Remember that time you were jamming with your band, laying down a killer riff, only to have your guitar sound…well, kind of muddy? Yeah, we’ve all been there. That feeling of frustration when your tone just isn’t cutting through, or lacks that distinct character you’re searching for. For many guitarists, the culprit might just be their pickups, and if you’re rocking a guitar with those rectangular, vintage-cool soapbar pickups, then you know the struggle is real. Finding the sweet spot – that perfect blend of warmth, clarity, and punch – can be a real challenge. It’s a quest to unlock the full potential of your instrument, and that’s why we’re diving deep into the world of the best soapbar guitar pickups.
This guide is your roadmap to tonal bliss, whether you’re chasing a creamy vintage sound, a scorching high-gain growl, or something in between. We’ve meticulously researched and reviewed some of the top contenders on the market, from the classic designs that defined iconic recordings to modern innovations pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We’ll help you navigate the often-confusing world of magnets, windings, and output levels, so you can make an informed decision and finally achieve the tone you’ve always dreamed of. Get ready to transform your guitar from a mere instrument into a sonic weapon!
We will review the best soapbar guitar pickups later in this article. But before that, take a look at some relevant products on Amazon:
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So, You’re on the Hunt for the Best Soapbar Guitar Pickups?
Okay, so you’re thinking about upgrading your guitar’s tone, and soapbar pickups have caught your eye. That’s fantastic! Soapbars, also known as P90s, offer a unique sonic landscape that’s quite different from your typical single-coil or humbucker. They’ve been a favorite of guitarists across genres for decades, delivering a fat, warm sound with plenty of bite and character. Whether you’re chasing that classic blues growl, a gritty rock and roll snarl, or even a smoother jazz tone, there’s a soapbar pickup out there to help you get there.
Now, when we talk about “soapbar,” we’re generally referring to P90-style pickups, named for their rectangular, soap-like appearance. They were first introduced by Gibson in the 1940s and have remained a staple ever since. While single-coils are known for their clarity and humbuckers for their thick, powerful sound, P90s carve out their own territory – a bridge between the two, if you will. Interestingly, while modern humbuckers are generally more popular, P90s still make up roughly 10-15% of after-market pickup sales each year.
So, what should you be looking for in the best soapbar guitar pickups? Well, it all comes down to your personal preference and the type of music you play. Some players crave high output and aggressive mids for a cutting lead tone, while others prefer a more balanced and nuanced sound for rhythm playing. Factors like the magnet type (Alnico 2, Alnico 5, ceramic), the winding pattern, and even the construction materials can all have a significant impact on the final tone.
Don’t worry if all of this sounds a bit overwhelming. This guide is designed to cut through the noise and help you find the perfect set of soapbars for your guitar. We’ll break down the key characteristics of different models, discuss popular options from leading manufacturers, and help you understand how to choose the best soapbar guitar pickups to match your playing style and tonal goals. Let’s dive in and unlock some serious sonic potential!
The Best Soapbar Guitar Pickups
Seymour Duncan Antiquity P90 Dogear
The Seymour Duncan Antiquity P90 Dogear captures the essence of vintage P90 tone with remarkable accuracy. Expect a raw, gritty, and slightly microphonic character that is perfect for blues, rock, and even some early jazz styles. The Alnico 2 magnets provide a warm and smooth top end, while the aged construction and meticulous attention to detail contribute to a truly authentic vintage experience. If you’re chasing that classic P90 growl and snarl, this pickup should definitely be on your radar.
What truly sets this pickup apart is its ability to translate the nuances of your playing. It’s incredibly responsive to pick attack and volume adjustments, allowing you to go from a clean, mellow sound to a raging roar with just a flick of the wrist. While it excels in vintage-inspired applications, don’t underestimate its versatility – it can also hold its own in more modern genres that demand a touch of raw, organic tone.
Lollar P90
The Lollar P90 is often described as the gold standard in modern P90 pickups, and for good reason. It delivers a balanced and articulate tone with a distinct clarity that allows each note to shine through. The construction of these P90s is meticulous, and the result is a pickup that offers both power and nuance. Whether you’re playing clean, bluesy licks or cranked-up rock riffs, the Lollar P90 provides a clear and defined sound.
