Re: Why don't more players use P90's?
I had a 1975 Les Paul '55 Special, and while I loved the tone of that guitar, noise was a problem. Even with having the electronics sheilded, in some situations it could be unbearable.
I read an interview with Seth Lover where he stated that he was going for P-90 tone when he designed the PAF humbucker. I love PAFs, but I haven't heard one that has that raunchy, gritty tone of a good P-90.
The other pickup out there that I find interesting is the mini-humbucker found on the original Epiphones and the Les Paul Deluxe. One of the reviews of the LP Deluxe (in the Musician's Friend catalog) stated that he loved the mini-'bucker because it gave a thicker sound than a Strat-type single coil, yet it still had some clarity and cut. I thought that review was spot on.
So my question is, why aren't the mini-humbuckers more popular?
Whatever the reason, we should all be grateful for the pioneers of this industry who designed those great guitars, amps and pickups decades ago; and also give thanks to the guys like Duncan, DiMarzio, Lawrence, et. al., who carried that torch and created a market that literally offers something for everyone.
Bill