Vintage Vibe Guitars P-90

Pickup features: Single Coils with SWITCHABLE MAGNETS
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: 490R & 500T
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Will Stern
You musical style(s): Soft to Moderately Hard Rock - Switchfoot
Reason for pickup change: I love the thickness of the Les Paul sound, but wanted to add diversity to one of my guitars.

Perceived output level: Less than the 490R & 500T pickups, but not problematic at all. I just gain up a slight bit and everything comes right back.
Tone: Beautiful tone! My Les Paul retained all of it's sonic largeness, but the tone has more punchy attack and cuts through a mix a lot better, which makes it sit in a finished mix a LOT better. It's clean sounds have a little more strat-likeness.
Sonic evaluation: Let me say this first off. If anyone has a Les Paul and an AC30, these pickups are a MUST! It is the best I've ever heard my AC30 sound. I'll emphasize again, all of the thickness of the Les Paul sound is still here, it just has a tighter attack and response and cuts through a mix way better. With the ceramic magnets installed, the volume is a little lower than the stock LP pickups, but I just turn my compressor pedal up a bit and it's awesome. The coolest thing is that several of my distortion stomp boxes (MXR Distortion +, Jekyll & Hyde) respond WAY better to the P-90's. Something with the hot single coil doesn't make that annoying fuzzyness with my MXR pedal. And overdrives sound as sweet as ever.
The Bottom Line: If you're looking for more tone on a Les Paul...these are the pickups. They make everything I have...you know what I mean...that tone sound!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I pretty much play radio rock. Stuff with meatty chords like Switchfoot, to cleaner, stuff like Killers or Coldplay. I work on a lot of studio projects, and these pickups sound great in the final product.

Comments: I am no longer searching for "That Sound" from my Les Paul. At least not with the AC30 that I use. Beautiful. I would hands down buy another set if these somehow got stolen. The price is phenominal at $125 per set.
The only thing someone might not enjoy is if they like the jazz qulaity of the clean Les Paul humbuckers - the thing that makes it sound very un stratlike. You lose some of that with the single coils on the clean settings. But soft to high gain settings are just perfect.

Pickup features: P-90
Impedence or other specs: ?

Model of guitar or bass: '72 gibson SG
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Gibson "T" Humbucker ('70s)
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): classic rock
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickups were unremarkable. Even though they were 30 plus years ols, they didn't sound "classic", but a little harsh.

Perceived output level: Real authentic P-90 sound.
Tone: Great balance between the bridge & neck.
Sonic evaluation: As noted above, Gibson SG through a '59 bassman RI. Visual Sound Route '66 in front.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Classic rock. Perfect match.

Comments: I've been playing a long long time. I love the sound of p-90s but the current crop of P-90-ish guitars out there (PRS soapbar, etc.) are NOISY. This pickup set really gives out the P-90 tone with a fraction of the noise. I don't know he does it. I had previously tried the SD Phat Cats but these pickups are much more lively (for lack of a better term). The Phat Cats ended up being kind of muddy overall. I'm thinking about getting a set of P-90 single coil size to put in a strat. A note about customer service - as noted everywhere in here, Pete answers his emails very quickly. I would definetly purchase again.

Pickup features: Single coil replacement pups for humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 8.5 (neck) and 10 (Bridge) ohm

Model of guitar or bass: Brian Moore I Series singlr cut away
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Unspecified neck & JB Humbucker (Coil-tapped)
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Blues,Classic Rock, Country
Reason for pickup change: I've never really been happy with humbuckers, just not my thing. I still own two that I won't swap out, but this guitar played too well for it not to get used more than it was.

Perceived output level: Far more out-put than anything else single coil that I have
Tone: A wonderful mid-range HONK when the tone is dialed back. Can get to dark if rolled back further - Cleans up well with tone knob.
Sonic evaluation: The Brian Moore I'm playing through is Mahogany with a Maple cap (rosewood fingerboard), though not nearly as massive as say a Paul still has that decidedly full, fairly thick sound. I run this through about 6 pedals (not all true bypass) and into a TopHat Club Deluxe, a whopping 20 watt amp - and an extension specker cab.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: With the blues this is the sound I've been searching for, for some time - I couldn't be happier. Not exactly the best for country, but I can make work. Still prefer the spank of a Tele for that genre.