One of the best things about the Lollar P90 is its versatility. It can handle a wide range of musical styles, from jazz and blues to rock and even some heavier genres. While some P90s can be overly aggressive or muddy, the Lollar P90 maintains its clarity and articulation even at high volumes. Its ability to cut through the mix while retaining its warmth and character makes it a popular choice among professional musicians.
Fralin P90
Fralin P90 pickups are known for their exceptional clarity and dynamic response. These pickups offer a detailed and articulate sound with a balanced frequency response. They provide a sweet, almost Strat-like clean tone at lower volumes, but when pushed, they deliver a powerful and aggressive growl that’s perfect for rock and blues. The scatter-wound coils contribute to their open and airy sound.
These pickups excel in a variety of guitars, and are great replacements for Gibson models. Fralin P90s shine when used for slide. Players who appreciate responsiveness and versatility will find the Fralin P90 a great choice. They offer a compelling mix of vintage vibe and modern performance.
Mojotone Quiet Coil P90
The Mojotone Quiet Coil P90 is a game-changer for guitarists who love the sound of P90s but hate the hum. This pickup manages to capture the classic P90 tone while drastically reducing noise levels, making it ideal for live performance and recording. You still get that fat, punchy sound with plenty of midrange, but without the annoying 60-cycle hum that plagues traditional P90s.
The innovative design of the Quiet Coil P90 doesn’t compromise on tone. It retains the character and responsiveness that makes P90s so desirable. Expect a slightly hotter output than some vintage-style P90s, providing plenty of drive and sustain. If you’ve been hesitant to embrace P90s due to noise issues, this is a pickup that deserves serious consideration.
Bare Knuckle Pickups Manhattan P90
The Bare Knuckle Pickups Manhattan P90 delivers a bold and aggressive take on the classic P90 sound. These pickups are known for their high output and powerful midrange, making them a great choice for rock, punk, and even some heavier metal styles. They offer a thick, snarling tone with plenty of sustain and a tight, focused low end. Prepare for a pickup that’s not afraid to push your amp to its limits.
While these pickups are certainly powerful, they also retain a degree of clarity and articulation. They’re responsive to pick attack and volume adjustments, allowing you to dial in a range of tones from crunchy rhythm sounds to screaming lead tones. If you’re looking for a P90 that’s raw, aggressive, and ready to rock, the Bare Knuckle Manhattan P90 is a top contender.
Why You Need Soapbar Guitar Pickups in Your Life
Ever felt your guitar’s tone was a little…lacking? Like it’s got potential, but just isn’t quite reaching its full sonic glory? Perhaps you’re chasing a thicker, warmer, more dynamic sound that your current pickups just can’t deliver. This is where soapbar pickups enter the picture. These unique pickups, also known as P90s, offer a distinct sonic character that bridges the gap between single-coil clarity and humbucker thickness, giving you a versatility you might not even realize you were missing.
Imagine you’re playing a bluesy riff, and you want that biting, gritty tone that cuts through the mix. A soapbar pickup can deliver that snarl with ease. Or perhaps you’re switching to a cleaner, jazzy passage and need a rounder, smoother sound. Again, soapbars excel, providing warmth and sustain that’s perfect for mellow melodies. The best soapbar guitar pickups are renowned for their ability to handle a wide range of styles, adding a unique flavor to everything from rock and roll to punk and indie.
Beyond their tonal versatility, soapbar pickups offer a responsiveness that makes playing even more enjoyable. They react dynamically to your playing, delivering subtle nuances and powerful accents with incredible clarity. Think about how satisfying it would be to hear every subtle finger movement translated into a rich, expressive tone. This responsiveness makes your guitar feel more alive and connected to your playing, encouraging experimentation and creativity.
Ultimately, upgrading to soapbar pickups can breathe new life into your guitar. They provide a tonal palette that’s both powerful and nuanced, offering a unique sonic character that stands out from the crowd. Whether you’re seeking a gritty edge for rock anthems or a warm, smooth tone for jazzy interludes, the best soapbar guitar pickups can unlock a new level of sonic expression and allow you to discover the true potential of your instrument.
