What position is this Seymour Duncan Antiquity P90 intended for?

This specific model is designed for the bridge position of the guitar. It is calibrated to provide the necessary output and tonal balance required at the bridge to complement a neck pickup.

What is the physical mounting style of this pickup?

It uses the 'Soapbar' mounting style. This is a rectangular housing where the mounting screws pass through the body of the pickup, typically used in Gibson-style solid body guitars.

What colour is the pickup cover?

The pickup comes with a retro cream finish. This provides a vintage-accurate aesthetic that complements many different guitar body colours better than a modern bright white.

What is the primary tonal characteristic of the Antiquity P90?

The manufacturer describes its sound as having a 'cool gritty sparkle.' It provides the bite and chime associated with vintage single-coil pickups while maintaining a gritty, textured midrange.

Is this pickup suitable for high-gain modern metal?

While versatile, this pickup is voiced for a classic, vintage response. It excels at 'gritty sparkle' and mid-gain drive rather than the ultra-compressed, high-output requirements of modern metal.

How does the Antiquity range differ from standard Seymour Duncan pickups?

The Antiquity range is specifically aged and voiced to replicate the sound and appearance of genuine vintage components. They are designed to sound like a pickup that has been played for decades.

Does this pickup come as a pair?

This specific item is the bridge pickup only. Players looking for a full set would typically need to purchase a matching Antiquity P90 neck pickup separately.

What is the typical price range for this model in the UK?

The typical price for the Seymour Duncan Antiquity P90 Soapbar Bridge pickup is approximately £169. Prices may vary slightly between different retailers.

Will this fit in a guitar routed for humbuckers?

No, a soapbar P90 has different dimensions and mounting requirements than a standard humbucker. It requires a specific P90 soapbar rout or a conversion ring.

Is the finish 'Aged White' or 'Cream'?

The manufacturer specifies this finish as 'Retro Cream.' This is visually similar to 'Aged White' accessories found in other brands like Fender, but technically termed Cream by Seymour Duncan.

What kind of magnets are typically used in the Antiquity P90 series?

The Antiquity series generally uses Alnico magnets that have been specifically de-gaussed (aged) to simulate the natural magnetic decay of a 50-year-old pickup. This contributes to the 'cool' and 'gritty' tone.

Can this pickup be used for genres other than Rock?

Yes, its clear sparkle makes it highly suitable for Jazz, Blues, and Country. The P90 design is known for being one of the most versatile single-coil designs in guitar history.

Gear article

Seymour Duncan Antiquity P90 Soapbar Pickup

The Seymour Duncan Antiquity P90 Soapbar is a premium replacement bridge pickup designed to replicate the specific tonal characteristics and aesthetics of vintage 1950s single-coil pickups. It is distinguished by its 'gritty sparkle' and a period-correct cream finish, catering to musicians seeking authentic retro guitar tones.

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Overview

The Seymour Duncan Antiquity P90 Soapbar Bridge pickup is a specialist component within the 'Parts & spares' category, engineered for players who require a vintage-voiced upgrade for their instrument. This specific model focuses on recreating the response and visual appeal of original P90 units found on classic electric guitars. It is housed in a soapbar-style casing with a retro cream finish, intended to aesthetically match a wide variety of guitar finishes while providing a distinct mid-century look.

Technical Features and Design

This bridge pickup is designed to fit standard P90 soapbar routs. The construction prioritises 'Antiquity' specifications, which typically involve aged components to ensure the pickup does not sound overly harsh or 'new' straight out of the box. Key features include:

Soapbar Mounting: The standard rectangular housing commonly associated with mid-1950s solid-body and semi-hollow guitars.
Cream Finish: A retro-styled plastic cover that provides an aged appearance compared to standard white covers.
Bridge Calibration: Wound specifically for the bridge position to ensure balanced output when paired with a neck pickup.

Sound Character

The Antiquity P90 is characterised by what the manufacturer describes as a 'cool gritty sparkle.' Unlike modern high-output pickups, it retains the clarity and top-end detail of a classic single-coil while providing the muscular midrange growl that P90s are known for. It is designed to deliver the nuanced response of a 'well-known classic guitar,' making it suitable for genres ranging from blues and jazz to classic rock and garage punk.

Market Context and Compatibility

Retailing at approximately £169, the Antiquity P90 sits in the premium segment of the replacement pickup market. It is often considered alongside other high-quality guitar hardware, such as Gotoh 203B-4 bass bridges or Fender American Standard tremolo assemblies, as part of a comprehensive instrument restoration or upgrade project. While it is a specific bridge unit, it is frequently paired with matching cream-coloured components, such as Fender Stratocaster aged white knobs, to maintain a consistent vintage aesthetic across the instrument.

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Frequently asked questions

What position is this Seymour Duncan Antiquity P90 intended for?: This specific model is designed for the bridge position of the guitar. It is calibrated to provide the necessary output and tonal balance required at the bridge to complement a neck pickup.
What is the physical mounting style of this pickup?: It uses the 'Soapbar' mounting style. This is a rectangular housing where the mounting screws pass through the body of the pickup, typically used in Gibson-style solid body guitars.
What colour is the pickup cover?: The pickup comes with a retro cream finish. This provides a vintage-accurate aesthetic that complements many different guitar body colours better than a modern bright white.
What is the primary tonal characteristic of the Antiquity P90?: The manufacturer describes its sound as having a 'cool gritty sparkle.' It provides the bite and chime associated with vintage single-coil pickups while maintaining a gritty, textured midrange.
Is this pickup suitable for high-gain modern metal?: While versatile, this pickup is voiced for a classic, vintage response. It excels at 'gritty sparkle' and mid-gain drive rather than the ultra-compressed, high-output requirements of modern metal.
How does the Antiquity range differ from standard Seymour Duncan pickups?: The Antiquity range is specifically aged and voiced to replicate the sound and appearance of genuine vintage components. They are designed to sound like a pickup that has been played for decades.
Does this pickup come as a pair?: This specific item is the bridge pickup only. Players looking for a full set would typically need to purchase a matching Antiquity P90 neck pickup separately.
What is the typical price range for this model in the UK?: The typical price for the Seymour Duncan Antiquity P90 Soapbar Bridge pickup is approximately £169. Prices may vary slightly between different retailers.
Will this fit in a guitar routed for humbuckers?: No, a soapbar P90 has different dimensions and mounting requirements than a standard humbucker. It requires a specific P90 soapbar rout or a conversion ring.
Is the finish 'Aged White' or 'Cream'?: The manufacturer specifies this finish as 'Retro Cream.' This is visually similar to 'Aged White' accessories found in other brands like Fender, but technically termed Cream by Seymour Duncan.
What kind of magnets are typically used in the Antiquity P90 series?: The Antiquity series generally uses Alnico magnets that have been specifically de-gaussed (aged) to simulate the natural magnetic decay of a 50-year-old pickup. This contributes to the 'cool' and 'gritty' tone.
Can this pickup be used for genres other than Rock?: Yes, its clear sparkle makes it highly suitable for Jazz, Blues, and Country. The P90 design is known for being one of the most versatile single-coil designs in guitar history.