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P90 sound

GAS Face

New member
Joined
Dec 3, 2020
Messages
17
Hi all. I am looking to broaden my available tones. Well, basically just want a reason to buy another guitar. I have a LP standard 50s and various strats. Looking at P90s or an ES 335. Would the 335 be to similar to the LP? And if p90, I think there is an es335 version and I see the SG special with p90s. Thoughts on these options? Or a better p90 option? It’s just hard to think of buying an es335 or SG sans the humbuckers.
 

peeninety

Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2002
Messages
297
I think you might want to play a few guitars to refine your taste.

I've played quite a few and, obviously, am a P90 fan, though not exclusively.

My main squeeze is an R4, and I've got a couple of vintage LP Jrs, too.

I also have a couple of 335s with Tom Holmes humbuckers and--don't laugh--a LP Special with P100s that I love, too.

I use all of them.
 

jrgtr42

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 24, 2005
Messages
2,308
I think you might want to play own a few more guitars to refine your taste.
There, fixed it for you!
The 335 is somewhat simillar to the LP in that it's got a similar electronics package, but the semi-hollow body gives it a very different sound.
The P90 is a different tonal response - think of it as somewhere between a humbucker and a single coil, but that's not really fair to any of them.
But yeah, definitely play a few different models of each, preferably with the same amp, so see the differences - also play one similar to your own current guitars as a tonal reference.
 

GAS Face

New member
Joined
Dec 3, 2020
Messages
17
Thanks for the input. Will do the best I can. But things working against me are stores here having only entry level models AND no lefties. I have always envied Righties who have the option to dip in a store and really get after it trying out various pickups, necks, models, ect. I’m more in the research, order, hope it’s what I wanted or return it. Actually ordered both the 50s and 60s LPs left handed and was able to return the 60s after confirming the 50s neck was not too chunky for me. My heart wants an es335 but thinking P90s would just add something I don’t have. If epiphone offered the casino with p90s in lefty I’d be all over that.
 

thin sissy

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 2, 2006
Messages
2,691
You lefties have it hard, it must be difficult not being able to just pick up any random guitar to try. IMHO you should get a P90 guitar. It's the best pickup I think, along with a tele bridge. Hard to describe in words really, but I think of them as fat like a humbucker, but clear because it's a single coil. There is "something" on top of the notes that humbuckers rarely have. Dry and bright if that makes sense? Some people have a problem with hum, I don't think it's a big deal but that is something you should consider. Good luck :) !
 

Icandrive55

Active member
Joined
Oct 26, 2019
Messages
166
P90's were life changing for me. They can sound very aggressive or sweet. They have the beefiness of a humbucker but sound more musical to me. I like good PAF's a lot but I don't feel they have the same low end. The only downside obviously is the noise. Unless, you're playing super high gain, it hasn't been an issue for me at all and you can always use a noise gate.

I do think you should check out Jr's and Specials as well. I think there is something about the wraparound tailpiece (being a single piece of metal without extra parts), that give them this extra sustain and resonance. And depending on your price range, you can probably snag a vintage one for a similar price to a CS ES 335.

Edit: reading some of the lefty comments! Yes.. that would make it challenging to find a vintage model. It would be pricy but I would maybe consider a M2M ES 335 with P90's? If you go that route, you can get exactly what you want (lefty, pickups, color?). The custom shop is making tremendous guitars right now and that would be a very unique addition to your collection. I've never heard of anyone disappointed with their 335!
 
Last edited:

goldtop0

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 19, 2003
Messages
8,931
I can't expand on the above posts but to reiterate that a 335 to me is a step up from a LP but you gotta find the right one and I love the P90 tone more so compared to humbuckers, it's a clearer crisper sound overall to my ears........I play both all the time.
Good luck with your hunt you're going to have fun...........took me decades.
 

GAS Face

New member
Joined
Dec 3, 2020
Messages
17
Think curious Mike is on to something. Maybe a 335 with buckers and an SG with P90s is the answer to all my problems!😂
 
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