Comments: If the time comes and I want to replace any other pickups - single coil as well, I would give my business to Pete, though, I expect that I'll always save the option of trying some else's (originaly was trying to buy some Rio Grand - Fat Bastard's). I've been playing guitar for just over 40 years, but only been serious the last 6 or so. I was never a fan of P-90's (how they look) but, there were certain guitarist's that I have heard over the years and thought "Man how does he get that cool honk?" Duh. It's THE pickup for mids and that's where I spend most of my sonic time.

Pickup features: alnico v magnets
Impedence or other specs: 10.8k ohms bridge/ 8.9k ohms neck

Model of guitar or bass: PRS SE Soapbar II
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: stock (rumored to be "duncan designs" made for PRS)
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): jangle/fuzz rock
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickups did not have a good balance between clean and distorted sounds.

Perceived output level: moderate output
Tone: middy with good treble definition
Sonic evaluation: The stock pickups in my PRS SE Soapbar II sounded good clean, but they were excessively noisy and sounded too modern, "scooped" and overly-compressed with distortion--I was looking for an open and throaty sound.
The Vintage Vibe Guitar pickups delivered. Upon recieving these pickups, the first thing I noticed is how well these pickups are assembled. The fit and finish is as good as any of the major US brands. These pickups are well shielded as is the lead, and the pickups are quieter than the stock units they replace because of it.
Sonically, these pickups sound like a "proper" p-90. THIS is the familiar sound of 1970's rock and roll, southern rock, ac/dc, and hot blues. The PRS stockers sounded like they would work for "modern rock" (ie radio rock like creed and their ilk,) but the VVG are phenemonal for a more traditional sound.
There is a definite emphasis on the mids, but the highs retain clarity and are NEVER brittle or shrill. I'm a treble/twang junky, and these pickups deliver a great treble response with that natural, smooth alnico v compression just before the highs get harsh. The neck pickup is gentle and warm clean when played clean, and the middle position is fantastic too.
Under distortion, these pickups are "open" and throaty. They are not as bassy as the stock pickups, which lends a more vintage and raw sound. Because these pickups are well shielded/made, they can take a goodly amount of gain without generating overwhelming noise. In a well-shielded guitar, these pickups will take you from mild rockabilly to Mississippi Queen to Joey Ramone od to Black Sabbath territory and beyond, and I imagine they would work really well for "stoner/gloom rock".

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: My tone varies between Petty-esque jangle, warm cleans, country style od, and Dino jr. style fuzz. These pups do it all.

Comments: A word about customer service: Peter Biltoft is great to work. He gives his customers "custom shop" service for a price everyone can afford.
If you are considering VVG pickups, I encourage you to contact Pete and let him know what tone you are looking for. He will spec out a set of pickups to meet your personal taste. Pete has excellent communication with his customers too, which really makes you feel like a valued customer.
When you consider the superior sound, superb construction, great price, and personalized service you get with VVG pickups, I consider them one of the best values on the market. Imagine getting pickups wound in the SD custom shop for around $100 a set and you'll get the picture. Just top notch.

Pickup features: Soapbar neck and bridge
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: PRS SE soapbar singlecut
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Original PRS pickup
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): rock, heavy
Reason for pickup change: original sounds to weak

Perceived output level: tons of more range than the original
Tone: very well balanced
Sonic evaluation: Using a Marshall-Combo and a H&K Matrix halfstack.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Both pickups are a great replacement for evry soapbar guitar and I would ( and could ) compare it with original Gibson-PU's on my '56 reissue. There is no big difference. Great for all kind of music

Comments: It's the 3rd pair I replaced ( the 2 other ones on 2 "Vintage" '56 reissue LP's ) and I'm impressed by the sound. As stated, I have the possibility to compare them to original Gibson-PU's and I'm shure, if I would put them in the Gibson-LP there would be no difference ! As all pickups I purchased so far from Pete's store I could only highly recommend this man. He's doing a really great job. Best pickups for replacement I've ever played. I'm playing guitar for over 20 years with different brands. If they were stolen, I would order them again immediate.

Pickup features: Single Coil
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: MIM Fender Strat
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Crap
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Anybody with any brains.
You musical style(s): ORIGINAL - Blues - Rock
Reason for pickup change: He is the BEST pickup guy currently in the biz, BAR NONE!!

Perceived output level: Beefy, very full.
Tone: PERFECT!!
Sonic evaluation: My main rig is a VHT Pittbull 45 Head with a VHT closed back 4x10. Also got a ton a POD kinda' stuff (Line 6/Behringer Pro/Genisis GNX 3) I use in the studio and live I run into a pair of Tech 21 Power Engine Powered 1x12 Speaker cabs.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: These pickups are PERFECT for ALL styles, they sound incredible!

