NGD- GAS'ing for something different

[Wise Guy]

Since I was in the market for an SG, ended up picking up this 2010 Classic with P90's. A pickup I don't typically play but have been curious about as of lately. And to be honest, they play clean really great, especially the neck. But the bridge pup does leave something to be desired. So I ended up purchasing a Dimarzio Tone Zone P90 to replace it. I can't seem to shake the need for a humbucker in the bridge.
Btw, this particular guitar has the blondest rosewood I've ever seen on a guitar. I had to check its specs to see what kind of wood it used because it almost resembled baked maple. But apparently it is rosewood. Either way, after an oiling I'm really digging the reddish/blonde color.
Also despite this being in the questionable 'Henry J' era, this particular one has zero flaws that I can tell. No tooling marks, nibs are filed well and don't catch strings, action is low with no buzz... Someone did swap the tuners for these top locking Grovers which I'm not a fan of so they'll have to go.

 

[Wise Guy]

After several hours of playing, I'm starting to warm up to the bridge pup. I may have spoken/acted too soon. Even though my Tone Zone P90 is on the way....

 

[goldtop0]

I prefer P90s to humbuckers............ just a cleaner crisper tone overall............enjoy.

 

[Wise Guy]

I prefer P90s to humbuckers............ just a cleaner crisper tone overall............enjoy.

I can definitely see why now. I've managed to overlook them now for 3 decades....
It's probably odd for me to say because of the reviews I've read but I really like their snap and clarity with high gain playing. Most reviews stated they don't handle high gain well which, I question their rigs. I'm still going to install the Tone Zone just to compare and record an A/B difference.

 

[Vics53]

Great looking guitar! How's the noise factor with the P90's?

 

[Wise Guy]

Great looking guitar! How's the noise factor with the P90's?

I personally don't find it too overbearing like Strat single coils can be. Feels much easier to control even when played through my Boss Metal Core.

 

[goldtop0]

I play at low to medium volume and pretty clean all of the time...blues, r'n'r and r'n'b....P90s shine with just a little more noise than buckers........easily managed.

 

[zhivago]

Very cool guitar! I love SGs! I have two myself, but both with humbuckers.

 

[Ccapilla]

I personally love P90s, including that single bridge pickup in a Junior, but there is also a very good reason that a number of guitars are set up with a P90 at the neck and a humbucker in the bridge. Either way, you’re not wrong. I’ve always liked that I could get a lot of crunch out of a P90 but still back it down for that clean chime.

 

[Vics53]

I've never had a guitar with P90's. Been checking out some video's on YouTube of various guitars with P90's and I do like that chime factor and how they can flat out rock as well. The sound makes me think of a Telecaster but with a lot more "umph" to it.

 

[Ccapilla]

I've never had a guitar with P90's. Been checking out some video's on YouTube of various guitars with P90's and I do like that chime factor and how they can flat out rock as well. The sound makes me think of a Telecaster but with a lot more "umph" to it.

I very much agree with what you’re identifying there. My 1996 Special DC is a bit hotter and crunchier so it is pretty much rock all the time but the magnetic strength in my 1960 Junior has weakened a bit and has major similarities with a Tele bridge. At least until you hit about 8.5 on the volume dial. Then it turns into a flamethrower.

 

[jrgtr42]

Nice guitar. I went into a store once planning to special order one of those.
I ended up walking out with a PRS SE Soapbar and a '66 Fender Vibrochamp.
Partly still kicking myself that I didn't go with the Gibson... but I dig the Vibro and the PRS does have it's own thing going on.

 

[Vics53]

I very much agree with what you’re identifying there. My 1996 Special DC is a bit hotter and crunchier so it is pretty much rock all the time but the magnetic strength in my 1960 Junior has weakened a bit and has major similarities with a Tele bridge. At least until you hit about 8.5 on the volume dial. Then it turns into a flamethrower.

I only play at church and for the longest time I used a Telecaster with DiMarzio's. Area T neck and an Area T Hot bridge. I love the clarity and tone, especially for chords but something always seemed to be missing when I used overdriven sounds. (But then maybe it's me not knowing what I'm doing.) Bought an Epiphone SG which was a step in the right direction in many ways, but I kinda miss that Tele vibe for some things. I'm rethinking things and am wondering how a P90 loaded guitar would work for my needs. The big concern is the hum factor of which I've heard load and clear in some video's. That's the last thing I'd need to hear while serving at church!

 

[renderit]

Just turn your volume control on the guitar to zero between songs.

You get used to it.

Well worth tackling as the P90 certainly brings a lot to the table.

Now try the difference between dog ears and soap bars!

There's 6 threads worthy of discussion...

 

[Vics53]

Just turn your volume control on the guitar to zero between songs.

You get used to it.

Well worth tackling as the P90 certainly brings a lot to the table.

Now try the difference between dog ears and soap bars!

There's 6 threads worthy of discussion...

Never gave any thought to the "dog ear/soap bar" difference. Looks like I've got some homework to do! Thanks!

 

[ourmaninthenorth]

A pair of Tyson's with centuries old Belize body and Neck - tone to weep over. As Steve stated above, very easily controlled.



A Friend of mine's 1960 ES330, with the voice of an angel, literally. A stupendous guitar in all respects.