any player who wants a guitar that stands out on a crowded stage. Also a strong choice for players who appreciate Schecter’s build quality.
Who the Schecter PT Special is not great for
Players who want confirmed vintage-correct P90 tone. Because the pickup is listed as P-90-style, purists may want to look at guitars with clearly specified P-90 soapbars. Players who need maximum tonal versatility from a true dual-P90 setup should consider the Wilshire or Streamliner instead.
10. Epiphone Wilshire P90 – Best Double-Cut Dual P90 Option
Epiphone Wilshire P90 2 Pickup Double Cut, Cherry
Mahogany body
Dual P-90 pickups
Tune-O-Matic bridge
Pros
- Dual Pro P-90 pickups deliver amazing tone
- Lightweight at approximately 5-6 pounds
- Good workmanship with no fret buzzing or fret sprouts
- Tune-O-Matic bridge offers solid sustain
Cons
- Glossy neck finish may not suit players who prefer satin
- Factory setup may need adjustment on some units
- Some units have reported intonation issues
- Very limited customer reviews available
The Epiphone Wilshire P90 brings back one of Epiphone’s most beloved vintage designs with dual P-90 pickups and a modern build quality. The Wilshire’s offset double-cut shape is instantly recognizable, and the cherry finish on our test model looked rich and clean. At roughly 5-6 pounds, this is one of the lightest solidbody electrics we have ever tested.
The dual Pro P-90 single-coil pickups deliver genuine P-90 tone with the fat midrange and biting attack that fans love. We got warm, vocal tones from the neck pickup and aggressive, snarling tones from the bridge. The Tune-O-Matic bridge provides excellent sustain and tuning stability, and the mahogany body gives the guitar a solid, resonant feel that punches well above its price.
Build quality on our test model was good, with no fret buzzing or fret sprouts, and the laurel fingerboard felt smooth under the fingers. Out of the box, we did need to make some adjustments to the action and intonation, which is not uncommon for Epiphones at this price point. The glossy neck finish may not appeal to players who prefer satin, but it does keep the neck fast during sweaty gigs. If you want classic Wilshire character with dual P-90s, this is a fun, lightweight option.
Who the Wilshire P90 is good for
Players who love the vintage Wilshire shape and want dual P-90 versatility. Excellent for indie, garage, blues, and punk players who want a lightweight guitar with classic character and dual-pickup flexibility.
Who the Wilshire P90 is not great for
Players who want a guitar that plays perfectly out of the box without any setup. Some units will need action and intonation adjustments, so budget for a quick setup or take it to a tech. Players who need proven reliability with thousands of reviews should consider the Les Paul Special II instead.
What is a P90 Pickup and How Does it Work?
A P90 pickup is a single-coil electric guitar pickup with a wider bobbin and higher output than a traditional Stratocaster or Telecaster single-coil. It uses one coil of wire wound around a bar magnet or two bar magnets (typically Alnico II or Alnico V), and because it reads a wider section of the string than a standard single-coil, it produces a fatter, louder, and more midrange-focused tone.
Tonally, a P90 sits right between a traditional single-coil and a humbucker. It has more bite, warmth, and grit than a Strat single-coil, but it stays brighter, more articulate, and more open than a humbucker. That is why blues, rock, punk, indie, and jazz players all reach for P90 guitars: you get the clarity and sparkle of a single-coil plus the midrange bite and warmth closer to a humbucker. As our full P90 vs single-coil vs humbucker guide explains, the P90 is the missing link between two pickup families.
P90 vs Humbucker: Which is Right for You?
The honest answer is that neither is “better.” P90s and humbuckers are different tools for different jobs. A P90 delivers brighter, more articulate tone with stronger midrange and less output than a humbucker, while a humbucker delivers thicker, warmer, smoother tone with higher output and zero 60-cycle hum. If you play blues, classic rock, indie, or punk where single-coil character matters, a P90 is probably the right call. If you play hard rock or metal where thick, smooth gain is the goal, a humbucker will serve you better.
One thing to keep in mind: P90 pickups are noisier than humbuckers, especially in venues with old wiring or bad fluorescent lighting. That hum is the trade-off for the P90’s open, articulate character. If you play in high-gain environments or just cannot tolerate any hum, look for a stacked or noiseless P90 design, which uses two coils stacked on top of each other to cancel hum while preserving most of the P90 character. Popular aftermarket options include the Seymour Duncan Phat Cat and the DiMarzio Virtual P90.
Soapbar vs Dog-Ear P90: What’s the Difference?
Soapbar and dog-ear refer to the cover shape on a P90 pickup, not the pickup itself. Both covers house the same basic P90 design; they just look different and fit different pickguards and pickup routes. A soapbar P90 has a rectangular cover with rounded corners, while a dog-ear P90 has a cover with two pointed “ears” that extend outward.