Comments: I would and I WILL buy these and ANY of Pete's pickups again and again and again. Been playin' for $$$ for 30 years. Got another Strat with his Bucker sized P90's in er' and it's the S**T too!! All in all, the BEST pickups I have found and THE VERY BEST service EVER! friends, your search is over. KILLER pickups, uncompromising service, VERY TIMELY shipping, AWESOME prices, EVERYTHING you could EVER want. The best, that simple.

Pickup features: P-90 single coil set
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Hand built mahogany (LP Special style)
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Blues, rock and fusion
Reason for pickup change: Wanted a high quality handmade pickup for a handmade instrument.

Perceived output level: very good output alot of range with pole piece adjustment
Tone: Bright and punchy but not in a twangy way. very cool.
Sonic evaluation: Fender Blues Deville amp, Turbo Rat, Dunlop Wah, Tube screamer.
Pete's pickups are very well paired, the bridge pickup gives enough brightness for good mid to high end articulation without sounding thin and twangy. Neck pickup is great for jazzy mellow tone and gutsy "boom-boom" blues sound.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I think this is a great pickup for anyone looking for that classic Gibson sound.

Comments: I would definately buy again and am currently planning to purchase for 3 more instruments. I think this is the perfect upgrade for anyone looking for that vintage Gibson sound with a little more clarity than a humbucker. I don't think you can find anything that comes close in this price range, each one is handmade in a price margin filled with cheap Asian knock-offs.Pete also offers some really cool pickup cover options and has sound bites on his website.

Pickup features: passive P90 single coil, Alnico bridge, ceramic neck
Impedence or other specs: approx. 11.5k bridge, 8.5k neck

Model of guitar or bass: Hamer Artist Mahogany
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: stock SD
Other pickups on guitar: VV
Artists using this pickup: me
You musical style(s): from blues to hard rock
Reason for pickup change: stock PUP's were way to hot. everything was mudded up and compressed all the time.

Perceived output level: i'd say medium output. a little less than a SD 59.
Tone: between the AlNiCo bridge and ceramic neck, very balanced. i picked options to match my guitar
Sonic evaluation: the bridge pup is not overly bright and has the low mid crunch i love about P90's. the neck does not get overly dark or boomy thanks to the ceramic magnet there. i worked a little bit with pete to come to exactly what i wanted. i find alot of P90's are either to hot or so underwound that they loose punch. this set fits me well. very articulate pickups and work very well with my amps (DrZ Maz 38 and PV classic 30) and style of playing.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: i play in a loud rock band (with some blues thrown in) and love this guitar.

Comments: Pete is an awsome guy. i don't think anybody else out there is willing to to what he does. we went through a couple configurations until i found what i really wanted. great pup's, great guy, excelent service.

Pickup features: Single coil passive pickups
Impedence or other specs: 9.8 ohms (I think I remember correctly)

Model of guitar or bass: Mako Exotec XK-4
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Generic original skinny single coils
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: ?
You musical style(s): Rock, blues, learning jazz
Reason for pickup change: 1. The shape of the guitar needed something besides the original pickups.
2. I've never had a guitar with P-90s; now I do.

Perceived output level: About half again as loud as the original pickups
Tone: Balanced tone, no quack, no loss of highs like with a lot of humbuckers
Sonic evaluation: Amp: Guild Model 6 Combo

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Rock (great match), blues (great match), learning jazz (might be good with the right guitar).

Comments: Would buy again
Playing 40 years
Own a Peavey Deuce with 4 10s, several guitars. See guitars at http://home1.gte.net/res006gg/html/mark/guitar1.html
Love the sound & looks, absence of hum, don't hate anything
Compared with humbuckers, standard P-90's. Chose this based on reputation and looks

Pickup features: Single Coil P-90
Impedence or other specs: 8.5 and 10.0k I think

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez JS-700
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Ibanez crap
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rock
Reason for pickup change: Ibanez sucked

Perceived output level: about the same output level
Tone: Nice clear Tone, Vinage sounding, a bit to middy for my taste but I think others will like it especally for classic rock
Sonic evaluation: Very quite especally in dual in middle pos., about 1/2 as much hum as my stock one very impressive.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Good for classic rock and country

Comments: Pete is the best guy on the planet, he will refund or replace if you are not 100% sastified, the guy is amazing. I will never be hesentant to get another set from him.