Gibson's P-90 pickups reveal tonal secrets in Les Paul Junior models

Gibson's P-90 pickups, once the premium choice until 1957, are known for their distinctive "dog ear" design. These pickups were consistently used in the Les Paul Junior models, ensuring quality tone for all price ranges. Recent findings reveal that some P-90s from 1952 and 1953 featured thicker magnets, which contributed to a fuller sound. This detail is not widely recognized, but it may explain why certain early Juniors have a hotter tone. For those seeking vintage sound, using plain enamel wire and unpotted coils is recommended. The ideal specifications include a DC resistance between 7k and 8k, with Alnico III or V magnets for authentic pre- and post-1957 tones.