Understanding Soapbar Pickup Tone: Beyond the Specs
Alright, let’s get real. You can read about resonant peaks and inductance all day, but what does that actually mean when you’re plugged into your amp, ready to rock? Well, think about it this way: a brighter soapbar, often with a lower output, will cut through a mix like a hot knife through butter. Imagine you’re playing in a band with two other guitarists. A thick, muddy humbucker might get lost, but that snappy soapbar will keep your riffs distinct and clear, even with heavy distortion.
Conversely, a hotter, more powerful soapbar with a thicker midrange can provide incredible sustain and warmth, perfect for bluesy solos or creamy rhythm tones. Picture yourself laying down a smooth, soulful solo in a small, smoky blues club. That’s where the rich, full sound of a high-output soapbar really shines. It’s about filling the space and making every note count.
And don’t forget about the dynamics. Some soapbars are incredibly sensitive to your picking attack, allowing you to go from a whisper to a roar simply by varying your right hand. This can be incredibly useful in a live setting, giving you a wider range of expression without having to constantly adjust your amp settings or fiddle with pedals. Imagine playing a delicate fingerpicked intro, then slamming into a full-on power chord without touching a single knob.
Ultimately, understanding soapbar tone is about knowing what you want to hear. Do you need clarity and articulation for complex chords, or raw power and sustain for screaming solos? It’s about finding the pickup that matches your style and helps you express yourself in the best way possible. Forget the technical jargon for a second and just think about the sounds you love. That’s the key to choosing the right soapbar for you.
Installation Tips and Tricks: Getting It Right the First Time
Swapping out your pickups can seem daunting, but with a little patience and the right tools, it’s totally doable. First, take photos of the wiring before you start disconnecting anything! This is your lifeline if you get lost later on. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself. Think of it like taking a “before” picture of your messy room before you clean it – a lifesaver when you can’t remember where everything went.
Soldering is key, and a good solder joint is shiny, smooth, and cone-shaped. A cold solder joint is dull, lumpy, and prone to failure. Before you start, practice soldering on some scrap wires. Imagine you’re building a tiny, metal volcano, not just globbing metal together. It’s an art, really. Use flux to help the solder flow and ensure a strong connection.
Shielding your guitar’s control cavity with copper foil tape can dramatically reduce unwanted noise and hum. Think of it as wrapping your guitar in a Faraday cage, blocking out all those pesky radio frequencies. Make sure to overlap the seams of the tape to create a continuous conductive surface. This is especially important if you live in an area with a lot of electrical interference.
Finally, always double-check your wiring against a reliable wiring diagram. There are tons available online. Nothing’s worse than spending hours installing a new pickup only to find out you wired it backwards. It’s like meticulously assembling a piece of furniture only to realize you put a crucial piece on upside down. Take your time, be patient, and you’ll be rewarded with a great-sounding guitar.
Soapbar Pickups in Different Guitar Styles: Versatility Unleashed
Soapbars aren’t just for blues and rock. Their versatility extends far beyond those genres. Think about jazz. The clarity and articulation of a well-chosen soapbar can be perfect for complex chord voicings and intricate melodies. Imagine Wes Montgomery with a P-90 – that’s some serious jazz potential! The open, airy tone can really let the nuances of your playing shine through.
For country music, a bright, punchy soapbar in the bridge position can add some twang and bite to your sound, perfect for chicken pickin’ and Bakersfield-style leads. Think of it as adding a dash of spice to your musical stew. It’s that extra bit of character that makes your playing stand out. A neck soapbar can provide warm, full rhythm tones for backing vocals or adding depth to ballads.
Even in heavier genres like metal and hard rock, soapbars can hold their own. A high-output soapbar with plenty of midrange can deliver a thick, aggressive tone that’s perfect for heavy riffs and soaring solos. Imagine cranking a vintage Marshall stack with a Les Paul loaded with P-90s – that’s a recipe for sonic destruction! It’s all about finding the right soapbar to match your amp and playing style.
