When I was a beginner in the electric guitar world, I hit a big question of choosing the right types of pickup : single coil vs humbucker vs p90?. Despite their close relationship, there are still plenty of distinctions in both their tonality and their construction to justify some careful thought over which to choose.
In this article, Eguitarmania is going to look further into the whole single coil vs humbucker vs P90 thing. We will share the different characteristics that define these pickups, from the bright, sharp to thick, vintage warmth. Let’s gain insights into how each pickup shapes your sound, influences your playing, and fits into various musical genres.
The secret behind Single Coils
Single coil pickups, characterized by their bright, crisp sound, trace their origins back to the early 20th century. Over 60 years on, single coil pickups remain largely the same design. They’re made using a magnetic pole wrapped in wire that ‘picks up’ frequencies and subsequently sends them into an amp.
- Are generally lower output and “quieter”, but more vibrant and distinct.
- Often possess a “twangy” sonic character with plenty of bite and high-end cut
- Perfect for indie rock and blues with a soulful undertone.
- Also respond well to FX pedals and sound shaping thanks to their clarity
The simplicity of this design belies the rich, clarity and precision, with less of an emphasis on midrange frequencies. Despite their simplicity, single coils offer a surprising range of tones. Single coils also have a relatively lower output compared to their humbucker cousins. This makes notes and chords stand out, especially in the mix of a band.
They can get quite noisy when you crank your amp or add substantial amounts of gain, so it’s a bit of a balancing act to get a great sound when playing at high volumes. Famous players like Mark Knopfler, Jimi Hendrix, and John Mayer developed their distinct tones with the use of single coils.
The Humbucker: Silence is Golden
The humbucker’s story begins in the mid-20th century, as Seth Lover, an engineer at Gibson solve the problem of persistent noise issue associated with single coil pickups.By using two coils wound in opposite directions, Lover’s design canceled out the interference that single coils picked up.
- Making a fuller tone that masks the “hum” of certain single-coil models
- More robust in sound, more powerful, and more receptive to distortion
- Lacking clear clarity and naturally colored
- Great for producing more sound because of how powerful they are.
This innovation not only reduced noise but also produced a thicker, fuller sound and rich tone with more output than single coils. They offer more focus on midrange frequencies and are characterized by a thick, warm tone. Guitarists like Jimmy Page, Slash, and Tony Iommi use the humbucker’s capabilities to play genres like hard rock and heavy metal
Modern advancements are called “coil-splitting” humbuckers, which can be switched to operate as single coils, offering players an even broader palette of tones.
P90s: The Best of Both Worlds?
You may also encounter pickups called P90s or wide single coils. In the late 1940s, the P90 pickup first appeared on Gibson guitars. P-90 pickups are of a different nature to humbuckers, despite their fairly similar-looking aesthetic .
- P-90s – tonal bridge between single coils and humbuckers
- P90 and overdrive pedals can create throaty roar
- The aggressive sound perfectly suited the intense style of music.
A P90 has two magnets at the bottom of the pickup, with a metal spacer bar in between them. The steel pole pieces are screwed into this plate, and wire is wrapped around the pole pieces to create the electromagnet.
The P90 is often described as having a ‘growl’ to it, combining the treble bite of a single coil with a nice dose of midrange and low end for a thicker tone. The EQ of a P90 tends to be very balanced across the spectrum, with a slight spike in the treble range. Although not quite as dynamic as a single coil, when played clean, a P90 will be warmer than a single coil but with a similar clarity.
Single Coil Vs Humbucker Vs P90: The Same Riff, Three Ways
As a guitarist, I’d be happy to share a more personal comparison based on experiences and insights I’ve gathered over time.
I first start my journey with a single coil, these are like the sharp, clear voice in a choir. They stand out because they’re really clear and can sound bright and happy. But, they do have a bit of a background noise, kind of like a buzz, which I think adds character, especially when playing blues.
Transitioning to humbuckers, playing on a guitar with humbuckers made everything sound richer and deeper. Suddenly, the notes had more weight and each chord felt fuller. These are awesome for playing loud rock or anything where you want a big, bold sound. Plus, they don’t have that buzzing noise, which is pretty neat when you want a cleaner sound.
In my opinion, P90s are kind of the middle friend between the sharp single coils and the warm humbuckers. When I tried a guitar with P90s, they had a bit of the clear sound of single coils but also some of the warmth of humbuckers. They felt raw and gritty, yet capable of surprising clarity and brightness.
Which Pickup Matches Your Style?
The key with any pickup is that you should choose one that suits your playing style. If you’re into hard rock and metal, a humbucker makes sense. If you want something that will cover punk and blues, a P90 might be the better choice. Each pickup type colors the music in its unique way. Personally, I love single coils because I usually play bright and pop music.
Iconic songs defined by their pickups
“Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
John Frusciante’s intro riff and melodic lines throughout this song are a beautiful demonstration of the Stratocaster’s single coil pickups. The clear, bell-like quality of the chords and the sparkling clean solos highlight the expressive range that single coils can offer.
“Revolution” by The Beatles
John Lennon’s rhythm guitar part, played on his Epiphone Casino equipped with P90 pickups, offers a raw, biting tone that stands out in the mix. The P90s provide a grittier sound than typical single coils without losing clarity, perfectly fitting the song’s aggressive vibe.
“Back in Black” by AC/DC
Angus Young’s Gibson SG, equipped with humbuckers, delivers the thick, crunchy riff that drives this hard rock anthem. The humbuckers help produce a powerful, sustained tone that’s become synonymous with rock guitar riffs.
Final Thought
In the end, it all depends on what vibe I’m going for and what feels right at the moment. Each pickup type offers a unique palette of sounds, opening up new possibilities for expression and style. By understanding the characteristics and strengths of each, guitarists can make more informed choices.
