p-90 replacements

[lieufunaki]

I just bought an Epiphone Casino. I like the weight. I want new pickups for it...something that sounds more like a '57 classic if possible. Any suggestions?

Peter B.

 

[ES350]

Re: p-90 replacements

you just bought a P90 equipped guitar---and you want full-size humbuckers instead. Hmmm........still have the receipt?

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: p-90 replacements

I'm afraid he's right -- you want humbucker sound from a P90 guitar, your options are:

1) Rout the P90 cavities to fit humbuckers;

2) Take it back to the store and exchange it for a humbucker guitar.

 

[lieufunaki]

Re: p-90 replacements

you just bought a P90 equipped guitar---and you want full-size humbuckers instead. Hmmm........still have the receipt?

I'm right there with you, but I don't want a guitar that weighs a billion pounds. Even the Riviera, though lighter than a true 335, is too heavy. And, I want a hollowbody...so the Casino is the only real option.

Any pickup suggestions? Even if a single-coil, I just want something with a little more "character."

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: p-90 replacements

Try an ES-336. Otherwise, you have to be a bit more specific by what you mean by "character". (P90 fans think P90's have plenty of character.)

 

[greco]

Re: p-90 replacements

Unless you really want to stay with the Epi. line, why not consider looking at 335 copies by other manufacturers that might be in the weight range you like ?

I don't think the Casino is the only option, especially if you look at used gear. Maybe some older MIJ or recent MIK models....something to think about.

I've owned several 335 copies and they have all been great (I would have kept 2 of them but I lost them in a B&E at the house)

My best friend bought one of the the insurance replacement guitars (MIK Tokai 335 copy) because he loved the neck and maple flame...then put SD '59s and CTS pots in it...SWEET!!

...I just had to sell it to him ...It was too painful to see him (repeatedly) play it, look lovingly at it, get severe GAS and then have to go home without it.

The other 335 copy is a MIJ Greco from 1981. My main guitar (previous owner put Gibson PAF's in it...I thank him daily)

Find the one you like, change the pickups ( and pots, etc.) and... Voila.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Dave

 

[tenniso]

Re: p-90 replacements

i would put in some phat cats before i decided that p-90's have no character.

 

[greco]

Re: p-90 replacements

+1 on eventually trying Phat Cats in a guitar routed for hums..nice to have the choice available (if you want to change)

P90's have a special "character" and I certainly like them.

Dave

 

[WGTP]

Re: p-90 replacements

IIRC DiMarzio has 2 P-90 sized humbuckers. On is supposed to sound like the Tone Zone and the other like a Steve's Special. May be more, or out of production. But, P-90's Rock.

 

[marvar]

Re: p-90 replacements

Casino's have their own character- The Beatles did alright with their's, and McCartney still uses his alot- Take it back and get what you really want- don't go cutting up a great guitar.

 

[teleblooz]

Re: p-90 replacements

I'm right there with you, but I don't want a guitar that weighs a billion pounds. Even the Riviera, though lighter than a true 335, is too heavy. And, I want a hollowbody...so the Casino is the only real option.

Any pickup suggestions? Even if a single-coil, I just want something with a little more "character."

I would highly recommend a set of Jason Lollars vintage wind P-90's. This is just my not so humble opinion, but I find them to be the best sounding and feeling P-90's I've ever used. If you are looking for character...look no further.

 

[lieufunaki]

Re: p-90 replacements

I recognize the Casino history, and aside from the weight, feel, and look, this is why I bought it. I am also a huge fan of the recent Oasis 335 sound. I'm not a huge blues buff...

I'm going to play it as it is for a while, but having a humbucker as an option would be nice. I notice Seymour Duncan made a "humbucker under a p-90 cover" at some point (or perhaps still does or will make one for me)

http://www.seymourduncan.com/products/customshop.shtml

(look on the left-hand column)

Also, it seems that DeMarzio makes an option (which someone mentioned).

I'll try some p-90 options too. I'm just not wild about the stock epi p-90 sound.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[marvar]

Re: p-90 replacements

Isn't the Casino a true hollowbody- not a semi, like a 335?

 

[guitarslinger213]

Re: p-90 replacements

I replaced the p100's in my es135 with regular sized filtertrons. it worked fine after I installed the rings.