AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best P-90 Pickups for Blues 2026
The top pick is Seymour Duncan SPH90-1n Phat Cat Neck Pickup ($144). Seymour Duncan Antiquity P90 Soapbar Bridge Pickup leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 35 models across 12 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Seymour Duncan SPH90-1n Phat Cat Neck Pickup
SPH90-1N Nickel Cover · Seymour Duncan
36 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
The SPH90-1N is a clever design, giving you that raw P90 grit with the humbucker’s quiet operation. It’s a solid choice for players who crave a thick, powerful neck tone for rock, blues, or even heavier styles – think early Stones or a modern take on classic rock. It’s a premium-priced option, but the quality and sound justify the investment.
Pros
- Delivers classic P90 character with humbucker noise rejection.
- Nickel cover provides a vintage aesthetic and warmer tone than chrome.
- Alnico magnets offer a balanced, articulate sound with good sustain.
Cons
- Can be a bit thick sounding for players seeking a very bright, airy tone.
- Limited versatility – shines in rock/blues, less ideal for clean genres.
82AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$144 now$144€129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Seymour Duncan Antiquity P90 Soapbar Bridge Pickup
Antiquity P90 Soapbar Neck BL · Seymour Duncan
36 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
If you want the look of a classic soapbar P-90, this neck pickup is made to follow the originals. Its coils, cable, and aged Alnico II magnets are modeled closely on vintage parts. It suits you if you play a guitar with a neck pickup slot and want that old-school soapbar design.
Pros
- Coils and cable are modeled faithfully on the originals
- Uses Dun-Aged Alnico II magnets
- Soapbar design as found on '52er Gold Tops and '59 ES-330
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Seymour Duncan JJN P90 Silencer Soapbar Jared James Nichols Signature…
JJN P90 Silencer Soapbar B BL · Seymour Duncan
17 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
This JJN Silencer P90 is a beast – seriously hot and articulate. Jared James Nichols needed something that could cut through a wall of amps, and this pickup delivers that raw, aggressive P90 grit with minimal noise. It’s perfect for players craving modern rock tones and a powerful bridge position voice.
Pros
- Ceramic magnet delivers aggressive high-output and tight low-end response.
- Silencer design effectively minimizes unwanted noise and microphonic feedback.
- Jared James Nichols' signature voicing provides a raw, powerful, modern P90 tone.
Cons
- Ceramic magnet tone may lack the warmth of traditional Alnico P90s.
- High output can be overwhelming for vintage-style amps or lighter playing styles.
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$184 now$184€165 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Seymour Duncan STK-P1b P90 Soapbar Stack Bridge Pickup
STK-P1B Soapbar Bridge Cream · Seymour Duncan
17 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
If you like the old-school P90 soapbar look and feel, this pickup is made for the bridge position. It has Alnico V magnets, a stacked coil, and a hum-free design, so it stays quiet when you play. Its medium-low output suits you if you want a vintage style rather than heavy distortion.
Pros
- Soapbar-style P90 single coil, designed for the bridge position
- Hum-free design, so it stays quiet in use
- Alnico V magnets and stacked coil construction
Cons
- Medium-low output may not suit players who want high-gain, heavy distortion
70AudioFu
Index↓ 2.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$166 · Aug 17$162 now$162€145 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a genuine Gibson P-90 Dogear – it’s got that raw, snarling tone perfect for rock, blues, and garage punk. It’s a straightforward pickup, so don't expect a million different sounds, but if you want that classic Les Paul Junior bite, this delivers it reliably and authentically.
Pros
- Authentic Gibson P-90 growl, instantly recognizable tone.
- Alnico 5 magnet delivers a focused, articulate midrange response.
- USA-made quality ensures consistent performance and durability.
Cons
- Can be microphonic, prone to unwanted noise at high gain.
- Limited tonal versatility compared to humbuckers or coil-splitting options.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$128 now$128€115 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Seymour Duncan SP90-3n Custom P90 Neck Pickup
SP90-3n Custom P90 Neck BK · Seymour Duncan
15 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
This is a soapbar-style P90 pickup for the neck position of an electric guitar. It has a ceramic magnet, medium output, tight low end and a sharp, rough top end. It suits you if you want a punchy, gritty neck sound from a black soapbar pickup.
