2009 TDPRI Giveaway Winners List is available HERE

Mr.Reed · February 17th, 2009, 03:01 PM

Well basically I want to give the p-90 a trial. I'd go with GFS just cause I'm on a budget. I was wondering what are some good p-90s the offer that fit in the humbucker route (I have an Artcore, so routing the body is not an option).

jkingma · February 17th, 2009, 03:20 PM

I've never used the GFS humbucker sized P90, or anyone elses for that matter... but to me the sound of a P90 has a lot to do with the size and construction of the pickup. So as soon as you try and squeeze that into a humbucker sized case you've changed the dymanic of the pickup and also the sound, IMHO. YMMV.

TelZilla · February 17th, 2009, 03:31 PM

See if you can find a used SD Phat Cat. I've got one in the neck pos. on my tele, and I like it a lot.

I have seen people rave about the Mean 90's and the Dream 90's, but I have no personal experience...

Mr.Reed · February 17th, 2009, 03:34 PM

Yeah I've seen the latter names a few times, but I want to get as close to the p-90 sound without more effort than re-wiring some pots. I'd like to get a set of p-rails, but those are $180 a pair.

Telenator · February 17th, 2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Reed

Yeah I've seen the latter names a few times, but I want to get as close to the p-90 sound without more effort than re-wiring some pots. I'd like to get a set of p-rails, but those are $180 a pair.

You get what you pay for.

I've been hearing all the rave reviews about GFS pickups and finally had the chance to hear a Strat set. I was seriously underwhelmed with the sound. Especially at jamming volume.

Mr.Reed · February 17th, 2009, 05:04 PM

Yeah, that what I'm feeling, but being let down by a $30 pickup, is much better than a $180. I really want to get a feel for the P-90 sound, before this summer when I try to get the P-Rails.

Beatbx · February 17th, 2009, 05:08 PM

I like the Mean 90, it's in the bridge of my Squier '51. It's LOUD yo.

TelZilla · February 17th, 2009, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beatbx

I like the Mean 90, it's in the bridge of my Squier '51. It's LOUD yo.

That's sort of been my experience with GFS. They are very high output overall.

I did finally get a strat set I like, but they are the most vintage, and I have them cranked pretty far down...

mad dog · February 17th, 2009, 05:13 PM

A buddy just shipped over a set of Harmonic Design Z90s. I've long wanted to try these HB sized P90s. (The other choice high on my to-try list are the Fralin P-92s.) Anyway, the HD pickups are going into a vaguely LP like Dearmond solidbody, along with a Bigsby. See if I can push that thing into surf territory.

Chrismo · February 17th, 2009, 05:42 PM

I'll say this: for the money, the Mean 90 flat out rocks.

The problem is that it is rather loud and may cause balance issues with an existing complementary pickup.

I'd go for the full set...I've heard the Dream 90s get towards that sound as well, but it's basically a single coil mounted in a humbucker shell.

The Mean 90 is like a humbucker in the sense that it's got a warm full sound, but in the same sense retaining the clarity and chime of a singlecoil. In the bridge with a nice overdriven tone you're in the valley of Townshend.

Chrismo · February 17th, 2009, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Reed

Yeah, that what I'm feeling, but being let down by a $30 pickup, is much better than a $180. I really want to get a feel for the P-90 sound, before this summer when I try to get the P-Rails.

If you're already planning a swap for a more expensive pickup in the near future, I'd save the money and get a set of BG Pure 90s. This is the closest-to-vintage toned humbucker-sized P-90 I've ever heard:

http://www.bg-pups.com/h90.html

Bluesbend · February 17th, 2009, 06:13 PM

I've got a GFS Mean 90 at the bridge position on a parts-o-strat. I have no complaints at all. I had a hard time putting that axe down for the first couple of weeks after I installed it. I can't say how it would sound with a hollowbody though.

Chris S. · February 17th, 2009, 10:24 PM

I put a pair of GFS Mean 90s in a Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion and they really woke the guitar up. I've got several other P90-equipped guitars and the GFS pickups compare very favorably IMO. Hope it helps, CS

Mr.Reed · February 18th, 2009, 01:43 AM

well I feel the P-rails would be overkill, and I'm leaning toward a set of mean 90's. Its an artcore, and I'd like to livin' it up.

notjustdrew · February 18th, 2009, 07:13 AM

Search the UKs ebay for catswhisker pickups, this guy scatter wound me a humbucker-sized p90 to fit my les paul and it blew the SDs away (overwound, vacumn wax potted, alnico v magnet). And he's really cheap for a custom wound pickup. Pretty sure he'd ship internationally.

