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Jeremy
I posted a question regarding what P-90' pickups would suit me.
Your reply suggesting the Antiquity models really got me thinking....
They are more expensive... but for 20% (or so) more dollars you get the best pickup available right?

I think, from reading up a lot on P-90's in the last week that I would want a low output alnico model.

Can you (please) describe to me the difference in tone between my two choices:
The Vintage P-90 Soapbar (SP90-1) and the Antiquity P-90?

This would really be helpful to me.

I want a P-90 that has some bark, bite and honk, with a 'stinging', but not harsh bridge sound, and one that wont get 'muddy' and lose string definition.

I want to play it dead clean.... trough a fender twin with my Bigsby trem 'tremming' and I also want to crank a bit of crunchy gain, like early Neil Young, and maybe get the shimmering grind of early ACDC?

Sincerely
Paspallum

It sounds to me like the Vintage would be more up your alley because it is wound a little bit hotter and has a slightly more powerful magnet than the Antiquity. The A5 in the Vintage will probably lend a more sparkly, lively vibe to the tone, while the A2 in the Antiquity will give more of a throaty sound. I am currently deciding between those pickups as well, and I really need to talk to somebody who has played both pickups, as I haven't played either one.

Thanks TWOHEADEDBOY that is an intersting angle.... maybe we can 'work' this forum and see if we can find the righteous truth on this issue...Vintage... or Antiqutiy???

Paspallum

iirc, scott_f played both the ants and vintage p-90 as well as a lollar. maybe he will chime in.

i also heard that harmonic design has some pretty good p-90........

I lucked onto a pretty good combination, I'm using an SD Vintage Neck P-90 in the bridge, and an SD Antiquity Neck P-90 in the neck position. The bridge sound is fat amp; bright, amp; the neck is fat amp; smooth.

Works for me.

I e-mailed direct with my question. Alex Semple gave me this excellant answer:

Paspallum,
Good question. If you want your guitar to sound like a vintage one
that's 50 years old, try the Antiquity, sweeter and warmer sounding. If
you want your guitar to sound like one that was just purchased in 1955,
go with the Vintage model. Brighter punchier and more matter-of-fact
sounding.

I'm considering purchasing a Vintage Soapbar and then switching the magnet to an A2 if i'm not happy with it. What do you think a vintage soapbar with an A2 would sound like?