AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best P-90 Pickups for Blues 2026
The top pick is Seymour Duncan SPH90-1n Phat Cat Neck Pickup ($145). Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 35 models across 12 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 17, 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
39 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.
90AudioFu
Index↓ 13.4%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$168 · Aug 14$145 now$145€129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Seymour Duncan JJN P90 Silencer Soapbar Jared James Nichols Signature…
JJN P90 Silencer Soapbar B BL · Seymour Duncan
18 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.
80AudioFu
Index↓ 17.1%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$224 · Aug 14$186 now$186€165 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Seymour Duncan STK-P1b P90 Soapbar Stack Bridge Pickup
STK-P1N Soapbar Neck Cream · Seymour Duncan
16 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
This STK-P1N is a clever take on the classic P90. It delivers that creamy, vintage warmth we all love, but with a surprising level of hum cancellation thanks to the stacked coil. If you're chasing a P90 vibe in a humbucker-equipped guitar, or just want a mellow, articulate neck pickup, this is a seriously solid choice.
Pros
- Alnico V magnet delivers a warm, articulate vintage tone.
- Stacked coil design effectively minimizes hum and noise.
- Soapbar cover provides a unique aesthetic and slightly tighter response.
Cons
- Output is medium-low; won't suit players needing high-gain distortion.
- Soapbar design limits tonal flexibility compared to traditional P90s.
75AudioFu
Index↓ 14.9%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$197 · Aug 14$168 now$168€149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Seymour Duncan SP90-3n Custom P90 Neck Pickup
SP90-3n Custom P90 Neck BK · Seymour Duncan
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
This SP90-3n neck pickup is a great choice if you're chasing a raw, aggressive P90 tone. The ceramic magnet gives it a real bite and punch, perfect for blues-rock and heavier styles. It’s a solid, affordable option for players wanting that classic P90 vibe without the vintage price tag.
Pros
- Ceramic magnet delivers a tighter, more focused low-end response than Alnico.
- 12kΩ DC resistance provides ample output for a thicker, more driven tone.
- Wax potting minimizes microphonic squeals and improves overall pickup stability.
Cons
- Ceramic magnet lacks the warmth and complexity of traditional Alnico options.
- Limited versatility; excels in rock/blues, less suited for clean or delicate tones.
69AudioFu
Index↓ 13.8%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$163 · Aug 14$141 now$141€125 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Gibson P90 Soapbar Creme is a fantastic choice if you're chasing that raw, gritty, vintage tone. It's a hotter version of the classic P90, perfect for blues, rock, and slide guitarists who want a powerful, characterful voice – just be prepared for a bit more hum than a humbucker.
Pros
- Classic P90 tone, raw and dynamic, captures that vintage Gibson vibe.
- Increased output compared to vintage specs, delivers more aggressive drive.
- Excellent choice for mahogany guitars, complements the wood's warmth beautifully.
Cons
- Can be noisy – P90s are inherently prone to hum and microphonic issues.
- Limited tonal versatility; excels in rock/blues, less suited for clean sounds.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$134 now$134€119 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
Seymour Duncan’s Silencer P90 is a clever take on the classic. It nails the P90 grit and growl while significantly taming the hum that can plague them. This is a great choice for players seeking that vintage P90 tone in a humbucker-friendly package, particularly for rock, blues, and indie styles.
Pros
- Ceramic magnet delivers a tight, focused low-end response characteristic of P90s.
- Silencer design effectively reduces hum and noise without sacrificing much character.
- Cream cover offers a classic aesthetic, blending well with vintage-style guitars.
Cons
- Ceramic magnet tone might lack the warmth and complexity of Alnico alternatives.
- Neck position only; lacks the versatility of a full set of pickups.
63AudioFu
Index↓ 15.9%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$213 · Aug 14$179 now$179€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Lollar P-90 Neck pickup is a real winner for those chasing that classic, slightly gritty P-90 vibe. The aged Alnico-5 magnets mellow out the harshness often found in P-90s, giving you a really creamy, responsive tone—perfect for blues, rock, and indie players wanting a vintage-inspired sound without the fuss.
Pros
- Aged Alnico-5 magnets deliver a uniquely warm, vintage-voiced character.
- Hand-wound construction ensures tonal complexity and consistency.
- Braided shielding minimizes noise and hum for a cleaner signal.
Cons
- Lower output might not suit players needing extremely high gain.
- Black cover might not be ideal for guitars with vintage aesthetics.
59AudioFu
Index↓ 2.9%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$156 · Aug 14$152 now$152€135 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This SP90-3B really kicks! It’s got that raw, aggressive bite perfect for rock, blues, and anything needing some serious grit. The ceramic magnets give it a modern edge while retaining that classic P90 character – a solid choice for players wanting a powerful vintage vibe.
Pros
- Ceramic magnets deliver a tight, focused low-end response.
- The specially designed coil provides a surprisingly wide frequency spectrum.
- Bridge/neck calibration balances tone and output across string positions.
Cons
- The higher output might be too aggressive for very subtle, clean tones.
- SP90s inherently can be microphonic; this one isn't the quietest.