Ultimately, the genre is less important than the sound you’re trying to achieve. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different soapbar pickups and see how they work in different musical contexts. You might be surprised at what you discover. It’s like trying different spices in a dish – you never know what amazing flavor combinations you’ll create.
Maintaining Your Soapbar Pickups: Keeping Them Humming
Soapbar pickups are pretty robust, but a little maintenance can go a long way in keeping them sounding their best. First, keep them clean. Dust and grime can accumulate on the pole pieces and affect the magnetic field, leading to a loss of clarity and output. A soft brush or a slightly damp cloth (make sure it’s not dripping!) can work wonders. Think of it as giving your pickups a little spa day.
If your pole pieces are adjustable, make sure they’re not corroded or stuck. A little WD-40 (sparingly!) can help loosen them up. Be careful not to get any on the pickup windings, though. Think of it like giving your pickups a little tune-up. Just like a car, they need a little TLC every now and then.
Pay attention to the height of your pickups. Adjusting the height can significantly affect the tone and output. Experiment with different heights to find the sweet spot for your guitar and playing style. Imagine you’re dialing in the perfect sound – a little tweak here and a little tweak there can make a big difference.
Finally, protect your pickups from extreme temperatures and humidity. These conditions can damage the windings and magnets. Keep your guitar in a case when you’re not playing it, and avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or in a humid environment. Think of it as protecting your investment. Your pickups are an important part of your guitar, so treat them with care.
Buying Guide: Best Soapbar Guitar Pickups
So, you’re on the hunt for the best soapbar guitar pickups? Awesome! Whether you’re breathing new life into an old guitar or customizing a brand new build, finding the right pickups is crucial for unlocking your instrument’s full sonic potential. It can seem like a daunting task with all the options available, but don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through the process. Think of me as your friendly neighborhood guitar geek, ready to help you navigate the world of soapbars and find the perfect match for your playing style and musical aspirations. Let’s dive in!
1. Understanding Your Tone Goals
First things first, what kind of sound are you after? Are you dreaming of thick, creamy overdrive for bluesy solos? Or maybe you’re craving the bright, articulate chime for clean rhythm parts? Perhaps you’re aiming for something in between – a versatile tone that can handle a variety of genres. Really think about the artists and songs that inspire you and try to pinpoint the qualities in their guitar tones that you admire. Knowing your tonal goals is the most important step in choosing the best soapbar guitar pickups for you.
Imagine you’re baking a cake. You wouldn’t just throw in random ingredients and hope for the best, right? You’d have a specific cake in mind – chocolate, vanilla, red velvet – and then choose the ingredients accordingly. It’s the same with guitar pickups. Knowing your desired “tonal recipe” will help you narrow down your options and make sure you end up with a sound you absolutely love. Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore different sonic landscapes in your head!
2. Output Level: Gentle Whisper or Roaring Beast?
The output level of a pickup refers to how strong of a signal it sends to your amplifier. Higher output pickups generally produce a louder, more aggressive sound, perfect for rock, metal, and other high-gain genres. Lower output pickups, on the other hand, are typically more nuanced and articulate, ideal for blues, jazz, and clean styles. Finding the right balance is key.
Think of it like the volume knob on your stereo. You wouldn’t crank it all the way up if you were trying to relax with some classical music, would you? Similarly, a super-high output pickup might not be the best choice for delicate fingerpicking. Consider the type of music you play most often and choose a pickup with an output level that complements your style. Often the best soapbar guitar pickups have balanced output.
3. EQ Curve: Sculpting Your Sound
Every pickup has its own unique EQ curve, which refers to the balance of frequencies it emphasizes – bass, mids, and treble. Some pickups are scooped, meaning they have a strong bass and treble response with a more subdued midrange. Others are mid-focused, providing a warm and punchy tone. And some are relatively flat, offering a more balanced and neutral sound.
Choosing a pickup with the right EQ curve is crucial for achieving your desired tone. A scooped pickup might be great for shredding solos, while a mid-focused pickup could be perfect for cutting through a mix in a band setting. It’s like choosing the right paintbrush for a painting – each one creates a different effect. Experimenting with different EQ curves is a great way to discover the best soapbar guitar pickups for your ears.
