Contents
- 🎸 Origins & History
- ⚙️ How It Works
- 📊 Key Facts & Numbers
- 👥 Key People & Organizations
- 🌍 Cultural Impact & Influence
- ⚡ Current State & Latest Developments
- 🤔 Controversies & Debates
- 🔮 Future Outlook & Predictions
- 💡 Practical Applications
- 📚 Related Topics & Deeper Reading
- Frequently Asked Questions
- References
- Related Topics
Overview
The P-90 pickup, produced by Gibson Guitar Corporation since 1946, is a single-coil electric guitar pickup known for its distinctive tone, which falls midway between humbuckers and single-coils. With a deeper but narrower bobbin design compared to Fender single-coils, the P-90 produces a sharper sound than humbuckers but with less top-end than single-coils. As a single-coil pickup, it is susceptible to AC-hum, necessitating some form of cancellation. The P-90 has been used by numerous legendary guitarists, including Les Paul and B.B. King, and has become a staple in various genres, from rock to blues. With its rich history and unique sound, the P-90 continues to be a popular choice among guitarists. The pickup's design and construction have been influenced by other notable guitar manufacturers, such as Fender Electric Instrument Manufacturing Company, and have undergone various modifications over the years, including the introduction of hum-cancelling pickups. Today, the P-90 remains an iconic symbol of guitar craftsmanship and tone, with many modern guitarists, such as Jack White and Dan Auerbach, relying on its distinctive sound to shape their music.
🎸 Origins & History
The P-90 pickup was first introduced by Gibson Guitar Corporation in 1946, with the goal of creating a single-coil pickup that could produce a warmer and more balanced tone. The design of the P-90 was influenced by earlier single-coil pickups, such as the Charlie Christian pickup, and was intended to provide a midpoint between the bright, twangy sound of Fender single-coils and the warmer, fuller sound of humbuckers. The P-90 quickly gained popularity among jazz and blues guitarists, including Charlie Christian and T-Bone Walker, who appreciated its unique tone and versatility. Today, the P-90 is still widely used by guitarists across various genres, including rock, blues, and jazz, and is often associated with the sound of legendary guitarists such as Les Paul and B.B. King.
⚙️ How It Works
The P-90 pickup works by using a single coil of wire wrapped around a bobbin, which is a cylindrical core made of a ferromagnetic material. The coil is wound in a specific pattern to produce a magnetic field that captures the vibrations of the guitar strings. The P-90's unique tone is due in part to its deeper but narrower bobbin design, which allows for a more focused magnetic field and a warmer, more balanced sound. The pickup is also designed to be highly sensitive, allowing it to capture a wide range of tonal nuances and dynamics. In comparison to other single-coil pickups, such as the Fender single-coil, the P-90 has a distinct sound that is often described as sharper and more articulate, but with less top-end and a warmer overall tone. This makes the P-90 an ideal choice for guitarists who want a pickup that can produce a wide range of tones, from clean and crisp to warm and overdriven.
📊 Key Facts & Numbers
Some key facts and numbers about the P-90 pickup include its introduction in 1946, its use by numerous legendary guitarists, including Les Paul and B.B. King, and its production by Gibson Guitar Corporation, as well as other vendors. The P-90 is also known for its unique tone, which is often described as a midpoint between humbuckers and single-coils. In terms of specifications, the P-90 typically has a resistance of around 8-10 kΩ and an inductance of around 3-4 H. The pickup is also available in a variety of configurations, including a standard P-90 and a P-90H, which features a higher output and a slightly different tone. Additionally, the P-90 has been used in a wide range of guitar models, including the Gibson Les Paul and the Gibson ES-335, and has become a staple in various genres, from rock to blues.
👥 Key People & Organizations
Some key people and organizations associated with the P-90 pickup include Gibson Guitar Corporation, which has produced the pickup since 1946, and numerous legendary guitarists, including Les Paul and B.B. King, who have used the pickup to create some of the most iconic sounds in music history. Other notable guitarists who have used the P-90 include Jeff Beck, Pete Townshend, and Jimmy Page, who have all relied on the pickup's unique tone to shape their music. The P-90 has also been used by various guitar manufacturers, including Fender Electric Instrument Manufacturing Company and PRS Guitars, which have incorporated the pickup into their own guitar designs.