Pros
- Ceramic magnet gives this soapbar-style P90 a solid, classic build
- Made in USA with a single-conductor cable and braided shielding
- Wax sealed for a protected pickup body
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$140 now$140€125 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Seymour Duncan P90 Silencer Dog Ear Neck Pickup
P90 Silencer Dog-Ear Neck CR · Seymour Duncan
8 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
This is a neck pickup in the dog-ear style, so it fits guitars set up for a P-90 at that spot. You get the coarse-grained mids that make the P90 special, along with a noiseless design that keeps hum down. If you want that classic P-90 character with less buzz, this one is worth a look, and it is made in the USA.
Pros
- Innovative noiseless design cuts down the hum that single-coil pickups are known for
- Dog-ear style mounting fits the neck position of P-90 style guitars
- Ceramic magnets and a medium output give you the coarse-grained mids that make the P90 special
Cons
- Its medium output may not suit players who want a very hot, high-gain pickup
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$178 now$178€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a neck pickup for a casino-style electric guitar, with a vintage output and nickel covers. If you want a classic neck pickup for a casino-style guitar, you will find it a good fit. It comes with mounting screws and springs, so you have the parts you need to install it.
Pros
- Low wind neck pickup designed for a P-90 style sound
- Nickel covers give it a classic look
- Made in USA
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This Lindy Fralin hum-canceling P90 is a real gem for players wanting that classic P90 vibe without the hum. It’s a little fatter and warmer than your average P90, which is perfect for blues, rock, and anything needing a bit more grit. If you’re rocking a dog-ear guitar and want a premium-priced, reliable P90, this is a serious contender.
Pros
- Neodymium magnet delivers a surprisingly powerful, articulate low-end response.
- Hum-cancellation effectively eliminates noise without sacrificing P90 character.
- Adjustable pole pieces allow for precise output and tonal shaping.
Cons
- Neodymium magnets can sometimes exhibit slight brittleness over extended use.
- The darker tone might not suit players seeking a bright, scooped P90 sound.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$207 now$207€185 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
If you want a P-90 with a bit of attitude, this soapbar is worth a look. The two coils have different frequency ranges and output powers, and you can adjust the balance by changing the height of the pole pieces. It is recommended for the neck and bridge positions, and it gives you a rougher edge with more bite on top and more growl on the low end.
Pros
- Two coils with different frequency ranges and output powers
- Pole piece height adjustments let you calibrate tone and balance
- Recommended for both neck and bridge positions
Cons
- Slightly rougher character may not suit players who want a cleaner sound
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$133 now$133€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 35 P-90 pickups
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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Mojotone 56 Q. Coil P-90 Dogear NE BKMojotone · 3 finishes48↓ 7.2%$144€129$144€129Check ↗
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Seymour Duncan SP90-3B CremeSeymour Duncan · 3 finishes47Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
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Lollar Novel 90 BR NRMBLollar · 2 finishes45↓ 2.2%$195€175$195€175Check ↗
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Friedman Classic 90 Neck BK&WHFriedman42↓ 15.4%$160€143$160€143Check ↗
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Mojotone Hot Q. Coil P-90 Soapbar BR BKMojotone · 2 finishes41Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
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Seymour Duncan SSP90-1B BLKSeymour Duncan41Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
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Seymour Duncan SANT P90 B BKSeymour Duncan41Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
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Seymour Duncan ANT-P90DE B BLKSeymour Duncan41Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP210 Tone Zone P90 CremeDiMarzio · 2 finishes40Stable$128€115$128€115Check ↗
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DiMarzio DP209 P90 Super Distortion BKDiMarzio · 2 finishes40Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
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Gotoh Pickups TV-1 P-90 Dogear NE BKGotoh Pickups · 2 finishes39Stable$39€35$39€35Check ↗
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Gotoh Pickups Old-1 P-90 Soapbar BKGotoh Pickups · 2 finishes39Stable$39€35$39€35Check ↗
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Friedman Classic 90 Bridge BK&WHFriedman33Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
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Gotoh P90 BKGotoh32Stable$44€39$44€39Check ↗
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Bare Knuckle Boot Camp True Grit P90 Pickup SetBC True Grit P90 BR BK · Bare Knuckle · 3 finishes32↓ 4.0%$106€95$106€95Check ↗
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Kloppmann SB 62 P90 Dogear BR BKKloppmann32Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
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Bare Knuckle Boot Camp Brute Force P90 Bridge PickupBC Brute Force P90 Set CR · Bare Knuckle · 2 finishes27Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
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Seymour Duncan Phat Cat Great P-90 Set NickelSeymour Duncan25Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
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Mojotone 56 Q.Coil P-90 Set BKMojotone · 2 finishes25Stable$289€259$289€259Check ↗
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Lollar 50s Wind P-90 SoapBar Set BKLollar · 2 finishes24↑ 6.7%$356€319$356€319Check ↗
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Lollar Novel 90 Set NRMBLollar24Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
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Lollar DC-90 Set BKLollar24Stable$434€389$434€389Check ↗
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Mojotone Hot Q.Coil P-90 Set BKMojotone23Stable$289€259$289€259Check ↗
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Bare Knuckle Boot Camp Old Guard P90 Bridge PickupBC Old Guard P90 Set BK · Bare Knuckle · 2 finishes22Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
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Fishman Fluence Greg Koch P90 Set BKFishman · 2 finishes22Stable$323€289$323€289Check ↗
P-90 Pickups by the numbers
Measured across all 79 models we track, not a sample.
