If you’re a guitarist seeking that distinct, crafted tone that defines your sound, look no further. The Eric Custom Hand Wound Tele P90 Bridge Pickup, denoted as TLP90, promises to elevate your guitar’s voice to new heights. In this review, we’ll delve into the craftsmanship, tonal characteristics, installation process, and why the TLP90 deserves a place in your rig.
A Brief Overview of P90 Pickups
P90 pickups have fascinated musicians for decades, occupying a sweet spot between single-coil and humbucker pickups. With their unique tonal qualities, they offer a warm, gritty sound that’s perfect for rock, blues, jazz, and more. The Eric Custom hand-wound P90 TLP90 is designed specifically for Telecasters, adapting the P90’s characteristics to that classic Tele tone while retaining the raw punch that Telecasters are known for.
Craftsmanship and Build Quality
The Eric Custom TLP90 is not just another pickup; it is a meticulously crafted component made by experts who understand the nuances of sound. Each pickup is hand-wound, allowing for precise control over both the winding process and the magnetic field it creates. This attention to detail ensures that musicians receive a pickup that delivers consistent performance and rich tonal depth.
Materials Used
Top-of-the-line materials are used in the TLP90’s construction, including high-quality magnets and antique-style wire. The combination of these components yields a fat tone with clarity, allowing your notes to stand out in a mix without losing definition.
Tonal Characteristics
The true magic of the TLP90 lies in its tonal palette. Many players have described the TLP90’s output as creamy, with a natural mid-range presence that sings. Whether you’re strumming chords or playing intricate solos, the harmonic richness brings a new dimension to your music.
Dynamic Response
The TLP90 is designed to react to your playing style. Light picking evokes a softer, bluesy tone, while aggressive strumming brings out a snappy bite that cuts through the mix—a versatile combination that inspires creativity.
Comparison to Traditional Telecaster Pickups
In contrast to standard Tele pickups, which can sometimes sound thin and sharp, the TLP90 offers a fuller sound. Players transitioning from traditional single-coils may find the TLP90 provides the clarity they need while enriching their overall sound with depth and body.
Installation of the TLP90
Installing the TLP90 is a straightforward process, making it accessible even for those not particularly seasoned in guitar modifications. With basic tools, even novice guitarists can perform the installation. Simply follow these steps:
- Gather Your Tools: You will need a screwdriver, a soldering iron, and some solder.
- Remove the Old Pickup: Unscrew the existing pickup from your guitar, taking care to document where each wire is connected to simplify reinstallation.
- Soldering: Following the mapping from the old pickup, solder the TLP90’s wires accordingly. Don’t forget to ground your pickup for optimal performance.
- Reassemble: Once everything is in place, reassemble your guitar and test the pickup.
Taking it for a Spin: Testing the TLP90
After installing the TLP90, it was time to plug it into a tube amplifier and put it to the test. From jazzy clean tones to gritty overdriven sounds, the TLP90 held its own across a range of styles.
Cleans
When played clean, the TLP90 produces a warm, almost hollow body-like tone with a slight bite on the high end. Arpeggios shimmer, while chords ring out full and lush. The TLP90 is perfect for genres like jazz, where nuance and subtlety are crucial.
Overdriven Sounds
Switching to an overdrive pedal resulted in a dynamic sound with a slight growl that made lead lines sing. The P90’s abilities to maintain clarity while being saturated with gain were impressive. The natural compression added a pleasant sustain that could serve well for solos or lead sections.
Who Needs the TLP90?
While the Eric Custom Hand Wound Tele P90 Bridge Pickup is perfect for rock and blues players, it also appeals to jazz musicians and anyone interested in modern rock. Its distinctive tone may also attract fans of alternative, indie, or punk rock due to its unique voice which can effortlessly cut through dense mixes.
A Budget-Friendly Investment
Given its high-quality construction and exceptional sound, the TLP90 represents a fantastic investment for anyone looking to enhance their Telecaster’s tonal capabilities without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts on the TLP90
The Eric Custom Hand Wound Tele P90 Bridge Pickup has impressed countless players with its unique tonal signature and superb build quality. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner looking to expand your tonal palette, the TLP90 brings an undeniable richness and depth to your sound. With its user-friendly installation and versatile applications, this pickup is an obvious choice for any Telecaster enthusiast seeking to elevate their performance.