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HB sized P-90's

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  • HB sized P-90's

    Hi all...
    I posted a thread in the Guitar Tech forum about removing pickup covers etc. that some of you guys have contributed to, and figured I'd branch off of that discussion over here in a more appropriate setting...
    My whole goal is to get away from the stock pickups in my Les Paul Custom, and lately I've been leaning towards a P-90 style pickup, which is strange to me because up to this point I've never really given P-90's much thought, more or less just dismissing them as oversized strat pickups. I've taken the time lately to do a lot of research and listening to sound clips and things of that nature, and have come to realize the error of my ways. I've also realized how much of the music I love was actually recorded with P-90's... who knew?
    So now I have this Les Paul Custom that I recently picked up, and two gaping holes where a set of new pickups will need to go. (Figuratively- I haven't pulled them yet because I need the guitar in the meantime...)
    I've looked at several variations of HB sized P-90's, including the SD Phat Cat, GFS Dream and Mean 90's, HD Z-90's etc. Unfortunately, not all of those folks offer sound clips. I have had some experience with GFS pickups, I dropped a set of their Lil Puncher sigle coils sized HB's in a MIM Telecaster that I didn't keep long enough to really evaluate, although I thought they were OK but not spectacular. I've heard good things about their Mean and Dream 90's though, but when I emailed them with a few questions, all I got was a very short answer saying they didn't have any sound clips. Maybe I just talk too much...
    The HD Z-90's have some very good reviews but again, no sound clips.
    I checked out Seymour Duncan Phat Cats, and SD has sound clips. The drawback of listening to pickup soundclips on a computer is that you really need a good set of speakers to get the full impact... which I do not have. They did sound very good through my system though. I just don't want to base my upgrade on that one sound clip... altough the SD QP's I have n my bass are absolutely the best bass pickups around, in my opinion, so I have no doubt that the Phat Cats are good pickups.
    I've seen some discussion here about HB size P-90's, and I do understand that they won't sound exactly like a real P-90, but my question is this... what are your opinions on the different options out there? Which is closest to a real P-90 in tone?
    I also have started thinking about winding my own, although that would be a distant future goal... I have done enough DIY (stompbox and effects etc.) to know that it's not as simple as picking up a bunch of parts and whipping out the perfect pickup on my first try... but it seems like it would be a fun thing to get into. I gather that the way to go with a HB sized P-90 is to cut down a regular P-90 bobbin? Or does anyone offer a pre-made set for the purpose? I looked through the listed dealers on the Sticky Thread but didn't see anything there. Is there a template available to use to make your own bobbins for an HB size P-90?
    At any rate, I do appreciate any input... and if you read my other thread, I did warn you about more questions to come...

    Thanks
    Dan

  • #2
    ...

    Dan, I sent you a PM, let me know if you get it.
    http://www.SDpickups.com
    Stephens Design Pickups

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    • #3
      Or does anyone offer a pre-made set for the purpose? I looked through the listed dealers on the Sticky Thread but didn't see anything there.


      Some pickup makers here have their web addresses in the signature.
      Click on those and see what comes up.
      Last edited by David Schwab; 04-13-2010, 09:30 PM. Reason: fixed closing tag
      sigpic Dyed in the wool

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      • #4
        ...

        I've never seen any parts for these kinds of pickups sold anywhere or covers either. I use TV Jones raw N/S covers for the versions I make, pain in the ass to drill and polish etc. but what you gonna do....
        http://www.SDpickups.com
        Stephens Design Pickups

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        • #5
          Originally posted by Possum View Post
          I've never seen any parts for these kinds of pickups sold anywhere or covers either. I use TV Jones raw N/S covers for the versions I make, pain in the ass to drill and polish etc. but what you gonna do....
          Make 'em or modify. Personally I prefer to make my own covers and to make them look more in the spirit of a P90, I make them with plastic.
          sigpic Dyed in the wool

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          • #6
            I have a bag full of HBP90 bobbins that are pretty nice that I got several years ago from overseas - but I still need to do all the cover/appearance stuff to make a decent finished product. The bobbins are nice, but for finished product, i really love the look of Spence's molded plastic covers and kick myself for not taking the time to get into vacuum molding....

            Originally posted by Possum View Post
            I've never seen any parts for these kinds of pickups sold anywhere or covers either. I use TV Jones raw N/S covers for the versions I make, pain in the ass to drill and polish etc. but what you gonna do....

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            • #7
              Spence's covers kick ass!
              It would be possible to describe everything scientifically, but it would make no sense; it would be without meaning, as if you described a Beethoven symphony as a variation of wave pressure. — Albert Einstein


              http://coneyislandguitars.com
              www.soundcloud.com/davidravenmoon

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              • #8
                It's time for you to go into the P90 parts business Spence.
                www.guitarforcepickups.com

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                • #9
                  ...

                  Yes Spence has a great ass.....wait that didn't come out right Are you able to get the depth of a humbucker cover with vacu-form?
                  http://www.SDpickups.com
                  Stephens Design Pickups

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Possum View Post
                    Yes Spence has a great ass.....wait that didn't come out right Are you able to get the depth of a humbucker cover with vacu-form?
                    Firstly, it's very easy to get humbucker depth with vacuum forming.

                    Shed Pickups //

                    I am setting up a parts website in the future but it'll take time. I just haven't got a lot of spare time right now but it will happen.
                    sigpic Dyed in the wool

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Spence View Post
                      Firstly, it's very easy to get humbucker depth with vacuum forming.

                      Shed Pickups //

                      I am setting up a parts website in the future but it'll take time. I just haven't got a lot of spare time right now but it will happen.
                      I'll get in quick if I may.
                      2 legs of lamb and a couple of shoulders please. Are you going to stock mint sauce and gravy mix as well.

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                      • #12
                        I understand he's got a rather novel way of basting those cuts.

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                        • #13
                          Right, just finished beasting...I mean...basting...and filling Jonson's order!

                          Next!
                          sigpic Dyed in the wool

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                          • #14
                            you all are sick I tell ya.
                            www.guitarforcepickups.com

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              nothing sick about Spence's sheep. Lamb stuffed with sausage meat wonderful.
                              Don't sit too near that bacon slicer Spence as I don't want you to get a little behind wiv me order.

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