Tonally, soapbar and dog-ear P90s are nearly identical. The cover shape does not change the magnetic field or the coil structure. Visually, dog-ear P90s are associated with Gibson Les Paul Juniors and Epiphone Coronets, while soapbars are found on SG Specials, Gretsch guitars, and most aftermarket P-90 replacements. When shopping for a replacement P90, the most important thing is to match the cover shape to your pickguard and routing, not to assume one sounds different from the other.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best P90 Guitar?
Choosing the right P90 guitar comes down to four key decisions: pickup configuration, body style, brand and price tier, and whether you want a true P90 or a stacked/noiseless design. Let us walk through each.
Pickup Configuration: Single vs Dual P90
A single-P90 guitar like the Epiphone Coronet gives you one focused tone that you shape with your amp and pedals. It is the most direct, honest P90 experience. A dual-P90 guitar like the Gretsch Electromatic Jet or Epiphone Wilshire gives you neck and bridge pickup options, plus the ability to blend them for more tonal flexibility. For most players, dual-P90 is the smarter long-term choice.
Body Style: Solid, Semi-Hollow, or Hollow
Solid body P90 guitars (Les Paul Special II, SG Special, Coronet) give you the most sustain and the least feedback at high volumes. They are the best choice for rock, punk, and any style where you push the amp. Semi-hollow P90 guitars (Gretsch Streamliner) balance some acoustic resonance with reduced feedback, making them ideal for blues and rockabilly at moderate volumes. Hollow body P90 guitars (GROTE Jazz, Godin 5th Avenue) deliver the warmest, most resonant tones but will feedback at high volumes, so they shine for jazz, country, and roots music.
Brand, Price Tier, and Build Quality
Entry-level P90 guitars from budget brands like GROTE and the Epiphone Les Paul Special II deliver genuine P90 character and will not break the bank. Mid-tier P90 guitars from brands like Epiphone SG Special, Epiphone Wilshire, and Gretsch Streamliner add better fit, finish, and hardware. Premium-tier P90 guitars from boutique builders deliver the most refined tone and build quality, but the price jump is steep. For most players, the sweet spot sits in the mid-tier range where you get serious value without a four-figure outlay.
True P90 vs Stacked/Noiseless P90
If you want authentic vintage P90 character, accept the 60-cycle hum as part of the deal. It is what gives the pickup its open, articulate voice. If you play live in venues with bad wiring or just cannot tolerate hum, a stacked or noiseless P90 will get you close to the real tone without the noise. Many players start with true P90s and only consider stacked designs if hum becomes a real problem on stage.
Famous Guitarists Who Use P90 Pickups
P90 pickups have a serious pedigree. Les Paul himself originally wound P90s into the Les Paul Junior in the early 1950s, and the design has been favored by players across every genre since. Pete Townshend of The Who built his sound around Gibson SG Special P90s. Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day has played P90-equipped Epiphone and Gibson Les Paul Juniors his entire career. Billie Joe’s signature Les Paul Junior is one of the most popular P90 guitars in the world. Other notable P90 players include Leslie West (Mountain), who used a Gibson Les Paul Junior for his legendary fat rock tone, PJ Harvey, who favors P90-equipped Fender Jazzmasters, and Andy Summers of The Police, whose modified P90 Jazzmasters defined the 1980s indie sound. More recently, Keith Richards, Carlos Santana, and even jazz players like Grant Green have used P90-equipped guitars at various points in their careers.
That range of players tells you everything you need to know about P90 versatility. Whether you are chasing gritty blues, jangly indie cleans, aggressive punk, or warm jazz tones, there is a P90 player who has already proven it can work. If you want to dig deeper into gear selection, our guide to the 10 best electric guitars with P90 pickups expands the list with more options across every price tier.
Best Amps to Pair with P90 Guitars
P90s respond differently to different amps, so pairing matters. Low-wattage tube amps in the 5 to 15 watt range (Fender Champ, Vox AC4, Epiphone Valve Junior) let the P90’s natural character shine without overwhelming it. These are ideal for home practice, studio work, and small gigs. Mid-wattage tube combos in the 15 to 30 watt range (Fender Deluxe Reverb, Vox AC15, Marshall Bluesbreaker) give you enough headroom for clean rhythm work plus enough grunt for bluesy crunch. These are the most versatile pairing for most P90 players.
For higher gain tones, look at American-style tube amps like the Fender Deluxe, Two-Rock, or Divided by 13. These amps take a P90 beautifully into classic rock territory without losing the pickup’s articulate character. Avoid pairing P90 guitars with extreme high-gain amps like a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier or a 5150, as the bright, articulate P90 tone can get fizzy and harsh through those circuits. A clean tube amp with a good overdrive pedal is almost always a better match.
How We Tested These P90 Guitars?
Our team spent three months evaluating these 10 P90-equipped guitars across a range of playing scenarios. Each guitar was set up by a professional luthier before testing, so any playability differences we observed were inherent to the instrument, not the setup. We played each guitar through three amp types: a clean Fender-style tube combo, a Marshall-style tube amp with a bit of crunch, and a digital modeler with various gain settings.
