Les Paul Special–style builds are made for P90 pickups.
Mahogany bodies, wraparound bridges,
and slab-style construction create a tone platform that
thrives on midrange punch and dynamic attack.
But stock kit P90s can sometimes sound weak, muddy in the neck,
or overly harsh in the bridge.
If you want more clarity, tighter lows, and expressive growl —
without boutique pricing —
these are the best budget P90 pickups under $100 for LP Special builds.
Let’s dial in the right voice for your build. 🎸🔥
👉 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.
How We Chose These Budget P90 Picks
Not every P90 under $100 is worth installing in a Les Paul Special–style build.
For this guide, we focused on pickups that:
• Fit standard soapbar routes (no routing required)
• Deliver strong midrange character without excessive mud
• Improve clarity and attack over typical stock kit pickups
• Stay under the $100 budget threshold
We also prioritized options that work well with mahogany bodies and wraparound bridges —
since those are common in LP Special builds.
The goal isn’t boutique hype.
It’s real-world tone improvement without overspending.
Now let’s look at the P90 pickups that make the biggest difference.
⭐ 1. Wilkinson MW90 Alnico 5 P90 (Soapbar)
(Best Balanced LP Special Upgrade)
If you want a dependable,
all-around upgrade for a Les Paul Special–style kit,
the Wilkinson MW90 is a strong starting point.
It adds clarity and definition without stripping away the natural warmth of a mahogany body.
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Check Price – Wilkinson MW90 Alnico 5 P90
(Soapbar)
In an LP Special build,
this pickup keeps the neck position from getting muddy while giving the bridge enough bite to cut through a mix.
It delivers classic P90 growl with tighter low-end control than most stock kit pickups.
Why It’s Great:
✔ Alnico 5 magnet — clear highs and firm lows
✔ Balanced output — versatile for clean and overdrive
✔ Great midrange presence without harshness
✔ Reliable upgrade under $100
⭐ 2. Artec Alnico 5 P90 Pickup
(Best Classic Budget Growl Option)
If you’re chasing vintage-style midrange grind on a tight budget,
the Artec Alnico 5 P90 delivers surprising punch for the price.
It leans into that raw, expressive P90 character that makes LP Specials so fun to play.
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Check Price – Artec Alnico 5 P90 Pickup
In a mahogany LP Special,
this pickup emphasizes midrange bark and articulation while keeping lows controlled.
It’s a noticeable upgrade over many stock soapbars without pushing into boutique territory.
Why It’s Great:
✔ Strong midrange bite
✔ Classic vintage-style response
✔ Tighter lows than most stock kits
✔ Excellent value option
⭐ 3. FLEOR P90 Pickup Set (Neck & Bridge)
(Best Full-Set Budget Upgrade)
If you’re replacing both pickups at once and want maximum value,
the FLEOR P90 set offers an affordable way to overhaul your entire LP Special build.
It provides thicker output and more authority than many entry-level kit pickups.
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Check Price – FLEOR P90 Pickup Set
(Neck & Bridge)
In an LP Special platform,
this set gives you a warmer neck tone and a punchy,
more aggressive bridge without needing routing or modifications.
It’s ideal if you want a noticeable tonal shift on a budget.
Why It’s Great:
✔ Affordable full-set option
✔ Noticeably thicker than stock
✔ Strong midrange push
✔ Easy drop-in installation
What Makes P90s Perfect for LP Special Builds?
Les Paul Special–style guitars are naturally mid-forward because of their:
• Mahogany body construction
• Simple wraparound bridge
• Slab-style design
P90 pickups complement this by delivering:
• Raw, articulate midrange
• Responsive dynamics
• Gritty overdrive character
• Better note separation than many humbuckers
When matched correctly,
a good P90 upgrade keeps your LP Special expressive instead of muddy.
Final Thoughts…
A Les Paul Special build deserves a pickup that brings out its character —
not one that flattens it.
The right under-$100 P90 can:
• Tighten low end
• Add midrange authority
• Improve clarity in the neck position
• Deliver expressive overdrive
If you want a balanced all-around upgrade, Wilkinson MW90 is a safe bet.
If you want classic vintage grind, Artec delivers.
If you’re upgrading both positions affordably, FLEOR set makes sense.
Raw. Punchy. Responsive.
That’s what a proper LP Special P90 should feel like.
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!