Tero Potila

Top 8: Best P90 Guitar Ultimate Buyer's Guide (2025)

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The sound produced by a P90 guitar is often sought after for its warmth, clarity, and versatility in electric guitars. These pickups provide a unique tonal character that has become a staple in various genres, from blues and jazz to punk rock and indie. Below are my top 5 choices.

Quick Comparison

best Hollow Body
Epiphone Wildkat

Epiphone Wildkat

If you're looking for a semi-hollow body gutiar then the Epiphone Wildkat does not disappoint! It's an excellent guitar with a very unique look and feel and amazing live sound.

best Modern
Yamaha Revstar

Yamaha Revstar

If the modern look is what you're after, then look no more. The Yamaha Revstar delivers. It's a compact body guitar with a punchy tone that will impress any guitar fan.

best Les Paul Junior
Gibson Les Paul Junior

Gibson Les Paul Junior

One of Gibson's P90 offerings, this all time classic Gibson Les Paul Junior is a beautiful guitar with tones to die for. The sound you can get with this bad boy is out of this world!

best Classic Rock
Gibson SG Special

Gibson SG Special

Legends have played the SG Special. And so can you! The Gibson SG Special is the ultimate rock'n roll guitar and it does not disappoint. You'll have tone out of this world.

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In this article, I’ll cover some of the best P90-equipped guitars that cater to various budgets and preferences.

I was introduced to a P90-equipped guitar early in my guitarist and composer career. It’s a mind-blowing experience to play one for the first time; the tone is out of this world!

Top Picks for Tone Enthusiasts

Having P90 pickups in your guitar can supercharge your tone. 

We’re going to talk about the characteristics that set P90 guitars apart from other options on the market. I’ll also help you understand the variations within P90 designs and the key factors to consider when choosing the right P90 guitar for your playing style.

There are many P90-equipped guitars available today, and I hope I can assist you in finding the best P90 guitar for your needs.

Here are my top picks for the best products.

1

Epiphone Les Paul Special

best overall value
Epiphone Les Paul Special

Tero's Thoughts

I'm a huge fan of Epiphone guitars. Don't get me wrong, I love Gibson guitars where Epiphones originally came from, but the quality and value Epiphone brings to the table is incredible! The Epiphone Les Paul Special continues this tradition and does not disappoint! It's an inspiring guitar to play, the sound and feel are out of this world.

Reasons to Buy

  • Affordable, making it a great choice for beginners
  • Rich, warm tones thanks to the mahogany body and P90 pickups
  • Reliable build quality

Reasons to Avoid

  • Less high-end features compared to more expensive models
  • Some players may find the neck heavy
2

Epiphone Wildkat

best hollow body
Epiphone Wildkat

Tero's Thoughts

The Epiphone Wildkat is another quality offering by the brand. This guitar oozes attitude and grace. The semi-hollow body combined with the P90 pickups generates a warm sound that you'll get hooked on in no time!

Reasons to Buy

  • Semi-hollow body contributes to a unique, resonant tone
  • Comfortable to play due to its smaller body size

Reasons to Avoid

  • Some players may not prefer the semi-hollow body tone
  • May need set up and/or adjustment out of the box
3

Yamaha Revstar

best modern
Yamaha Revstar

Tero's Thoughts

The Yamaha Revstar series guitar deliver a modern guitar with the old school sound of P90s. If you like clean cut modern shapes on a guitar, this is the one for you.

Reasons to Buy

  • Solid build quality, reliable for both stage and studio
  • Unique, stylish design

Reasons to Avoid

  • Some players may find it slightly heavier than other models
  • Not as well-known as other brands
4

Gibson Les Paul Junior

best Les Paul Junior
Gibson Les Paul Junior

Tero's Thoughts

The Gibson Les Paul Junior is the bad boy of this list. This guitar delivers what you'd expect from the brand of the original electric guitar. It's pure attitude and rawness. Beautiful guitar with amazing tone.

Reasons to Buy

  • Iconic design and rich history
  • Robust, classic sound from the P90 pickup

Reasons to Avoid

  • Can be expensive, especially vintage models
  • Single pickup limits tonal variety
5

Gibson SG Special

best Classic Rock
Gibson SG Special

Tero's Thoughts

Ok. I know I said the Gibson Les Paul Junior was the bad boy in this list. Maybe, maybe not... the Gibson SG Special definitely rivals that definition. It's the ultimate rock axe, and you can have one!

Reasons to Buy

  • Versatile sound suitable for various music genres
  • Comfortable to play due to lightweight body

Reasons to Avoid

  • Some players may find the body design less balanced
  • Neck heavy, which might be uncomfortable for some players
6

Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II

additional option title here
Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II

Tero's Thoughts

The Godin 5th Avenue CW Kingpin II shows a whole another side to the P90 sound. It's a guitar featuring classic looks and tones. It's authencity at its finest.

Reasons to Buy

  • Delivers an authentic, classic vintage tone
  • Comfortable neck, easy to play

Reasons to Avoid

  • Might not be the best option for heavier music styles
  • Higher price point
7

Harley Benton

additional option title here
Harley Benton

Tero's Thoughts

The Harlie Benton is a great budget-conscious option. Surprisingly good quality too for being a lower priced guitar.

Reasons to Buy

  • Affordable, making it a great choice for beginners
  • Decent sound for the price point

Reasons to Avoid

  • May not be as durable or reliable as more expensive models
  • Limited tonal versatility compared to higher-end guitars
8

Gretsch G

additional option title here
Gretsch G

Tero's Thoughts

The Gretsch G delivers what you'd expect from the brand - extremely versatile tone and vintage looks.

Reasons to Buy

  • Produces a unique, vintage sound
  • Aesthetically pleasing with iconic Gretsch styling

Reasons to Avoid

  • May not suit heavier music genres
  • Could be considered expensive by some players