AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Lollar P-90 Pickups 2026
The top pick is Lollar P90 Dogear Casino Neck C ($174). Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 5 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 5
Full detail for the 5 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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This Lollar Casino Neck P90 is a fantastic choice for players seeking that classic, warm, and articulate tone characteristic of vintage Casinos. It's a beautifully voiced pickup, perfect for blues, jazz, and rock players who want a touch of vintage grit without the harshness of some hotter P90s. The build quality is superb, and it'll definitely elevate your tone.
Pros
- Excellent clarity and articulation for a P90.
- Nickel covers provide a genuinely vintage aesthetic appeal.
- Low wind design delivers a smoother, less overwound tone.
Cons
- Can be microphonic if not properly shielded and installed.
- Limited versatility; excels in specific vintage tones, less suited for modern genres.
59AudioFu
Index↓ 2.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$179 · Aug 17$174 now$174€155 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
These Lollar Novel 90s are a clever twist on the classic P90 sound. They’ve managed to retain that aggressive bite while softening some of the harsher frequencies, making them incredibly usable across a wider range of amps and playing styles. Ideal for players craving that P90 grit but want a little more refinement and flexibility – especially good for rock, blues, and garage rock tones.
Pros
- AlNiCo 2 magnet delivers a warmer, more vocal tone than Ceramic alternatives.
- The 'Novel' design provides a wider frequency response, avoiding the typical P90 boxiness.
- Nickel-plated steel cover adds a touch of vintage aesthetics and reduces brittleness.
Cons
- 10.8k DC resistance may be a bit hot for some vintage-voiced guitars.
- Matte black finish can show fingerprints and grime more easily than gloss finishes.
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$201 now$201€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
These Lollar 50s Winds are fantastic if you're chasing a vintage P-90 vibe – think early rock 'n' roll, blues, and classic country. They’re a little more refined than your typical P-90, with a smoother high end and a less aggressive growl. If you want that classic P-90 feel without the inherent feedback and muddiness, this is a premium-priced pickup set worth considering.
Pros
- AlNiCo 2 magnets deliver a sweeter, more vintage P-90 tone.
- Lower output provides clarity and cuts through a mix exceptionally well.
- Hand-wound construction ensures consistent quality and tonal character.
Cons
- Lower output may require a preamp for heavier rock or metal styles.
- AlNiCo 2 magnets offer less 'oomph' compared to higher-powered options.
28AudioFu
Index↓ 3.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$336 · Aug 17$325 now$325€289 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
These Lollar DC-90s are a seriously clever upgrade. They nail that classic P-90 bite and growl, but without any of the hum. Perfect for players chasing vintage tones—blues, rock, even some rootsy stuff—who want a clean, powerful signal.
Pros
- Hand-wound construction delivers exceptional clarity and dynamic response.
- Noiseless design effectively eliminates hum without sacrificing P-90 character.
- 12.3k/11k DC resistance provides a balanced, vintage-inspired output.
Cons
- Mounting system differs from standard P-90s, requiring slight adaptation.
- Premium-priced, represents a significant investment for some players.
25AudioFu
Index↓ 2.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$438 · Aug 17$426 now$426€379 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
These Novel 90s from Lollar are a seriously clever design. They nail that classic P90 grit and punch, but in a humbucker-sized package – perfect for guitars that don’t have P90 routs. If you’re after that thick, creamy tone for rock, blues, or even some modern styles, these are a fantastic upgrade.
Pros
- AlNiCo II magnets deliver a warm, articulate vintage tone.
- Nickel-covered AlNiCo IIs provide a sweet, responsive feel.
- Larger footprint retains P90 vibe while fitting humbucker routes.
Cons
- Higher DC resistance might slightly darken high-end frequencies.
- Limited tonal flexibility compared to more versatile pickup sets.
24AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$393 now$393€349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
P-90 Pickups by the numbers
Measured across all 80 models we track, not a sample.
Median $201 — half of all P-90 pickups here cost less.
How to choose the best P-90 pickups
Vintage Voicing
Lollar's philosophy is about recreating the feel and tone of classic P-90s, but with modern materials and tolerances. They're not chasing a sterile 'perfect' sound; they're aiming for that raw, dynamic response you get from a well-worn vintage pickup.
Alnico 5 vs. Alnico 2
The Alnico 5 models offer a brighter, more aggressive tone with more output, great for rock and blues. The Alnico 2 versions are smoother, warmer, and more vocal - a killer choice for jazz, roots music, or anyone wanting a less aggressive edge.
Winding and Stacked Design
Lollar's meticulous winding patterns and their stacked design (where they use multiple layers of wire) contribute to their unique clarity and sustain. It's not just about the magnet; it's about how the wire interacts with the magnetic field.
Hand-Wound Quality
These aren't mass-produced pickups. They're hand-wound, which means each one has its own subtle tonal fingerprint. You'll find a little variance - and that's part of the charm.
Dogear vs. Soapbar Options
Lollar offers both dogear and soapbar versions, allowing you to drop them into a wider range of guitars. Make sure you know what your guitar needs - dogear for Les Pauls, soapbar for Gibsons and others.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're chasing that P-90 growl, huh? Let's be honest, a lot of P-90s sound like choked-off strats - brittle and lacking that fat midrange honk. Lollar's taken a different approach, meticulously recreating vintage specs while subtly tweaking them for modern headroom. If you want a P-90 that's got character, bite, and a real sense of touch, keep reading - these are worth a serious look.
Look, Lollar P-90s aren't cheap. You're paying for that attention to detail and the hand-wound quality. Don't expect a sterile, perfectly balanced tone - these have character, and that's the point.
If you're on a tight budget, there are cheaper options, but you'll almost certainly compromise on build quality and that unique P-90 growl.
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 18 P-90 pickups from the Thomann catalogue (of 80 in the category). 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 Lollar P-90s louder than stock Gibson pickups?
Generally, yes. They offer more output, especially the Alnico 5 models, but it's not a huge jump. It's more about clarity and sustain than sheer volume.
Will these fit in my Telecaster?
Potentially. You'll need to do some routing, as Telecasters typically have narrower spacing. It's doable, but be prepared for some modification.
What's the difference between the 'Empire' and 'Dogear' models?
The 'Empire' is their higher-output version, designed for more aggressive tones. The 'Dogear' is a more traditional voicing, closer to vintage specs.
I've heard about Lollar's 'irregular winding' - what does that mean?
It's part of their attempt to recreate the imperfections of vintage pickups. It's not a flaw; it's intentional to add character and dynamic response. Don't expect them to be perfectly uniform.
Do I need to upgrade my pots and caps to get the most out of these?
It'll definitely improve the tone, but it's not strictly necessary. A decent set of pots and caps can really help shape the pickup's response and unlock some extra headroom.