Steinar G · February 18th, 2009, 08:17 AM

I've had mixed experiences with GFS pickups (as well as the rest of their stuff) but I love their humbucker sized "Dream 90" P-90s, use them in two of my guitars. Unlike many of their other pickups they're not overpowered or too bright, but fill the gap between single coils and humbuckers nicely.

castpolymer · February 18th, 2009, 09:08 AM

I have a set of Dream 90's in the bridge and neck of a Tele. They are a nice change of tonal pace. A compromise between a Fender type single coil and a humbucker.

Mr.Reed · February 19th, 2009, 07:40 PM

So basically I need to ask myself... do I want to Dream, or do I want to be mean? I think I'd only replace the bridge pickup, so that I have a "brighter sound" in that position, and that nice full sound in the neck, and a split between the two in the middle.

chucksmi · February 19th, 2009, 10:01 PM

I put the GFS's into a PRS and they were so uninspiring I gave up and sold the guitar.
They sounded like cheap Chinese pickups, which coincidently, they are. Sounded halfway decent practicing, but one I got to gigging volume they turned to mush.

RomanS · February 20th, 2009, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Reed

So basically I need to ask myself... do I want to Dream, or do I want to be mean? I think I'd only replace the bridge pickup, so that I have a "brighter sound" in that position, and that nice full sound in the neck, and a split between the two in the middle.

Well, do you want a Strat tone or a P90 tone?
The Dream 90 is more or less a Strat coil in a humbucker housing, the Mean 90 is closer to a HB-sized P90.

February 17th, 2009, 03:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
Mr.Reed Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Age: 20 Posts: 1,047	Humbucker Style P-90's Well basically I want to give the p-90 a trial. I'd go with GFS just cause I'm on a budget. I was wondering what are some good p-90s the offer that fit in the humbucker route (I have an Artcore, so routing the body is not an option). __________________ "There is nothing like the smell of "Twang" in the morning" - Arlo

February 17th, 2009, 03:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
jkingma Friend of Leo's Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: N43° 11.943 ~ W079° 35.285 Posts: 3,083 18 Photos	I've never used the GFS humbucker sized P90, or anyone elses for that matter... but to me the sound of a P90 has a lot to do with the size and construction of the pickup. So as soon as you try and squeeze that into a humbucker sized case you've changed the dymanic of the pickup and also the sound, IMHO. YMMV. __________________ Creator of Fine Sawdust and Expensive Kindling.

February 17th, 2009, 03:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
TelZilla Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cleveburg, USA Age: 39 Posts: 2,853 6 Photos	See if you can find a used SD Phat Cat. I've got one in the neck pos. on my tele, and I like it a lot. I have seen people rave about the Mean 90's and the Dream 90's, but I have no personal experience... __________________ "Slade was the coolest band in England. They were the kind of guys that would push your car out of a ditch." - Alice Cooper Thanks, Nick

February 17th, 2009, 03:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
Mr.Reed Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Age: 20 Posts: 1,047	Yeah I've seen the latter names a few times, but I want to get as close to the p-90 sound without more effort than re-wiring some pots. I'd like to get a set of p-rails, but those are $180 a pair. __________________ "There is nothing like the smell of "Twang" in the morning" - Arlo

February 17th, 2009, 05:04 PM	#6 (permalink)
Mr.Reed Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Age: 20 Posts: 1,047	Yeah, that what I'm feeling, but being let down by a $30 pickup, is much better than a $180. I really want to get a feel for the P-90 sound, before this summer when I try to get the P-Rails. __________________ "There is nothing like the smell of "Twang" in the morning" - Arlo

February 17th, 2009, 05:08 PM	#7 (permalink)
Beatbx Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Jacksonville, FL Age: 38 Posts: 324	I like the Mean 90, it's in the bridge of my Squier '51. It's LOUD yo. __________________ -Joe http://www.myspace.com/celestialsrock http://www.myspace.com/handofthehost

February 17th, 2009, 05:13 PM	#9 (permalink)
mad dog Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,102	A buddy just shipped over a set of Harmonic Design Z90s. I've long wanted to try these HB sized P90s. (The other choice high on my to-try list are the Fralin P-92s.) Anyway, the HD pickups are going into a vaguely LP like Dearmond solidbody, along with a Bigsby. See if I can push that thing into surf territory.