4. Magnet Type: The Heart of the Pickup
The magnet type used in a pickup significantly affects its tone. Alnico magnets are generally warmer and smoother, with a more vintage-style sound. Ceramic magnets, on the other hand, are typically brighter and more aggressive, with a higher output. There are also variations within Alnico magnets, such as Alnico 2, Alnico 5, and Alnico 8, each with its own subtle nuances.
Imagine the magnet as the engine of your pickup. A powerful ceramic magnet is like a high-performance sports car engine, delivering raw power and aggression. A more mellow Alnico magnet is like a classic cruiser engine, offering smooth and reliable performance. Consider the overall vibe you’re going for and choose a magnet type that aligns with your vision. You might find the best soapbar guitar pickups for you use a magnet you never considered.
5. Wiring Configuration: Series vs. Parallel
Soapbar pickups can be wired in either series or parallel. Series wiring combines the coils of the pickup to create a higher output and a thicker, more powerful sound. Parallel wiring, on the other hand, splits the coils and results in a lower output and a brighter, more articulate tone.
Think of it like linking batteries together. Series wiring is like connecting batteries end-to-end to increase the voltage, resulting in a stronger electrical current. Parallel wiring is like connecting batteries side-by-side to increase the overall capacity, allowing them to last longer but not necessarily increasing the voltage. Consider the overall tonal character you’re aiming for and choose a wiring configuration that complements your style.
6. Single-Coil vs. Humbucker: The Noise Factor
Soapbar pickups can be either single-coil or humbucker designs. Single-coil soapbars, like traditional P-90s, are known for their bright, clear tone and dynamic response. However, they can also be prone to hum and noise. Humbucker soapbars, on the other hand, combine two coils wired in reverse polarity to cancel out hum, resulting in a quieter and more powerful sound.
Imagine you’re recording in a studio. A single-coil pickup is like using a sensitive microphone that picks up every nuance of your playing, but also captures ambient noise. A humbucker pickup is like using a noise-canceling microphone that eliminates unwanted background sounds, allowing you to focus on the core signal. If you play in environments with lots of electrical interference, a humbucker soapbar might be the better choice. But if you crave that raw, unfiltered single-coil tone, the hum might be worth it.
7. Budget: How Much Are You Willing to Spend?
Of course, your budget will play a significant role in your decision. Soapbar pickups range in price from relatively inexpensive to quite costly. It’s important to set a realistic budget and stick to it. However, don’t automatically assume that the most expensive pickups are always the best.
Think of it like buying a car. You can find a reliable and well-performing car at a reasonable price, or you can splurge on a high-end model with all the bells and whistles. The same applies to pickups. There are plenty of excellent soapbar pickups available at various price points. Do your research, read reviews, and try to find the best value for your money. Sometimes, the best soapbar guitar pickups are the ones that offer the most bang for your buck. Don’t be afraid to explore options that might not be the most expensive, but still offer the tonal characteristics you’re looking for. You might be surprised at what you discover!
FAQ
What exactly are soapbar pickups, and how are they different from other types?
Soapbar pickups, also known as P-90s, are a single-coil pickup design that’s physically shaped like a rectangular bar, hence the “soapbar” nickname. They’re wider and shorter than your typical single-coil like a Strat pickup, which gives them a different tonal character. Think of them as sitting somewhere between a bright, clear single-coil and a beefier humbucker.
Compared to standard single-coils, soapbars tend to have a thicker, warmer sound with more midrange punch. They’re not quite as aggressive or noise-canceling as humbuckers, but they offer a unique blend of clarity and power. Their distinctive tone has made them a favorite for genres ranging from blues and rock to jazz and even punk.
Are soapbar pickups only for certain types of guitars?
While soapbar pickups are often associated with specific guitar models like the Gibson Les Paul Special or Junior, they can actually be installed in a variety of guitars! The key is to ensure that your guitar has enough routing space to accommodate the larger soapbar housing.
