EPIPHONE SG SPECIAL P-90 £349

Inspired by Gibson… and could it be the perfect compromise?

- Rob Laing

Is the P-90 the best of both worlds pickup? There’s definitely an argument for it being the tonal middle-ground between the traditional single-coil and humbucker. With a single pole-piece, P-90s are single-coil by anatomy and their shorter and wider bobbin allows for greater low-end girth and grit. They’re also tied closely to the Gibson story – the company’s solid body electric pickup of choice until the advent of the humbucker in 1955.

Which brings us to another best of both worlds question – is Epiphone’s 2020 ‘Inspired By Gibson’ range also the perfect blend of value and tone? We best take a look.

The Faded Pelham Blue here follows the 2019 Gibson model’s take on a classic, but it isn’t faded in the natural grain way of our early 2000s Gibson SG Special Faded (or the 2020 Epiphone SG Classic). It’s a metallic gloss lacquer and it’s a very appealing take on a familiar colour.