HS-P90 : Closer to Humbucker or Single coil (strat) ?

[Lorenzar]

Hey guys !
I've been obessed with getting a P90 guitar for quite a while.

I like the P90 sound, and although many consider it sits somewhere in the middle between humbucker and single-coil Strat sound, I agree with this but to me P-90 it's fat enough it's actually leaning a bit more toward the humbucker sound in a way (to my ears anyway).

I've been entertaining the idea to simply get Humbucker Sized P-90 instead, since I do not consider regular P-90 to be such a huge departure from my humbuckers (although I quite like the differences).

I know HS-P90 don't sound exactly like "real" P-90.

So long story short, as a rule of thumb, compared to a P-90, would you say a HS-P90 pickup take the P-90 vibe closer to the single coil Strat or closer to the humbucker ?


If a HS-P90 is closer to an humbucker sound than a "real" P-90, then there's no point for me into getting those. To the contrary, if it gets the P90 vibe a bit closer to the single coil sound, then I'm all for it !

 

[elelpe]

Re: HS-P90 : Closer to Humbucker or Single coil (strat) ?

The latter. It's a thicker sounding single coil. Not as raw-edgy as regular P-90 but it has it's charm for sure.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: HS-P90 : Closer to Humbucker or Single coil (strat) ?

Actually, there's not much difference between regular size P-90 and humbucker size P-90. The cover can very slightly reduce some highs, but that's about it. Under the cover you have the same coils, wire magnets, etc as in any other P-90.

Secondly, it's hard to make generalized blanket statements. There is as much difference between different P-90s as there is between humbuckers. A P-90 can be made to sound kinds similar to a strat single coil or to a bucker depending on the wire, winds, and magnets. It will never quite reach either of those because it is still a "P-90".

The design of a P-90 with bar magnets and steel poles is more similar in structure to a bucker and can never achieve the tone of a Strat.

 

[Mincer]

Re: HS-P90 : Closer to Humbucker or Single coil (strat) ?

Another option is the P-Rails, where you get a real P-90 and some extra bonus sounds.

 

[Francois]

Re: HS-P90 : Closer to Humbucker or Single coil (strat) ?

I like P-90 (and also the P-Rail). It is versatile. Good bass and treble and it even works well with baritones.
I also finds it closer to the classic HB sound even there is only one coil. It is a reverse HB : one row of steel poles and two magnets.

Yes I think you should try them

 

[Lorenzar]

Re: HS-P90 : Closer to Humbucker or Single coil (strat) ?

If the HSP90 is usually even more closer to a traditional P-90, then I wouldn't go that road cause the differences might be very subtle (although one thing i really like about P90 I didn't mention is the way they clean up, HSP90 must work the same way in that regard).

And on the other hand, if the differences between a traditional P90 and a HSP90 are really tiny and really subtle, wouldn't need a new axe for this type of sound !

For trying out, sure there's some cheap options like GFS Mean 90.

@Mincer : P-Rail is a pickup I thought about for a long time but never pulled the trigger on it. Sure it could give me a P90 flavour while still having the humbucker sound and could also make for an easy P90 neck/HB bridge configuration.

 

[Francois]

Re: HS-P90 : Closer to Humbucker or Single coil (strat) ?

Sorry this is a different question related to P-90:

Opinions on SE P-90 ?

Does the korean PRS soapbars are good P-90 ?

 

[freefrog]

Re: HS-P90 : Closer to Humbucker or Single coil (strat) ?

Sorry this is a different question related to P-90:

Opinions on SE P-90 ?

Does the korean PRS soapbars are good P-90 ?

Salut compatriote.

I've took apart one of these once: if memory serves me, I've found shorter screw poles, shorter sintered A5 magnets and a lighter keeper bar than in "regular" (Gbson) P90 + Polysol wire. It was brighter sounding than a standard P90 because of a slightly lower inductance.

Once fitted with 2 (long) rough cast A4 mags and "vintage correct" keeper bar/screw poles, it sounded pretty good (and beefier than the stock version). FWIW.