🌍 Cultural Impact & Influence
The P-90 pickup has had a significant cultural impact and influence on music, particularly in the genres of rock, blues, and jazz. The pickup's unique tone has been used by numerous legendary guitarists to create some of the most iconic sounds in music history, and has become a staple in various genres. The P-90 has also been used in a wide range of musical contexts, from live performances to studio recordings, and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials. In addition, the P-90 has been the subject of various books, articles, and documentaries, which have explored its history, design, and cultural significance. For example, the P-90 was featured in the documentary The Guitar, which explored the history and cultural significance of the electric guitar.
⚡ Current State & Latest Developments
The current state of the P-90 pickup is one of continued popularity and innovation. The pickup is still widely used by guitarists across various genres, and is often associated with the sound of legendary guitarists such as Les Paul and B.B. King. In recent years, the P-90 has undergone various modifications and updates, including the introduction of new materials and designs, such as the P-90H, which features a higher output and a slightly different tone. Additionally, the P-90 has been used in a wide range of guitar models, including the Gibson Les Paul and the Gibson ES-335, and has become a staple in various genres, from rock to blues. The P-90 has also been influenced by other notable guitar pickups, such as the Fender single-coil and the Humbucker, which have shaped the sound of modern music.
🤔 Controversies & Debates
One of the main controversies and debates surrounding the P-90 pickup is its susceptibility to AC-hum, which can be a problem for guitarists who use the pickup in certain environments. However, this issue can be addressed through the use of hum-cancelling pickups or other noise-reducing technologies, such as the Noiseless pickup. Another controversy surrounding the P-90 is its perceived lack of output and sustain, which can make it less suitable for certain styles of music, such as heavy metal or hard rock. However, many guitarists argue that the P-90's unique tone and versatility make it an ideal choice for a wide range of musical genres, from rock to blues to jazz. For example, the P-90 has been used by Jack White and Dan Auerbach to create a distinctive sound that blends elements of rock, blues, and country music.
🔮 Future Outlook & Predictions
The future outlook for the P-90 pickup is one of continued innovation and popularity. As guitarists continue to seek out new and unique tones, the P-90 is likely to remain a popular choice, particularly among those who value its distinctive sound and versatility. Additionally, the development of new materials and technologies, such as nanotechnology and advanced magnet materials, may lead to further innovations in pickup design and construction, potentially resulting in even more versatile and high-quality pickups. For example, the use of graphene and other advanced materials could lead to the development of pickups with improved tone and sustain, while also reducing noise and hum. The P-90 has also been influenced by other notable guitar manufacturers, such as Fender Electric Instrument Manufacturing Company and PRS Guitars, which have incorporated the pickup into their own guitar designs.
💡 Practical Applications
The P-90 pickup has a wide range of practical applications, from live performances to studio recordings. The pickup's unique tone and versatility make it an ideal choice for guitarists who want to create a wide range of sounds, from clean and crisp to warm and overdriven. Additionally, the P-90 is often used in combination with other pickups, such as humbuckers or single-coils, to create a wide range of tonal possibilities. The P-90 has also been used in a wide range of musical genres, from rock to blues to jazz, and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials. For example, the P-90 was used by The Rolling Stones to create the distinctive sound of their hit song Satisfaction.
Key Facts
- Year
- 1946
- Origin
- United States
- Category
- technology
- Type
- technology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the P-90 pickup?
How does the P-90 pickup work?
The P-90 pickup works by using a single coil of wire wrapped around a bobbin, which is a cylindrical core made of a ferromagnetic material. The coil is wound in a specific pattern to produce a magnetic field that captures the vibrations of the guitar strings. The P-90's unique tone is due in part to its deeper but narrower bobbin design, which allows for a more focused magnetic field and a warmer, more balanced sound. This design is similar to the Fender single-coil pickup, but with a distinct sound that is often described as sharper and more articulate.
What are some key facts and numbers about the P-90 pickup?
Some key facts and numbers about the P-90 pickup include its introduction in 1946, its use by numerous legendary guitarists, including Les Paul and B.B. King, and its production by Gibson Guitar Corporation, as well as other vendors. The P-90 is also known for its unique tone, which is often described as a midpoint between humbuckers and single-coils. In terms of specifications, the P-90 typically has a resistance of around 8-10 kΩ and an inductance of around 3-4 H.
Who are some key people and organizations associated with the P-90 pickup?
Some key people and organizations associated with the P-90 pickup include Gibson Guitar Corporation, which has produced the pickup since 1946, and numerous legendary guitarists, including Les Paul and B.B. King, who have used the pickup to create some of the most iconic sounds in music history. Other notable guitarists who have used the P-90 include Jeff Beck, Pete Townshend, and Jimmy Page.
What is the cultural impact and influence of the P-90 pickup?