February 17th, 2009, 05:42 PM	#10 (permalink)
Chrismo Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia Age: 21 Posts: 1,391 7 Photos	I'll say this: for the money, the Mean 90 flat out rocks. The problem is that it is rather loud and may cause balance issues with an existing complementary pickup. I'd go for the full set...I've heard the Dream 90s get towards that sound as well, but it's basically a single coil mounted in a humbucker shell. The Mean 90 is like a humbucker in the sense that it's got a warm full sound, but in the same sense retaining the clarity and chime of a singlecoil. In the bridge with a nice overdriven tone you're in the valley of Townshend. __________________ Well let me just quote the late-great Colonel Sanders, who said..."I'm too drunk to taste this chicken." http://thetonechasers.wordpress.com/

February 17th, 2009, 06:13 PM	#12 (permalink)
Bluesbend Banned Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: east of Seattle, Wa. Posts: 197	I've got a GFS Mean 90 at the bridge position on a parts-o-strat. I have no complaints at all. I had a hard time putting that axe down for the first couple of weeks after I installed it. I can't say how it would sound with a hollowbody though.

February 17th, 2009, 10:24 PM	#13 (permalink)
Chris S. Moderator Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Near TELE-Town (Wash. DC) Posts: 3,589 7 Photos	I put a pair of GFS Mean 90s in a Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion and they really woke the guitar up. I've got several other P90-equipped guitars and the GFS pickups compare very favorably IMO. Hope it helps, CS __________________ "I go online sometimes, but everyone's spelling is really bad. It's depressing." – Tara, from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" "It was born at the junction of form and function." – Bill Kirchen, from "Hammer of the Honky-Tonk Gods"

February 18th, 2009, 01:43 AM	#14 (permalink)
Mr.Reed Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Age: 20 Posts: 1,047	well I feel the P-rails would be overkill, and I'm leaning toward a set of mean 90's. Its an artcore, and I'd like to livin' it up. __________________ "There is nothing like the smell of "Twang" in the morning" - Arlo

February 18th, 2009, 07:13 AM	#15 (permalink)
notjustdrew TDPRI Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: exeter Age: 22 Posts: 38	Search the UKs ebay for catswhisker pickups, this guy scatter wound me a humbucker-sized p90 to fit my les paul and it blew the SDs away (overwound, vacumn wax potted, alnico v magnet). And he's really cheap for a custom wound pickup. Pretty sure he'd ship internationally.

February 18th, 2009, 08:17 AM	#16 (permalink)
Steinar G Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Norway Age: 50 Posts: 338	I've had mixed experiences with GFS pickups (as well as the rest of their stuff) but I love their humbucker sized "Dream 90" P-90s, use them in two of my guitars. Unlike many of their other pickups they're not overpowered or too bright, but fill the gap between single coils and humbuckers nicely. __________________ "Play to express, not to impress" Website - MySpace - YouTube

February 18th, 2009, 09:08 AM	#17 (permalink)
castpolymer Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2008 Location: Oklahoma - Home of the Sooners Age: 38 Posts: 2,155	I have a set of Dream 90's in the bridge and neck of a Tele. They are a nice change of tonal pace. A compromise between a Fender type single coil and a humbucker.

February 19th, 2009, 07:40 PM	#18 (permalink)
Mr.Reed Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Age: 20 Posts: 1,047	So basically I need to ask myself... do I want to Dream, or do I want to be mean? I think I'd only replace the bridge pickup, so that I have a "brighter sound" in that position, and that nice full sound in the neck, and a split between the two in the middle. __________________ "There is nothing like the smell of "Twang" in the morning" - Arlo

February 19th, 2009, 10:01 PM	#19 (permalink)
chucksmi Tele-Meister Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: New York Age: 52 Posts: 234	I put the GFS's into a PRS and they were so uninspiring I gave up and sold the guitar. They sounded like cheap Chinese pickups, which coincidently, they are. Sounded halfway decent practicing, but one I got to gigging volume they turned to mush. __________________ Free the TeleBob Five!

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