smoother P90

Herby

New member
I have recently been given a Mexican Tele. Standard setup with a P90 in the bridge. It's a little harsh on the high end. Is there an alternative, smoother P90 style pickup I could put in to tame the harsh, shrill highs? Wouldn't mind a little more "umph" too...
 
Re: smoother P90

I like P-90s for the raw, not the smooth....

And yeah, there is a tone knob usually! But that only covers the highs. P90's can have some raucous mids too
 
Re: smoother P90

The Hot P90 has ceramic magnets.

Our Hot P90 soapbar bridge pickup combines extra coil windings with two small ceramic bar magnets to give you more output, greater sustain, and more overall sensitivity.
 
Re: smoother P90

Does the 'Hot P90' not come standard with a Ceramic magnet ?

Yes (actually 2). That's why I recommended the Hot P-90 for the extra "umph" that the OP wants, and the A2 mags to smooth out the harshness associated with the ceramics. An A2 with an A5 is also an excellent combination so that it doesn't get too mid heavy and too "smooth".
 
Re: smoother P90

For several dollars you can change magnets in an existing P-90. Think of this: magnets play a larger EQ role in a P-90. 2 magnets per coil, vs HB's with 1/2 magnet per coil.

After finding the A2's in Phat Cats to not be a good fit in either slot for me (too weak in the bridge and too dark in the neck), I tried a number of magnet combinations. I really like an A8/A4 in the bridge as it more warmth, mids, and output than the usual twin A5's. Duncan's SP90-2 & SP90-3 have ceramic magnets, which I don't care for in HB's (too harsh & stiff for me), and dislike even more in P-90's. I swap them out and put in alnicos.
 
Re: smoother P90

The Hot P90 has ceramic magnets.

Our Hot P90 soapbar bridge pickup combines extra coil windings with two small ceramic bar magnets to give you more output, greater sustain, and more overall sensitivity.

Yes (actually 2). That's why I recommended the Hot P-90 for the extra "umph" that the OP wants, and the A2 mags to smooth out the harshness associated with the ceramics. An A2 with an A5 is also an excellent combination so that it doesn't get too mid heavy and too "smooth".

OK, now i understand.
I did not know you were referring to a mag swap.
 
Re: smoother P90

For several dollars you can change magnets in an existing P-90. Think of this: magnets play a larger EQ role in a P-90. 2 magnets per coil, vs HB's with 1/2 magnet per coil.

After finding the A2's in Phat Cats to not be a good fit in either slot for me (too weak in the bridge and too dark in the neck), I tried a number of magnet combinations. I really like an A8/A4 in the bridge as it more warmth, mids, and output than the usual twin A5's. Duncan's SP90-2 & SP90-3 have ceramic magnets, which I don't care for in HB's (too harsh & stiff for me), and dislike even more in P-90's. I swap them out and put in alnicos.

I deff have to gree with you on that one.
I am not a Ceramic fan either.
I have yet to try a pick up with an A8 in it.
 
Re: smoother P90

I got nice fatness and a bit more output by swapping one A8 into a bridge P90, and leaving one of the stock A5s in. For extra oomph you could replace both with A8s, but be aware it's likely to give the pickup a more modern and aggressive character. Perhaps one A8 and one A2 would be smoother.

I've often wondered about trying A6 mags in a P90 - they're almost as strong as A8, only darker. Might be more vintagey sounding, while still giving you stronger bass and more output.

Not a popular magnet, though Zhangbucker has made A6 humbuckers. I ordered a couple for bright sounding bridge PAFs after learning they're used in the Duncan Amos set.
 
Re: smoother P90

I like the A8/A5 combo in P-90s. Two A8s is a bit overpowering/heavy/mud-prone.

A8/A2 would certainly be smoother...too smooth for my taste. I like to have a little bite to my P-90 tone.
 
Re: smoother P90

Interesting posts. That Hot P-90 would probably boost effectively my Soapbar baritone.
(instead of the korean PRS SE P-90)

Anyone has tried this hot P-90 with low tunings ?
Sounds like the EQ curve would suit a bari.
 
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