The P-90 pickup has had a significant cultural impact and influence on music, particularly in the genres of rock, blues, and jazz. The pickup's unique tone has been used by numerous legendary guitarists to create some of the most iconic sounds in music history, and has become a staple in various genres. The P-90 has also been used in a wide range of musical contexts, from live performances to studio recordings, and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials.
What is the current state of the P-90 pickup?
The current state of the P-90 pickup is one of continued popularity and innovation. The pickup is still widely used by guitarists across various genres, and is often associated with the sound of legendary guitarists such as Les Paul and B.B. King. In recent years, the P-90 has undergone various modifications and updates, including the introduction of new materials and designs, such as the P-90H, which features a higher output and a slightly different tone.
What are some controversies and debates surrounding the P-90 pickup?
One of the main controversies and debates surrounding the P-90 pickup is its susceptibility to AC-hum, which can be a problem for guitarists who use the pickup in certain environments. However, this issue can be addressed through the use of hum-cancelling pickups or other noise-reducing technologies, such as the Noiseless pickup. Another controversy surrounding the P-90 is its perceived lack of output and sustain, which can make it less suitable for certain styles of music, such as heavy metal or hard rock.
What is the future outlook for the P-90 pickup?
The future outlook for the P-90 pickup is one of continued innovation and popularity. As guitarists continue to seek out new and unique tones, the P-90 is likely to remain a popular choice, particularly among those who value its distinctive sound and versatility. Additionally, the development of new materials and technologies, such as nanotechnology and advanced magnet materials, may lead to further innovations in pickup design and construction, potentially resulting in even more versatile and high-quality pickups.
What are some practical applications of the P-90 pickup?
The P-90 pickup has a wide range of practical applications, from live performances to studio recordings. The pickup's unique tone and versatility make it an ideal choice for guitarists who want to create a wide range of sounds, from clean and crisp to warm and overdriven. Additionally, the P-90 is often used in combination with other pickups, such as humbuckers or single-coils, to create a wide range of tonal possibilities.
What are some related topics to the P-90 pickup?
The P-90 pickup is related to a wide range of other topics, including guitar design and construction, music theory, and the history of rock and roll. The pickup's unique tone and versatility have made it a staple in various genres, from rock to blues to jazz, and have influenced the development of numerous other guitar pickups and designs. Additionally, the P-90 has been used by numerous legendary guitarists, including Les Paul and B.B. King, who have used the pickup to create some of the most iconic sounds in music history.
How does the P-90 pickup compare to other guitar pickups?
The P-90 pickup is often compared to other guitar pickups, such as the Fender single-coil and the Humbucker. The P-90 has a unique tone that is often described as a midpoint between humbuckers and single-coils, with a warmer and more balanced sound than single-coils and a sharper and more articulate sound than humbuckers. The P-90 is also known for its versatility and ability to produce a wide range of tones, from clean and crisp to warm and overdriven.
What are some common modifications and upgrades for the P-90 pickup?
Some common modifications and upgrades for the P-90 pickup include the use of hum-cancelling pickups or other noise-reducing technologies, such as the Noiseless pickup. Additionally, the P-90 can be upgraded with new materials and designs, such as the P-90H, which features a higher output and a slightly different tone. Other modifications and upgrades may include the use of coil-splitting or coil-tapping to create a wider range of tonal possibilities.
How does the P-90 pickup affect the overall sound of a guitar?
The P-90 pickup can have a significant impact on the overall sound of a guitar, particularly in terms of its tone and versatility. The P-90's unique tone and ability to produce a wide range of sounds make it an ideal choice for guitarists who want to create a wide range of tones, from clean and crisp to warm and overdriven. Additionally, the P-90 can be used in combination with other pickups, such as humbuckers or single-coils, to create a wide range of tonal possibilities.
What are some notable guitars that feature the P-90 pickup?
Some notable guitars that feature the P-90 pickup include the Gibson Les Paul and the Gibson ES-335. The P-90 has also been used in a wide range of other guitar models, including the Fender Telecaster and the PRS Guitars. The P-90 is often associated with the sound of legendary guitarists such as Les Paul and B.B. King, who have used the pickup to create some of the most iconic sounds in music history.
How does the P-90 pickup compare to other single-coil pickups?
The P-90 pickup is often compared to other single-coil pickups, such as the Fender single-coil. The P-90 has a unique tone that is often described as a midpoint between humbuckers and single-coils, with a warmer and more balanced sound than single-coils and a sharper and more articulate sound than humbuckers. The P-90 is also known for its versatility and ability to produce a wide range of tones, from clean and crisp to warm and overdriven.