Jazzmaster vs p90 pickups

[marcello252]

I think I'll always love single coil strat sound but lately I discovered the magic of p90s, especially in neck position.

I'd be interested in building a guitar with a alder/basswood/poplar body with a pair of these pickups.

I've seen some aftermarket Jazzmaster pickup too.

P90s and Jazzmasters seem close in design except the fact one has single magnet poles, the other a double magnet bar, the shape and dimension of the coil it's similar although.

I've searched the subject in the net and general thoughts are the jazzmaster is a bit more percussive and chimey, the P90 a bit mellower and hotter.

Has anybody tried both in the same guitar here? can you confirm the indications?
In the type of wood I'd use what would you prefer between the two?

Any idea about it would be appreciated.

Thank you
Marcello

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Jazzmaster vs p90 pickups

They really couldn't be more different.

JM pickups are warm and sort of plucky...not much output and have a sort of soft attack compared to almost any other Fender pickup...

P-90's roar and are rude with lots of punch and guts...

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Jazzmaster vs p90 pickups

I should also add that the electronics in a JM as complex and seemingly dumb as they are do offer a LOT of tonal flexibility.