Carvin M22N

Passive Humbucker that can split to a single coil
- neck position
- 8.4k ohms

I bought a used Carvin TL60 and this PU was in the bridge position.

This is a neck PU so I was a little confused as to why this was in the bridge but after playing it I found out why. I like classic rock and this PU is perfect for that. It is very warm, has great harmonics and has that great 70s classic rock FAT tone. It sounds similar to the old T-Tops in my 1961 Gibson SG/Les Paul.
My guitar is wired with a mini 3-way toggle so you can switch from outer single coil closest to the bridge, humbucking mode, inner single coil closer to the neck. The outer single coil is very bright & twangy. The humbucking mode is pure classic rock, Early ZZ-Top, AC/DC, Free etc.
The inner single coil sounds like a good P-90.
Lots of clarity in every mode.
Out of curiosity I did swap it with a Carvin C22B Bridge Humbucker. No contest. The C22 was overly bright, too distorted and squealed when you weren't playing the guitar. I swapped them back after 30 minutes.
Carvin has the M22N listed as a neck PU but I think it makes an incredible bridge PU.
I play it thru a Mesa Boogie F-30 and a Marshall JCM800.

If it were stolen I would definitely replace it with the same model. In fact, Carvin is currently selling these brand new for $44.99. This is an INCREDIBLE Value. Probably closer to a Gibson PAF than most other boutique PUs selling at over 5 times as much.


I've been playing for over 30 years. I've owned LOTs of guitars and amps over the years but currently have a 1961 Gibson SG/Les Paul, an SG90 and a Carvin TL60. I prefer a vintage tone and this PU delivers.

If you are looking for a Metal High Gain PU this isn't for you BUT, If you are looking for a vintage sounding PU I definitely recommend that you try this one. Try it in the Bridge position. You won't be disappointed.

Pickup features: humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Carvin Dc127T
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar: M22T
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rock, blues,jazz
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: Fairly Hot
Tone: Very well Balanced
Sonic evaluation: A solid state Peavey amp and a Carvin Valvemaster. This pickup is very well balanced. It can do jazz with ease. With dist and the tone rolled off it sounds friggin awesome. i think Santana would like it. It also splits well, good single coil tone.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: All

Comments: I would probably buy a new one if it went bad. I use this pickup most of the time. I felt i had to write this reveiw after reading the last one about it.

Pickup features: Passive Single Coil
Impedence or other specs: 11 pole

Model of guitar or bass: 1988 Carvin Ultra V
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: N/A
Other pickups on guitar: M22SD
Artists using this pickup: ?
You musical style(s): Metal
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: looooowww, almost, unusable without heavy distortion
Tone: trebly, hard to tell
Sonic evaluation: The thing sucked. it had no output and i couldn't even use it. I stayed on the neck position, an M22SD, which should have been in the bridge. I don't know what the guy that specified this configuration from Carvin was thinking, maybe it was messed up before i bought it, i don't know. But i replaced both pickups a while back with EMGs

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Metal, and it is horrible for that, bad in the bridge for sure

Comments: Maybe that pickup works in the neck position, but it didn't work for me