Staple P90
Gibson’s Alnico V pickup, commonly known as the “staple pickup,” is a groundbreaking yet often overlooked innovation. Introduced in 1954, it was designed as a more articulate and refined version of the P90 which had been a key feature in Gibson’s post-WWII electric guitars. The staple was first installed in the neck position of the inaugural Les Paul Custom models and select premium archtops, offering unmatched clarity and definition. However, its prominence was short-lived, as it was soon eclipsed by the introduction of Seth Lover’s revolutionary humbucking PAF pickup in 1956.
Unlike standard P90s which use steel pole screws and a bar magnet underneath, staple P90s have individual Alnico magnets as the pole pieces. This gives them a more direct magnetic pull to the strings, resulting in a distinct tonal character. The larger, flat-topped poles provide a wide magnetic field, which contributes to a balanced response across all strings and adds clarity.
Staple P90s are known for their articulate and clear sound, even when played with higher gain. They maintain a bell-like clarity that’s perfect for clean tones and dynamic playing. While they are punchy and have plenty of midrange like traditional P90s, they tend to be more refined, with smoother highs and a slightly less aggressive bark. They offer excellent harmonic detail, making them a favorite for players seeking a pickup that feels lively and responsive.
When it comes to versatility, they’re well-suited for clean tones, but they also handle overdrive beautifully, offering rich sustain and musical breakup. Their warmth and smoothness make them a favourite in these in jazz and blues arenas, particularly in neck positions.
Specs:
Pole Spacing = 50mm
Wiring: Black- Hot, metal braid/bare- Ground
Magnets: Alnico V
Resistance: 8k (+/- 5% )
Inductance: 6.4 Henries (+/- 5% )
Wire: 42 AWG Plain Enamel
Recommended Pot: 500k, though works well with 250k
Handmade in Manchester UK
Gibson’s Alnico V pickup, commonly known as the “staple pickup,” is a groundbreaking yet often overlooked innovation. Introduced in 1954, it was designed as a more articulate and refined version of the P90 which had been a key feature in Gibson’s post-WWII electric guitars. The staple was first installed in the neck position of the inaugural Les Paul Custom models and select premium archtops, offering unmatched clarity and definition. However, its prominence was short-lived, as it was soon eclipsed by the introduction of Seth Lover’s revolutionary humbucking PAF pickup in 1956.
Unlike standard P90s which use steel pole screws and a bar magnet underneath, staple P90s have individual Alnico magnets as the pole pieces. This gives them a more direct magnetic pull to the strings, resulting in a distinct tonal character. The larger, flat-topped poles provide a wide magnetic field, which contributes to a balanced response across all strings and adds clarity.
Staple P90s are known for their articulate and clear sound, even when played with higher gain. They maintain a bell-like clarity that’s perfect for clean tones and dynamic playing. While they are punchy and have plenty of midrange like traditional P90s, they tend to be more refined, with smoother highs and a slightly less aggressive bark. They offer excellent harmonic detail, making them a favorite for players seeking a pickup that feels lively and responsive.
When it comes to versatility, they’re well-suited for clean tones, but they also handle overdrive beautifully, offering rich sustain and musical breakup. Their warmth and smoothness make them a favourite in these in jazz and blues arenas, particularly in neck positions.
Specs:
Pole Spacing = 50mm
Wiring: Black- Hot, metal braid/bare- Ground
Magnets: Alnico V
Resistance: 8k (+/- 5% )
Inductance: 6.4 Henries (+/- 5% )
Wire: 42 AWG Plain Enamel
Recommended Pot: 500k, though works well with 250k
Handmade in Manchester UK
Gibson’s Alnico V pickup, commonly known as the “staple pickup,” is a groundbreaking yet often overlooked innovation. Introduced in 1954, it was designed as a more articulate and refined version of the P90 which had been a key feature in Gibson’s post-WWII electric guitars. The staple was first installed in the neck position of the inaugural Les Paul Custom models and select premium archtops, offering unmatched clarity and definition. However, its prominence was short-lived, as it was soon eclipsed by the introduction of Seth Lover’s revolutionary humbucking PAF pickup in 1956.
Unlike standard P90s which use steel pole screws and a bar magnet underneath, staple P90s have individual Alnico magnets as the pole pieces. This gives them a more direct magnetic pull to the strings, resulting in a distinct tonal character. The larger, flat-topped poles provide a wide magnetic field, which contributes to a balanced response across all strings and adds clarity.
Staple P90s are known for their articulate and clear sound, even when played with higher gain. They maintain a bell-like clarity that’s perfect for clean tones and dynamic playing. While they are punchy and have plenty of midrange like traditional P90s, they tend to be more refined, with smoother highs and a slightly less aggressive bark. They offer excellent harmonic detail, making them a favorite for players seeking a pickup that feels lively and responsive.
When it comes to versatility, they’re well-suited for clean tones, but they also handle overdrive beautifully, offering rich sustain and musical breakup. Their warmth and smoothness make them a favourite in these in jazz and blues arenas, particularly in neck positions.
Specs:
Pole Spacing = 50mm
Wiring: Black- Hot, metal braid/bare- Ground
Magnets: Alnico V
Resistance: 8k (+/- 5% )
Inductance: 6.4 Henries (+/- 5% )
Wire: 42 AWG Plain Enamel
Recommended Pot: 500k, though works well with 250k
Handmade in Manchester UK