LP vs SG With P90 Pickups: Tone Differences Explained

P90 pickups don’t sound the same in every guitar.

Put the same P90 set into a Les Paul Special and an SG,
and you’ll get two completely different tonal personalities.

Why?

Body thickness.
Mass.
Attack response.
Resonance.

If you’re deciding between an LP-style kit and an SG-style kit for your next P90 build,
understanding these tonal differences matters more than the pickup brand itself.

Let’s break it down.

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.

Body Construction Differences

Les Paul Special Style

Thicker mahogany slab
Heavier overall mass
More sustain
Slightly softer attack

SG Style

Thinner mahogany body
Lighter weight
Faster attack
More upper-mid bite

That structural difference changes how P90 pickups respond.

How P90s React in an LP Special

In a Les Paul Special-style build:

• Low end feels fuller
• Notes sustain longer
• The neck position can get warm and thick
• The bridge sounds punchy but slightly rounded

P90s in this platform often produce:

Creamy blues tones
Thick classic rock crunch
Smooth overdrive response
Vintage warmth

If you want heavier body and thicker rhythm tones,
the LP platform supports that naturally.

How P90s React in an SG

In an SG-style build:

• Attack is sharper
• Upper mids are more pronounced
• Low end feels tighter
• The guitar responds faster to picking dynamics

The same P90 that sounds warm in an LP can sound aggressive in an SG.

Expect:

Snappier rhythm clarity
More cut in a band mix
Brighter lead tones
More bite under gain

If you want aggressive classic rock, garage, or punchy blues tones,
the SG platform delivers that edge.

Sustain & Feel Comparison

LP Special With P90s

Feels grounded and solid
Notes bloom slightly after attack
Sustain carries naturally

SG With P90s

Feels lightweight and responsive
Immediate note attack
Slightly quicker decay

Neither is better.
They just respond differently.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose LP-style if:

✔ You want thicker low-end support
✔ You play blues or vintage rock
✔ You prefer heavier, more anchored feel

Choose SG-style if:

✔ You want sharper attack
✔ You play aggressive rock or punk
✔ You prefer lighter weight and quicker response

The pickup brand matters.

But the body platform matters more.

Final Thoughts…

P90 pickups are expressive, dynamic, and raw.

But the guitar platform you install them in changes the final voice dramatically.

Les Paul Special builds lean thick and warm.

SG builds lean sharp and aggressive.

Understanding that difference lets you choose smarter —
and build a guitar that fits your playing style instead of fighting it.

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.