P90s vs. P92: Head to Head Test

[MartyGrass]

Quasi-scientifically, I compared a H150 with Lollar P90s with a H157 with Fralin P92s.

 

My conclusion is that it is almost impossible to conclude anything with these A/Bs.

 

I used two amps, a tube and a solid state, with the same settings. Both guitars were maxed out on the pots. But the strings were different.

 

The P90 had GHS Nickel Compound Wound 5^th and 6^th 11-52s on it. The P92s had D’Addario Half Rounds 12-52s.

 

The P90 won hands down. The P92s sounded Strat like with no warmth.

 

I put Pyramid 11-48 FWs on the P92 next. It made all of the difference. It was warmer and very well balanced. It didn't perfectly match the P90 but it was not a second class sound at all.

 

Once again, there are too many variables to make many general statements about how the pups compare. For sure, you can get beautiful tones out of either. Strings seem to matter a lot.

 

The P92s were quieter in hum but the Lollars really were not a problem. The P92s output seemed comparable to the P92s. All pickups were fairly close to the strings.

 

Here's a bad snapshot of the two guitars.

[golferwave]

Sounds about what I would expect. P-90's are hard to beat for warmth and tone. Thanks for taking the time to do the A/B comparison!

[DetroitBlues]

P90's are nothing to snear about. The humbucker may have been its replacement, but they still have a special place for the old school rockers out there!

[bolero]

I loves me some P90s!!