SP90-3 vs Pig 90

[nevermorefu]

I'm trying to decide between a Duncan Custom SP90-3 and a Bareknuckle 'Pig 90 for the bridge of my guitar. I just bought some random Duncan for the neck (1B it looks like?) that's 9.6 k. Does the pig 90 still have that P90 vibe and clarity? What is the output of the Duncan SP90-3? If I went with the Duncan, I would do a mag swap to A8/UOA5. I'm looking to play stoner rock to doom with these pickups (Graveyard to Electric Wizard). I'm digging the P90 body, but I want to smooth that high end bite. Essentially, I want a massive low end, that P90 growl, and not too much bite. Opinions/input?

 

[blueman335]

Re: SP90-3 vs Pig 90

SP90-3's have thick ceramics; they don't have enough P-90 sound for me, just too hot. I pulled those out of mine and replaced them with alnicos. I've used A8/A4 pairs in a few bridge P-90's, which I like a lot. The sound is richer and fuller, and the high end isn't so bright. Low end is ample and tight. An A8/UOA5 pair would be very good too, maybe better because of the UOA5's added texture.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: SP90-3 vs Pig 90

Never tried a BKP 'Pig 90.

The Seymour Duncan SP90-3n is my favourite P90 variant ... for bridge/Treble position! (Idea freely stolen from the PRS McCarty Soapbar model.)

On the guitars where I use the SP90-3n as my bridge pickup, the neck position pickup is of the vintage output persuasion - Duncan Antiquity, Gibson original. In my opinion, SP0-3n bridge and SP90-1b neck would work out pretty well.

 

[elelpe]

Re: SP90-3 vs Pig 90

You might not need to swap magnet from SP90-3b for stoner/doom. I find it and dark without much bite (in mahogany body). It has its own place. Did I tell you it sounds mean? Definitely not for anyone who looks for classic soapbar sound. Can't comment on the BKP.

 

[Iceman63]

Re: SP90-3 vs Pig 90

Never tried a BKP 'Pig 90.

The Seymour Duncan SP90-3n is my favourite P90 variant ... for bridge/Treble position! (Idea freely stolen from the PRS McCarty Soapbar model.)

On the guitars where I use the SP90-3n as my bridge pickup, the neck position pickup is of the vintage output persuasion - Duncan Antiquity, Gibson original. In my opinion, SP0-3n bridge and SP90-1b neck would work out pretty well.

The McArty Soapbar has a SP90-3n in the bridge? I wasn't aware of that. I have an 03' I bought new in 03. I knew the pups were SP90-1 and SP90-3 Custom, but I didn't know it was a "neck" in the bridge position. Do you know if this applies to the older McSoapys?

 

[austin]

Re: SP90-3 vs Pig 90

The McArty Soapbar has a SP90-3n in the bridge? I wasn't aware of that. I have an 03' I bought new in 03. I knew the pups were SP90-1 and SP90-3 Custom, but I didn't know it was a "neck" in the bridge position. Do you know if this applies to the older McSoapys?

Yes, that applies to McSoapy's and the Custom 22 Soapbars (original and limited reissue run).
-
Austin

 

[nevermorefu]

Re: SP90-3 vs Pig 90

I ended up picking up the Pig 90. It is definitely very hot. It sounds like a cross between a humbucker and a P-90. Definitely a cool sound that will work well for stoner/doom, but it is not balanced with the neck (as I expected). I guess the only solution is to get another guitar; one with the Pig and one with a SP90-3 (since it will balance better and sound more like a P-90).

Another question: I left the A8/UOA5 combo in the SP90-1 that is now in the neck (hoping the A8 would help it balance better), but it is lacking treble. I like the amount of bass, so would an A5 be a better choice for more treble?

 

[LatsMcGee]

Re: SP90-3 vs Pig 90

Couldn't you possibly just do a mini hum in the neck? I bet it would balance great with the Pig....

 

[blueman335]

Re: SP90-3 vs Pig 90

Another question: I left the A8/UOA5 combo in the SP90-1 that is now in the neck (hoping the A8 would help it balance better), but it is lacking treble. I like the amount of bass, so would an A5 be a better choice for more treble?

That mag pair makes a bridge warm, so it's going to be pretty dark in the neck. A5's have a lot of treble, and a lot of bass. You'd probably like a pair of them.

 

[nevermorefu]

Re: SP90-3 vs Pig 90

I want to keep a P-90 in the neck because I play in the middle position 90% of the time, so the hum canceling is nice. Also, the P-90 neck sounds so much better than a humbucker for cleans.

I'll definitely try an A5/A5 or A5/UOA5 after the holidays. Thanks.

 

[nevermorefu]

Re: SP90-3 vs Pig 90

I tried A5/UOA5 but it was too hollow sounding for me. UOA5/UOA5 was the best for me. I'm amazed at how the 9k neck pickup keeps up with the 20+k pig 90. I felt like it was unbalanced before but now it sounds great. Very hot in the bridge with a bit more vintage tones in the neck. Great for what I play.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: SP90-3 vs Pig 90

Never tried a BKP 'Pig 90.

I have now. A pair of them, fitted into this guitar. http://www.coleyguitars.co.uk/gallery/p90-sg/

The combination of the BKP Pig 90s, the particular construction materials in the guitar and a friend's hardwood cabinet MESA/Boogie Mk3 was fabulous. Responsive to playing dynamics, to volume and tone pot adjustments, no dead spots. With the Mk3 on the Lead channel, rolling back the neck pickup volume to about 2.5 cleaned the sound up totally with no loss of volume. Ideal for the Page loud/quiet trick.