Ask any guitarist today what kind of pickups they prefer, and you’ll likely spark an age-old debate: single-coils or humbuckers? Some swear by the crisp clarity and sparkle of single-coils, while others chase the fat, warm punch of humbuckers. It’s a conversation that dominates forums, gear reviews, and late-night jam sessions—but in the middle of that sonic tug-of-war lies a hidden treasure that often gets overlooked: the P90.

Neither fully single-coil nor humbucker, the P90 lives in a world of its own—delivering a tone that’s gritty, expressive, and undeniably character-rich. For players who crave vintage soul with modern versatility, it just might be the best of both worlds. And when loaded into a Gibson Les Paul? That’s where things really get interesting. Let’s take a closer look at why P90-equipped Les Pauls deserve your attention, and maybe even a spot in your collection.

The P-90 pickup traces its origins to the 1930s, when Gibson introduced its first electric guitar pickup on the ES-150—an innovation famously linked to jazz legend Charlie Christian. Building on this foundation, Gibson launched the P-90 in 1946 as its new standard pickup, marking a significant leap from the earlier “bar” pickups used in jazz guitars. With increased output, clarity, and definition, the P-90 quickly became a staple in both solid-body and archtop models, laying the sonic groundwork for early rock ‘n’ roll, blues, and jazz long before the humbucker took the spotlight.

When the first Gibson Les Paul was introduced in 1952, it came fitted with two P90 pickups. These early Goldtop models carried a rich, raw tone—thick but articulate, smooth but with just enough bite. They were the perfect match for the warm, resonant body of the Les Paul. This combination became iconic, gracing stages and studios with a tone that stood out from the crowd.

However, in the late ‘50s, the PAF (Patent Applied For) humbucker began gaining popularity due to its reduced noise and higher output, eventually becoming the new standard on Les Pauls. The P90 faded into the background for a time—but it never disappeared. In fact, it quietly maintained a loyal following among players who craved its unique tone.

Today, Gibson has brought back the P90 in many of their Les Paul models, celebrating its historic role and timeless sound. Whether it’s reissue models or modern tributes, the P90 is no longer just a vintage relic—it’s a sought-after voice in modern music once again.

At first glance, the P90 might resemble a standard single-coil pickup—but under the hood, it’s a different beast. The P90 features a wider coil and uses a bar magnet under the coil instead of magnetic pole pieces. This design gives it a hotter output than traditional Fender-style single-coils, with a thicker midrange and a more aggressive attack. It sits in that sweet sonic middle ground between the chime of a single-coil and the punch of a humbucker.

Compared to a single-coil, the P90 sounds fuller, with more body and grit. It retains plenty of clarity and dynamics, but with a growlier edge that works especially well for blues, classic rock, and punk. Unlike a humbucker, though, the P90 isn’t as compressed or dark—it breathes more, with open highs and a bit of rawness that makes every note feel alive.

Anatomically, P90s have more wire windings than a standard single-coil, contributing to their higher output. But since they’re still technically single-coils, they aren’t hum-canceling like humbuckers. That means they do pick up some 60-cycle hum, but many players feel that’s a small price to pay for the tone you get in return.

On a Gibson Les Paul, P90s produce a distinctive flavor. Les Pauls with humbuckers are known for their thick, warm, sustaining tones—great for smooth leads and heavy riffs. But swap those for P90s and you get a more articulate, slightly more “vocal” sound. There’s more bite on the attack, more presence in the upper mids, and a rawness that cuts through a mix beautifully. If a humbucker-equipped Les Paul is a sledgehammer, then a P90 Les Paul is a scalpel with attitude.

While humbuckers and single-coils often dominate conversations around tone, a closer look at guitar history reveals a line of artists who chose the P-90 for its raw expressiveness and vintage charm. From pioneering legends to modern-day blues-rock shredders, these musicians embraced the P-90-loaded Gibson Les Paul—not just for its looks, but for the unmistakable sound it delivers on stage and in the studio.

In conclusion, the P-90 pickup holds a unique place in guitar history, offering a tonal palette that bridges the gap between single-coil clarity and humbucker warmth. When paired with a Gibson Les Paul, the P-90 delivers a versatile and expressive sound that has been embraced by numerous legendary artists. Whether you’re seeking vintage vibes or modern versatility, a Les Paul equipped with P-90s might just be the ultimate choice for your guitar collection.