Guitarists are known for their pursuit of unique tones and the willingness to modify their instruments to achieve them. One common modification is swapping out pickups to explore new sonic territories. In this context, the question arises: Can a P90 pickup fit into a mini humbucker slot? To answer this, we need to delve into the details of both pickup types, their dimensions, and the considerations involved in such a swap.
Understanding P90 Pickups and Mini Humbuckers:
Before addressing compatibility, it’s essential to understand the key characteristics of P90 pickups and mini humbuckers:
P90 Pickup:
- Single Coil Design: P90 pickups are single-coil pickups, known for their bright, clear, and biting tones. They offer a balance between the warmth of humbuckers and the twang of traditional single coils.
- Dimensions: P90 pickups typically have dimensions of approximately 2.7 inches (69mm) in length and 1.35 inches (34mm) in width.
- Mounting Options: P90 pickups can be mounted directly into the body of the guitar, with screws passing through the pickup’s baseplate. They are commonly found on Gibson guitars, among others.
Mini Humbucker:
- Humbucking Design: Mini humbuckers are humbucking pickups, which means they consist of two coils wound in opposite directions to cancel out noise and hum. They offer a warm and full-bodied tone.
- Dimensions: Mini humbuckers have smaller dimensions than full-sized humbuckers but are typically larger than P90s. They are around 2.3 inches (59mm) in length and 1.5 inches (38mm) in width.
- Mounting Options: Mini humbuckers are usually mounted into pickup rings or pickup surrounds, similar to full-sized humbuckers.
Compatibility Considerations:
Swapping a P90 pickup into a mini humbucker slot or vice versa involves several considerations:
- Size Difference: The primary obstacle to overcome when fitting a P90 into a mini humbucker slot is the size difference. P90s are generally larger, both in length and width, than mini humbuckers. This size disparity can result in gaps around the pickup, making it challenging to secure and potentially affecting the guitar’s aesthetics.
- Mounting and Routing: P90 pickups are typically mounted directly into the guitar’s body using screws through the baseplate. Mini humbuckers, on the other hand, are designed to fit into pickup rings or surrounds. To install a P90 into a mini humbucker slot, you might need to modify the guitar’s routing and mounting system.
- Pickup Cover and Aesthetics: Mini humbuckers often come with pickup covers that are part of their design and aesthetics. If you install a P90 in a mini humbucker slot, you might need to consider the appearance of the exposed pickup, which can be different from the original mini humbucker.
- Wiring and Electronics: The wiring and electronics of P90s and mini humbuckers may vary, and you’ll need to ensure compatibility with your guitar’s existing setup. This includes considerations like the number of conductor wires and the layout of the pickup.
Custom Solutions:
If you’re determined to make the swap and achieve your desired tonal result, it’s possible to modify the guitar’s routing and create custom mounting solutions to fit a P90 into a mini humbucker slot or vice versa. However, such modifications can be technically challenging and may require the skills of a professional guitar technician or luthier.
Conclusion:
While it’s theoretically possible to fit a P90 pickup into a mini humbucker slot or adapt a mini humbucker for a P90 slot, it’s essential to consider the size, mounting, aesthetics, and electronics aspects. Custom modifications like these can impact the guitar’s playability, aesthetics, and resale value, so they should be approached with caution and a clear understanding of the technical challenges involved. If you’re interested in experimenting with different pickups, consult with a qualified guitar technician or luthier to explore the best options for achieving your desired tonal goals while ensuring a professional and reliable result.
