SG builds are a different animal.
Where a Les Paul gives you thick mahogany warmth and sustain for days,
an SG delivers faster attack, sharper mids, and more bite.
The thinner body and lighter weight change the feel —
and the way your pickups respond.
That means your P90 choice needs to complement brightness, not exaggerate harshness.
Below are three budget-friendly P90 options under $100 that pair especially well with SG-style guitar builds.
Looking for a broader comparison? See our full guide to the
Best Budget P90 Pickups Under $100 to compare all top options in one place.
Choosing the Right P90 for an SG Build
Not all P90s behave the same in an SG-style guitar.
Because the SG has a thinner mahogany body and a naturally sharper attack than a Les Paul,
pickup choice plays a bigger role in controlling brightness and midrange bite.
When choosing a P90 for your SG build, consider:
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Do you want smoother vintage warmth?
-
Do you want aggressive midrange punch?
-
Are you playing blues, classic rock, or heavier styles?
-
Do you want a full neck + bridge set or individual upgrades?
Below are three budget-friendly P90 options that work especially well in SG-style builds under $100.
⭐ 1. Wilkinson MW90 Alnico 5 P90 (Soapbar)
(Best Balanced SG Upgrade)
If you want a dependable, all-around upgrade for an SG-style kit,
the Wilkinson MW90 is a strong starting point.
It adds clarity and definition without pushing the naturally bright SG body into harsh territory.
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Check Price – Wilkinson MW90 Alnico 5 P90
(Soapbar)
In an SG build,
this pickup keeps the neck position articulate while giving the bridge enough bite
to stay aggressive without becoming brittle.
It delivers classic P90 growl with tighter low-end control and smoother upper mids —
perfect for managing an SG’s sharper attack.
Why It’s Great:
✔ Alnico 5 magnet — controlled highs and firm lows
✔ Balanced output — versatile for clean and overdrive
✔ Strong midrange presence without ice-pick treble
✔ Reliable upgrade under $100
⭐ 2. Artec Alnico 5 P90 Pickup
(Best Vintage-Voiced SG Option)
If you’re aiming for raw, old-school SG tone with attitude,
the Artec Alnico 5 P90 gives you that gritty vintage edge without overloading the highs.
It leans slightly warmer than many budget P90s,
which helps tame the SG’s naturally sharp attack.
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In an SG build,
this pickup adds character and bite while smoothing the upper frequencies
that can sometimes feel too aggressive.
Expect open chords to ring clearly and single-note riffs to
cut without becoming thin or piercing.
Why It’s Great:
✔ Warm Alnico 5 response — smooth top end
✔ Vintage-style output — dynamic and expressive
✔ Clear articulation for blues and classic rock
✔ Budget-friendly upgrade path
⭐ 3. FLEOR P90 Pickup Set (Neck & Bridge)
(Best High-Output SG Option)
If you want your SG build to hit harder,
the FLEOR P90 set gives you more push into your amp without breaking the budget.
This set delivers punchy mids and a stronger attack
that pairs well with the SG’s lighter, more resonant body.
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Check Price – FLEOR P90 Pickup Set
(Neck & Bridge)
In an SG build,
this set increases aggression and tightens the response,
making it ideal for heavier rhythm tones and driving lead work.
It brings modern edge while still keeping the raw character
that makes P90-equipped SGs so expressive.
Why It’s Great:
✔ Higher output — pushes amps into natural breakup
✔ Tight midrange punch — great for rock and punk
✔ Full neck & bridge value set
✔ Strong performance under $100
How SG Body Design Affects P90 Tone
SG guitars typically feature:
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Thinner mahogany body
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Lighter overall weight
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Faster transient attack
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Slightly leaner low end
Because of this:
• Avoid overly harsh ceramic P90s unless you want aggressive bite
• Alnico 5 tends to balance brightness better
• Bridge pickup height adjustment becomes more critical
If your SG sounds too sharp,
lower the bridge pickup slightly and roll your tone knob back just a touch.
Small adjustments go a long way on this body style.
Final Thoughts…
An SG build rewards the right pickup choice.
You don’t need high-dollar boutique P90s to get aggressive,
expressive tone.
You just need the right balance of clarity, warmth,
and output for the naturally bright, fast attack of the SG platform.
All three of these options deliver strong performance under $100 —
the difference comes down to how aggressive you want your build to sound.
Choose the pickup that matches your playing style, not just the price tag.
Ready to Start Adjusting Your Tone?
Check out our other guides:
If you’re new to guitar kits:
Start with Step-by-Step Guide To Building Your First Electric Guitar Kit and
Essential Tools Every Electric Guitar Kit Builder Should Have.
If you already own a kit guitar:
Jump into How To Properly Set Up Your Electric Guitar Kit For Intonation or
Fixing Common Problems: Buzzing And Dead Frets.
If you’re chasing better tone:
Head to Understanding Humbucker Vs Single Coil Pickups In Kits or
Playing With Tone Controls: Tips For Electric Guitar Kits and start experimenting.
Your Guitar, Your Build, Your Sound
You don’t need a custom shop or a tech on speed dial.
All you need is a little guidance, some patience, and a place to go that shows you what to do next.
Come on man… You got this.
Craft it. Play it. Own it!