If you’re unsure about compatibility, don’t hesitate to consult with a guitar tech or luthier. They can assess your guitar’s routing and advise you on the best way to install soapbar pickups, whether it’s a direct drop-in replacement or if modifications are needed. There are even “humbucker-sized” P-90s that can fit into existing humbucker routes, offering a convenient option for experimentation.
What should I consider when choosing soapbar pickups for my guitar?
When selecting soapbar pickups, think about the kind of sound you’re after and the type of music you play. Do you prefer a vintage-style tone with lots of clarity and dynamics, or a more modern sound with higher output and aggression? The tonal characteristics of soapbars can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer and the specific design of the pickup.
Output level is another important factor. Higher output pickups will generally produce a louder, more distorted sound, which can be great for rock and metal. Lower output pickups, on the other hand, will offer more clean headroom and a more nuanced response, ideal for blues, jazz, and other genres where clarity is key. Don’t be afraid to listen to sound samples and read reviews to get a better feel for how different pickups sound in various guitars and playing styles.
Do soapbar pickups tend to be noisy like other single-coil pickups?
Yes, it’s true that soapbar pickups, being a single-coil design, can be susceptible to hum and noise, especially in environments with lots of electrical interference. However, there are ways to minimize this issue! Many modern soapbar pickups incorporate noise-canceling features or are designed with careful shielding to reduce unwanted hum.
Another strategy is to use proper grounding techniques in your guitar’s wiring. A well-grounded guitar can significantly reduce noise levels. You could also consider purchasing a noise gate pedal, which automatically cuts off the signal when it drops below a certain threshold, effectively eliminating unwanted hum and buzz. Don’t let the potential for noise scare you away from the unique tone of soapbar pickups!
What’s the difference between alnico and ceramic magnets in soapbar pickups?
The type of magnet used in a soapbar pickup plays a significant role in its overall tone. Alnico magnets, often found in vintage-style pickups, tend to produce a warmer, smoother sound with more complex overtones. They have a softer magnetic field, which allows for more dynamic playing and a more nuanced response to your touch.
Ceramic magnets, on the other hand, are generally stronger and produce a brighter, more aggressive sound with higher output. They tend to be favored for modern rock and metal genres where clarity and articulation are desired at higher gain levels. Ultimately, the choice between alnico and ceramic magnets comes down to personal preference and the specific sound you’re trying to achieve.
How difficult is it to install soapbar pickups myself?
Installing soapbar pickups yourself can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to be realistic about your skill level and the potential challenges involved. If you’re comfortable with basic soldering and have some experience working on guitars, you might be able to tackle the project with some patience and research.
However, if you’re a complete beginner, it’s generally best to leave the installation to a qualified guitar tech or luthier. Improper wiring can lead to poor sound quality or even damage your guitar. A professional can ensure that the pickups are installed correctly and that your guitar is properly set up for optimal performance. There are also plenty of online resources and tutorials available to guide you through the process, but always exercise caution and prioritize safety.
Can soapbar pickups be used for metal music?
Absolutely! While soapbar pickups are often associated with blues, rock, and other vintage-leaning genres, they can definitely be used for metal music. In fact, many metal guitarists appreciate the unique character and aggressive punch that soapbars can bring to high-gain applications.
The key is to choose soapbar pickups that are designed for higher output and have a brighter, more focused tone. Ceramic magnets and overwound coils can help to deliver the aggressive sound that metal players often crave. You can also experiment with different amplifier settings and effects pedals to shape the tone to your liking. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and explore the possibilities of using soapbar pickups in metal!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! A deep dive into the world of the best soapbar guitar pickups. We’ve explored a range of options, from vintage re-creations to modern powerhouses, all designed to unlock new sonic territories for your guitar. Remember, finding the perfect pickup is a journey of personal discovery. Don’t be afraid to experiment, listen closely, and trust your ears. The ultimate tone is out there, waiting to be unleashed!
Now it’s your turn! Armed with this knowledge, you’re well-equipped to choose the soapbar pickups that will truly elevate your playing. Go forth, explore the sounds, and don’t hesitate to take the plunge. Your perfect tone is closer than you think, and the only thing standing between you and it is a little bit of courage and a whole lot of awesome guitar playing!