KLOPPMANN PICKUPS

P90 PICKUPS

From Warm Growl to Punchy Bite

The captivating sound of P90 pickups, while sometimes residing in the shadows alongside other iconic guitar tones, holds a unique magic all its own. For many, the true potential of P90-loaded guitars becomes apparent through experiencing a truly exceptional instrument. A pivotal moment often arrives with the introduction to a 'tonal giant' – perhaps a vintage Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, revealing the sheer sonic power and versatility these pickups possess. The discovery of early P90s from the '50s, with their distinct character and sonic nuances, can be a revelation. These vintage examples often serve as the benchmark for those seeking that classic P90 growl and sustain, inspiring the creation of modern interpretations like the SB 52 Set, which aims to capture the essence of those legendary tones

SB 52

This is Kloppmann's version of the 1950s "soap bar" P-90. It is based on the pickups used by influential '50s players like Scotty Moore, Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins, and Muddy Waters.

Sonically, the SB 52 delivers a powerful sound with strong harmonics and a driven midrange. A distinct feature is the "cool twang" on the bass strings, which provides clarity and note definition. These pickups are also associated with the tones of later players who used original '50s guitars, such as Frank Zappa and Dave Gilmour.

SB 62

The SB 62 is Kloppmann's read on the early-'60s P-90 — fat, mid-driven, and singing the moment you push an amp. The bridge is a brawler with the kind of harmonic content that loves a cranked Plexi, '59 Bassman, or AC30 — the spirit of Townshend at Leeds, Leslie West, Keith Richards, and Lennon lives in there. The neck rolls into greasy, vocal blues territory that holds together for slide work without turning to mud. Wound and assembled in Germany to Hans-Peter Kloppmann's spec, the SB 62 is what I reach for when a player wants the P-90 attitude without the noise-floor headaches of vintage examples.