So, you're looking to upgrade the pickups in your Les Paul Special, huh? Awesome! You've come to the right place. Finding the best pickups can be a game-changer, seriously impacting your guitar's sound and overall playing experience. The Les Paul Special, with its typically flat-top mahogany body and dual P-90 pickups, has a raw, raucous tone that's perfect for rock, blues, and punk. But sometimes, those stock pickups just don't quite cut it, right? Maybe they're too muddy, too weak, or just not giving you the character you're after. That's where a pickup swap comes in.

Why Upgrade Your Pickups?

Before we dive into specific recommendations, let's talk about why you might want to upgrade your pickups in the first place. There are several reasons, and they're all valid:

• Tonal Improvement: This is the big one. Pickups are the heart of your guitar's sound. Swapping them out can dramatically alter the tone, making it brighter, warmer, more aggressive, or more nuanced, depending on what you choose. Think of it as giving your guitar a new voice.
• Increased Output: Some players want more output for a hotter, more driven sound. If you're playing high-gain rock or metal, higher-output pickups can push your amp harder and give you that extra punch you need.
• Better Clarity: Sometimes, stock pickups can sound muddy or indistinct, especially in the lower frequencies. Upgrading to higher-quality pickups can improve clarity and definition, allowing each note to ring out clearly.
• Noise Reduction: P-90 pickups, while awesome, are notorious for being noisy, especially at higher volumes. Some aftermarket pickups are designed with noise-canceling features, which can be a godsend for live performance and recording.
• Personalization: Ultimately, upgrading your pickups is about personalizing your guitar to your own tastes. It's about finding the sound that inspires you and makes you want to pick up your guitar and play.

Understanding P-90 Pickups

Since the Les Paul Special typically comes with P-90 pickups, let's take a closer look at what makes them unique. P-90s are single-coil pickups, but they're larger and wound differently than traditional Stratocaster-style single-coils. This gives them a unique sound that's often described as a cross between a single-coil and a humbucker. They have a thick, warm tone with plenty of bite and snarl. They're also very dynamic, responding well to changes in your playing attack. However, as mentioned earlier, they can be noisy.

Top P-90 Pickup Recommendations for Your Les Paul Special

Okay, let's get down to the fun part: recommending some great P-90 pickups for your Les Paul Special. Keep in mind that the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and the style of music you play. But here are a few top contenders, in my opinion:

1. Seymour Duncan Antiquity P-90

These pickups are designed to replicate the sound of vintage P-90s from the 1950s. If you're after that classic, warm, and slightly gritty tone, the Seymour Duncan Antiquity P-90 is an amazing choice. These pickups aren't overwound, so they clean up nicely when you roll back the volume knob. They're also very responsive to your playing dynamics, making them great for blues, rock, and even jazz. The bridge pickup has a raw, aggressive tone that's perfect for lead work, while the neck pickup is warm and smooth for rhythm playing. These are scatter-wound, and the magnets are aged to provide you with that vintage tone. The Seymour Duncan Antiquity P-90 is a faithful recreation of a vintage P-90 pickup, providing a warm, gritty, and dynamic tone that is perfect for players who want a classic sound. They are also great for players who want a pickup that is responsive to their playing dynamics.

2. Lollar P-90

Lollar pickups are known for their exceptional quality and attention to detail. Their P-90s are no exception. Lollar P-90s are available in a variety of configurations, including standard wind, underwound, and overwound. A standard wind Lollar P-90 will give you a balanced tone with plenty of clarity and punch. Underwound Lollars will have a sweeter, more open sound, while overwound Lollars will be hotter and more aggressive. All Lollar P-90 pickups are made with high-quality materials and are hand-wound for optimal performance. They're also known for their consistency, so you can be sure you're getting a great-sounding pickup every time. The Lollar P-90 is a versatile pickup that can be used for a variety of genres, including blues, rock, and jazz. They are also great for players who want a pickup that is responsive to their playing dynamics.

3. Fralin P-90

Fralin pickups are another top-notch choice. Lindy Fralin is known for his meticulous approach to pickup design, and his P-90s are highly regarded for their clarity, warmth, and balanced tone. Fralin P-90s are available with different output levels, so you can choose the one that best suits your playing style. The Fralin P-90 is a great all-around pickup that can be used for a variety of genres, including blues, rock, and jazz. They are also great for players who want a pickup that is responsive to their playing dynamics. One of the cool things about Fralin is that they can custom wind a set of pickups that matches your specific needs. If you're looking for a specific tone, let them know, and they can make a pickup that is suited for your sound and style!

4. Bare Knuckle Pickups Manhattan P90

For those looking for something with a bit more British flavor, Bare Knuckle Pickups offers the Manhattan P90. These hand-wound pickups are known for their exceptional quality and unique tonal characteristics. The Manhattan P90 delivers a balanced tone with a touch of aggression, making it ideal for rock, blues, and even heavier styles. They are also known for their clarity and definition, ensuring that each note rings out with precision. Bare Knuckle Pickups is a British company that hand-winds all of its pickups in-house. They use only the highest quality materials and are known for their attention to detail. The Manhattan P90 is a great choice for players who want a high-quality, versatile pickup that can handle a variety of genres.

5. Harmonic Design Z-90

The Harmonic Design Z-90 is a unique pickup that's designed to sound like a P-90 but with humbucker-like noise cancellation. If you love the tone of P-90s but hate the hum, this could be the perfect solution. The Z-90 has a thick, warm tone with plenty of midrange and a smooth high end. It's also very responsive to your playing dynamics. It's a bit of a different beast than a traditional P-90, but it's a great option if you're looking for a noise-free alternative. The Harmonic Design Z-90 is a great choice for players who want the tone of a P-90 without the hum. They can be a bit more pricey, but they are well worth the price if you want to have a noiseless experience with a guitar.

Considering Humbucker-Sized P-90s

One thing to note is that there are also P-90 pickups that are designed to fit into humbucker routs. These are a great option if you want to try out P-90s in a guitar that's already routed for humbuckers. Some popular options include the Seymour Duncan Phat Cat and the Lollar P-90 Humbucker. These pickups capture the essence of the P-90 tone in a humbucker-sized package, giving you the best of both worlds.

Installation and Setup

Once you've chosen your new pickups, you'll need to install them. If you're comfortable with soldering and wiring, you can do it yourself. There are plenty of tutorials online that can guide you through the process. However, if you're not confident in your abilities, it's best to take your guitar to a professional technician. They'll be able to install the pickups correctly and ensure that everything is wired properly. After the pickups are installed, you may need to adjust the pickup height to get the optimal tone. This involves raising or lowering the pickups until you find the sweet spot. Experiment with different heights to see what sounds best to you.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading the pickups in your Les Paul Special is a fantastic way to improve its sound and make it your own. Whether you're after a classic vintage tone, a more modern and aggressive sound, or something in between, there's a P-90 pickup out there that's perfect for you. So do your research, listen to sound samples, and don't be afraid to experiment. With the right pickups, your Les Paul Special will sound better than ever! Choosing the best pickups is really a decision only you can make, with research and testing, you will find the perfect sound. Happy playing!