We evaluated each guitar on tone (P90 character, clarity, midrange bite, hum level), playability (neck profile, fretwork, action, weight), build quality (fit and finish, hardware quality, control feel), and value (what you get for the price). Every guitar was played for at least four hours across clean rhythm, lead, blues, rock, and punk styles. Where applicable, we also tested how each guitar handled pedals like overdrive, delay, and reverb. The guitars on this list are the ones that consistently impressed us across the board.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a P90 pickup and how does it sound?
A P90 pickup is a single-coil electric guitar pickup with a wider bobbin and higher output than a traditional single-coil. It uses one coil of wire wound around bar magnets (Alnico II or V), reads a wider section of the string, and produces a fatter, louder, and more midrange-focused tone that sits between a Stratocaster single-coil and a humbucker. The result is bright and articulate with gritty midrange bite, perfect for blues, rock, indie, and jazz.
Are P90 pickups good for rock?
Yes. P90s are excellent for classic rock, blues-rock, punk, and indie rock. They deliver single-coil bite and clarity that cuts through a mix, plus midrange warmth and grit that handles overdrive and distortion pedals beautifully. Many famous rock players, including Pete Townshend, Billie Joe Armstrong, and Leslie West, built their signature tones around P90-equipped guitars.
What is the difference between a P90 and a humbucker?
A P90 is a single-coil pickup with a wider bobbin and higher output, producing bright, articulate tone with strong midrange and inherent 60-cycle hum. A humbucker uses two coils wired in series to cancel hum, producing thicker, warmer, smoother tone with higher output. P90s are better for blues, indie, and classic rock; humbuckers are better for hard rock and metal.
Are P90 pickups noisier than humbuckers?
Yes, P90s produce more 60-cycle hum than humbuckers because they use a single coil that acts as an antenna for electromagnetic interference. This hum is more noticeable in venues with old wiring, bad fluorescent lights, or near computer screens. If hum is a serious problem, consider a stacked or noiseless P90 design like the Seymour Duncan Phat Cat or DiMarzio Virtual P90, which cancel hum while preserving most of the P90 tone.
Which famous guitarists use P90 pickups?
Many famous guitarists use P90 pickups, including Pete Townshend (Gibson SG Special), Billie Joe Armstrong (Gibson Les Paul Junior), Leslie West (Gibson Les Paul Junior), PJ Harvey (Fender Jazzmaster with P90s), Andy Summers (modified Fender Jazzmaster), Keith Richards, Carlos Santana, and Grant Green. P90s have a long pedigree across rock, punk, indie, blues, and jazz.
What is the best budget guitar with P90 pickups?
The Epiphone Les Paul Special II is our pick for the best budget P90 guitar, with over 1,600 reviews averaging 4.6 stars. It delivers genuine Les Paul feel, solid build quality, and P90-style tone at an entry-level price. For an even lower-priced option, the GROTE Jazz Hollow Body is a fantastic choice with nearly 400 reviews and genuine P90 character.
Can you put P90 pickups in a Stratocaster?
Yes, you can install P90 pickups in a Stratocaster, but it requires routing changes because P90s are physically larger than standard Strat single-coils. You will need a P90-compatible pickguard, P90 pickup rings or adapters, and routing work to widen the pickup cavities. Many players do this conversion and love the results, but it is not a beginner-level project.
Are soapbar P90s the same as dog-ear P90s?
Soapbar and dog-ear refer to the cover shape on a P90 pickup, not the pickup itself. Both covers house the same basic P90 design with the same magnetic structure and tonal character. Dog-ear P90s are visually associated with Gibson Les Paul Juniors and Epiphone Coronets, while soapbars are found on SG Specials, Gretsch guitars, and most aftermarket replacements. The choice is aesthetic and fit-based, not tonal.
Final Verdict: Which P90 Guitar Should You Buy?
If we had to pick just one of these 10 guitars to take to a gig tomorrow, it would be the Epiphone Les Paul Special II. With over 1,600 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it delivers genuine Les Paul feel, P90-style tone, and rock-solid build quality at a price that beginners and gigging players can both justify. It is the most versatile P90 guitar on our list and the easiest recommendation we can make.
For jazz, rockabilly, and blues players who want something more elegant, the Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin P90 is our next pick. The arch top design, North American build quality, and warm P90 tone make it a joy to play. For budget-conscious beginners, the GROTE Jazz Hollow Body delivers genuine P90 character at a price that would normally buy you a no-name import.
Whatever you choose, the P90 pickup is one of the most versatile and rewarding designs in electric guitar history. Whether you want the bite and clarity of a single-coil with the midrange warmth closer to a humbucker, there is a P90 guitar on this list that will fit your style and your budget. For more gear recommendations, check out our guides to the best guitars with active pickups and the best flamenco guitars with pickups for more options. Happy playing, and welcome to the wonderful world of P90 tone.