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Compare 50's P90's vrs PAF's

Bouldergold

Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2016
Messages
70
Has a good comparison been done in terms of tone and versatility of these pickups?
Wrap around P90 vrs ABR ?
Talking LP Goldtops not Jr.
Depending on where and what one reads but I am finding some say p90s are just as awesome as PAF's??
I appreciate it.
 

T.Allen

Moderator
Joined
Sep 11, 2014
Messages
2,664
It is subjective really. Some people prefer a Strat with single coils. But, I don't think you will find anybody here slam P90s. They are awesome in their own right. With the right amplifier, you can get as much BARK out of a P90 as you will a PAF. They do have a tendency to be a bit noisy which led to the entire reason for a humbucker. They are both versatile pickups.
 

DutchRay

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 15, 2015
Messages
880
I own a conversion '55 Goldtop with PAF's and a couple of '57 ES-225's (both T and TD). I love the PAF's and I like the P90's, the P90's sound very alike PAF but the noise and subtle differences tip the scale to PAF's for me. My ES-225T (single P90) cleans up very different than the PAF's, possibly due to the hollowbody, it sounds almost like an acoustic with the volume at 2-3, the ES-225TD (two P90's) has a block under the bridge and cleans up more like my Les Paul, with subtle difference in taper on the volume pot.
I have no issues doing a gig with either guitar, I think it's fun to play around the guitar's limitations, like the 14 fret body on the ES-225's or the difference in sound. I makes me work harder to get close to the sound in my head and I play better, more focused.

goldtop55.jpeg


es225ttd.jpeg
 

bern1

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 23, 2004
Messages
1,333
Your best bet is to go play some and see what YOU like.
 
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