53AudioFu
Index↓ 11.0%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$163 · Aug 14$145 now$145€129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Seymour Duncan Antiquity P90 Soapbar Bridge Pickup
Antiquity P90 Pickup Set Cream · Seymour Duncan
34 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
These Antiquity P90s nail that early Les Paul vibe – thick, growly, and full of character. They’re not your super-hot, modern P90s; they’re aiming for that authentic 50s tone. If you’re chasing that raw, vintage rock and blues sound and want a touch more output than the absolute earliest examples, this is a seriously excellent choice.
Pros
- Alnico II magnets deliver that classic, warm, and vocal-like vintage tone.
- Aged cream finish convincingly replicates early 50s Les Paul aesthetics.
- The braided shielding cable minimizes noise and hum for a cleaner signal.
Cons
- The aged finish might not appeal to players seeking a pristine, modern look.
- The DC resistance indicates a relatively fixed output; less adaptable for extreme tones.
51AudioFu
Index↓ 20.0%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$505 · Aug 14$404 now$404€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
DiMarzio DP169BK Virtual P-90
DP169 Virtual P-90 BK · DiMarzio
8 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The DP169 is a clever pickup – it’s essentially two coils working together to give you a P-90 vibe with added nuance. It's a great choice for rock, blues, and garage rock players who want a thick, gritty tone without the full-on hum of a humbucker, and a little extra sonic flexibility.
Pros
- Unique dual-coil design delivers surprising tonal complexity.
- Adjustable polepieces allow fine-tuning of balance and output.
- Provides a raw, aggressive P-90 growl with increased clarity.
Cons
- Can be noisier than traditional single-coil P-90 pickups.
- The adjustable polepieces require some experimentation to dial in perfectly.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$134 now$134€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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Lindy Fralin P90 Hum-Cancel Dog Ear N BKLindy Fralin · 7 finishes50Stable$208€185$208€185Check ↗
- 12
Seymour Duncan ANT-P90DE B BLKSeymour Duncan50↓ 17.5%$213€189$213€189Check ↗
- 13
Seymour Duncan SANT P90 B BKSeymour Duncan49↓ 14.9%$213€189$213€189Check ↗
- 14
Mojotone 56 Q. Coil P-90 Dogear NE BKMojotone · 3 finishes48↓ 7.2%$145€129$145€129Check ↗
- 15
Mojotone Hot Q. Coil P-90 Soapbar BR BKMojotone · 2 finishes47↓ 11.0%$145€129$145€129Check ↗
- 16
Seymour Duncan SSP90-1B BLKSeymour Duncan47↓ 11.0%$145€129$145€129Check ↗
- 17
Gotoh Pickups Old-1 P-90 Soapbar NE BKGotoh Pickups · 4 finishes45Stable$39€35$39€35Check ↗
- 18
Lollar Novel 90 BR NRMBLollar · 2 finishes44Stable$201€179$201€179Check ↗
- 19
Friedman Classic 90 Neck BK&WHFriedman42↓ 15.4%$161€143$161€143Check ↗
- 20
Gotoh Pickups TV-1 P-90 Dogear NE BKGotoh Pickups · 2 finishes41Stable$39€35$39€35Check ↗
- 21
DiMarzio DP210 Tone Zone P90 CremeDiMarzio · 2 finishes40Stable$129€115$129€115Check ↗
- 22
DiMarzio DP 209 BKDiMarzio · 2 finishes40Stable$134€119$134€119Check ↗
- 23
Bare Knuckle Boot Camp True Grit P90 Pickup SetBC True Grit P90 BR BK · Bare Knuckle · 3 finishes38Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 24
Friedman Classic 90 Bridge BK&WHFriedman34Stable$190€169$190€169Check ↗
- 25
Gotoh P90 BKGotoh32Stable$44€39$44€39Check ↗
- 26
Kloppmann SB 62 P90 Dogear BR BKKloppmann32Stable$213€189$213€189Check ↗
- 27
Seymour Duncan Phat Cat Great P-90 Set NickelSeymour Duncan30↓ 15.6%$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 28
Bare Knuckle Boot Camp Brute Force P90 Bridge PickupBC Brute Force P90 Set CR · Bare Knuckle · 2 finishes28↓ 3.2%$201€179$201€179Check ↗
- 29
Mojotone 56 Q.Coil P-90 Set CRMojotone · 2 finishes27↓ 7.2%$291€259$291€259Check ↗
- 30
Lollar 50s Wind P-90 SoapBar Set BKLollar · 2 finishes25↑ 3.6%$325€289$325€289Check ↗
- 31
Lollar Novel 90 Set NRMBLollar24Stable$393€349$393€349Check ↗
- 32
Lollar DC-90 Set BKLollar24↑ 2.7%$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 33
Bare Knuckle Boot Camp Old Guard P90 Bridge PickupBC Old Guard P90 Set BK · Bare Knuckle · 2 finishes23↓ 5.3%$201€179$201€179Check ↗
- 34
Fishman Fluence Greg Koch P90 Set BKFishman · 2 finishes23↓ 3.3%$325€289$325€289Check ↗
- 35
Mojotone Hot Q.Coil P-90 Set BKMojotone21↑ 4.0%$291€259$291€259Check ↗
P-90 Pickups by the numbers
Measured across all 80 models we track, not a sample.
Median $174 — 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 80 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.