Median $184 — half of all P-90 pickups here cost less.
How to choose the best P-90 pickups
Output Level
Blues isn't always about screaming distortion. A moderate output P-90 (around 8-10k ohms) gives you plenty of grit for classic tones but still retains clarity and dynamics. Too hot, and you'll lose that articulation.
Midrange Voicing
The midrange is EVERYTHING for blues. We're looking for that fat midrange honk - not a scooped-out, thin sound, nor an overly nasal one. It needs to have character and sustain notes without getting muddy.
Dynamic Response
A good P-90 responds to your playing. Clean playing should remain clean, but when you dig in, you want that immediate, responsive breakup. It's about the feel, the nuance, the ability to coax different tones from a single pickup.
String Noise/Hum
P-90s are notoriously noisy. Finding one that's relatively well-shielded and minimizes 60-cycle hum is essential, especially for quieter blues passages and recording. It's a trade-off - some of that inherent hum is part of the character, but excessive noise is just distracting.
Alnico Magnet Choice
Alnico 5 tends to be brighter and more articulate, while Alnico 2 is warmer and more rounded. Alnico 8 is a rarer option, generally offering a more powerful and aggressive sound. For blues, Alnico 2 or 5 are the sweet spots, depending on your desired tonal balance.
Buying guide
So, you're chasing that classic blues grit? A P-90 is a fantastic starting point - that raw, vocal midrange is pure blues magic. But not all P-90s are created equal. Finding the right one can be the difference between sounding like Stevie Ray Vaughan and just...sounding. Let's break down some P-90s that'll get you closer to that sweet spot.
Don't chase the cheapest option. Budget P-90s often cut corners on shielding and magnet quality, resulting in more noise and a less nuanced tone. Paying a little more for a reputable brand - Bare Knuckle, Seymour Duncan, Lollar - usually gets you better materials and more consistent results.
Consider the neck pickup too; a balanced set is key to a cohesive blues tone.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 79 P-90 pickups from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are all P-90s noisy?
Pretty much. They're single-coil designs with wider, more exposed windings, so they're susceptible to hum. Good shielding helps, but it won't eliminate it entirely.
Can I put a P-90 in a humbucker-routed guitar?
Yes, but you'll need a P-90 sized route - typically 4.75" wide. It'll look a little different, but it'll work. Routing is involved, so factor in professional installation if you're not comfortable.
What's the difference between a 'dog-ear' and a 'soapbar' P-90?
It's purely cosmetic. 'Dog-ear' refers to the pickup's mounting ears, common on Gibson guitars. 'Soapbar' is a more rectangular design. The tone is the same.
I want a vintage blues tone - what output should I look for?
Generally, aim for something in the 8-10k ohm range. Lower output (7-8k) will be even more vintage-voiced, but might lack headroom in a band setting.
Are P-90s good for clean blues tones?
Absolutely. While they're known for grit, a clean amp setting with a good P-90 can deliver a surprisingly sweet and vocal tone. It's all about finding the right amp and pickup combination.





