Guitar gigs need versatile guitars that can play a wide range of music genres flawlessly.
P90 guitars are an awesome option for guitarists who want a distinctive sound with a warm and fat tone, and plenty of mid-range presence.
There are many P90 guitars in the market, but most of them are expensive and will normally require one to have a big budget to get the best.
If you are on a $500 budget, do not stress about the hassle of getting an awesome P90 guitar. In this guide, we explore the best P90 guitar under $500.
If you are in a hurry, here are the top picks:
1.Epiphone Wildkat Electric Guitar – Most popular
2.Epiphone Limited Edition ES-339 – Best value
Best P90 guitar under $500
Epiphone Wildkat Electric Guitar
The Epiphone wildkat electric guitar features a unique antique design and color. The body is mahogany and it features an Okoume fretboard. The top material on this guitar is flame maple which enhances its durability.
This guitar has a vintage semi-hollow body sound. It has a high level of comfort when playing. The semi-hollow body delivers a distinctive tone that is warm and full. The finishing on this guitar is fantastic, especially the chrome accents.
If you have fat fingers and want a guitar that will not squeeze them up when playing, this guitar features a comfortable wide neck that allows fat fingers to fit in nicely.
The guitar has solid P-90 Dogear pickups. These pickups are awesome when it comes to delivering a warm sound. Also, the P-90 pickups are great as far as sustainability is concerned.
Pros
- Distinctive warm and full sound
- Great sustain
- Comfortable neck
- Solid pickups
Cons
- The fret dressing is wanting
Epiphone Limited Edition ES-339
This Epiphone limited edition ES-339 features a beautiful sleek black color that is perfectly finished. The guitar is made of a laminated maple body, and a mahogany neck, and the fretboard is rosewood. This guitar maintains the classical design while still featuring awesome new features.
The guitar is smaller than the other traditional editions but this does not take away from its tone. The guitar has a slimmer taper and D-profile that keeps the player comfortable when playing for long hours during recordings. The mahogany neck has 22 jumbo frets that are perfect for every level and style of playing.
In addition to the gorgeous black color, this guitar’s single-ply silver-sparkle binding on the fingerboard and body completes the classical look.
If you are looking for a guitar to play different styles in gigs without the stress of carrying two or more guitars, this guitar has magnificent ES-339 PRO pickups. These pickups provide a big variety of sounds in one guitar, allowing you to play different styles or different gigs with only one guitar.
Pros
- Versatile pickups
- Silver sparkle binding
- Amazing portable size
- It is comfortable
Cons
- Buzz when the saddle is not raised
Gretsch G2215-P90 Streamliner
Gretsch G2215-P90 Streamliner Junior Jet Club Electric Guitar features a compact single-cutaway design with a 24.75″ scale length, making it easy to handle and play.
It features a mahogany body, providing a warm and rich tone as well as being lightweight. The neck is made of nato wood as opposed to maple or rosewood. The neck still provides a solid and stable playing experience.
The guitar has a single P90 pickup that delivers an incredible vintage tone. The pickup produces clean and distorted sounds easily, making it suitable for various music genres. The guitar is therefore equipped with versatility for playing at different gigs with the same pickup.
This guitar is in a compact size which makes it easy to carry for gigs and hassle-free to store when traveling or when not in use.
Pros
- Tone versatility
- Easy to handle
- It is light and compact
Cons
- Action is off the frets
- Needs many adjustments
Epiphone SG Special P90
If you are looking for an affordable high-quality guitar with a vintage-inspired sound, Epiphone SG special P90 guitar is a good option. This guitar features a slim-tapered neck and a rosewood fingerboard.
This guitar features great workmanship and flawless finishing. You can have it in different colors. This model for instance has a beautiful Sparkling Burgundy color. The neck feels smooth and comfortable, making it ideal for fast playing. The guitar is light, and you can use it to play for long sessions without causing fatigue.
The guitar has the SG Special P90 pickups that deliver an impressive warm, fat, midrange sound. In addition, the pickups are controlled by a layout of a master volume and tone control for each pickup, and a three-way toggle switch that allows you to select between the neck and bridge pickups, or a combination of the two.
Pros
- Master volume control for each pickup
- Tone versatility
- Smooth and comfortable neck
- Flawless finishing
Cons
- It is a tad shorter in the neck length
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best P90 guitar under $500
Budget
In this case, budget is a top priority when picking your P90 guitar. There are various options for under $500 budget. If the features you are looking for are slightly more expensive than $500, you can contemplate whether to go with the extra budget.
Neck Shape and Size
The neck shape and size of the guitar affect its playability and comfort. Essentially, consider what feels comfortable to you, whether it is a thicker or thinner neck and a shorter or longer scale length. Guitarists with small hands prefer thin neck guitars since they are comfortable to handle and play.
Pickups
After finding a guitar with P90 pickups, the quality of the pickups is crucial to consider. Pickups are what make the unique sound. Consider looking for pickups that deliver a clear and full sound with good sustain.
FAQs
Is a $500 Guitar Good Enough?
There are amazing $500 guitars with unbelievably high-quality features, it depends on how good you look.
Why Do People prefer P90 Pickups?
P90 pickups are versatile and can play a wide range of music genres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who constructs the most intense P90 pickups?
While specific manufacturers can make a particular P90 to be hotter or cooler, the overall intensity of a P90 pickup can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the type of music you’re playing, the gear you’re using, and your playing style. There isn’t a straightforward answer because the “hottest” pickup for one person might not be the same for another. However, some renowned manufacturers notorious for making high-quality and intense P90 pickups include Gibson and Seymour Duncan. These companies have decades worth of experience and numerous satisfied customers across the globe.
Which musical genres are a perfect match for P90s?
The incredible versatility of tone provided by P90 pickups makes them a favorite across a wide range of music styles, from sizzling rock, soulful blues, to laid-back country. However, if we start leaning into heavier styles like metal, the P90s might not stand their ground due to their lesser bass frequencies and a subtle humming sound when the gain is cranked up. Nonetheless, their broad application is a testament to these pickups’ versatility and blend in most genres.
What is the optimal genre for P90 pickups?
The P90 pickups exhibit a unique character of being bright and having a certain ‘spank’ in their tone. This tends to appeal particularly to guitarists involved in genres like country, funk, blues, and jazz. Despite not offering the clarity found in the traditional single-coil designs, P90s compensate with a richer tone that can handle higher distortion levels without battling with the humming issue, a common problem with single-coil pickups.
Does Fender incorporate P90s in any of their guitars?
Yes, indeed! Fender Mustang 90 is a prime example of a six-string incorporating P90 pickups. This guitar is a dream-come-true with its top-notch playability, versatile P90s, and excellent build quality, all at a reasonable price point. It embeds the best of what P90s can offer, making it an ideal choice for any player looking to explore the unique tonal landscapes crafted by P90s.