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Average Price: $200

High-end/Boutique

$99

$200+

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High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Seymour Duncan P90 Phat Cat Pickups". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Transform your guitar’s tone with the Seymour Duncan P90 Phat Cat Pickups, a powerhouse set designed to bring the iconic P-90 sound to a humbucker-equipped guitar. These pickups might masquerade as humbuckers with their sleek nickel covers, but they deliver the unmistakable growl and clarity of a classic P-90. Built with dual Alnico II magnets, they promise a blend of increased sustain and a rounded, softer attack, making them ideal for players who crave both bite and warmth in their sound.

The unique reversed winding and polarity on the neck pickup help to reduce hum, adding a layer of noise reduction to the already robust shielding provided by the metal covers. This means you can enjoy a broad tonal range—from sparkling cleans to thick, gritty overdrive—without the typical single-coil noise interference. Guitarists who want to step out of the ordinary and carve out a signature tone will find these pickups an enticing upgrade.

These pickups are not just about sound; they also offer a seamless fit, complete with all the necessary fixing hardware to ensure a smooth installation. Proudly made in the USA, the Phat Cat Pickups bring a touch of vintage flair to modern engineering, perfect for musicians looking to explore new sonic landscapes.

Key Features:

  • P-90 pickup set in a humbucker shape (SPH90-1N neck, SPH90-1B bridge)
  • High-output single coils with Alnico II magnets
  • Reversed winding and polarity on neck pickup
  • DC resistance: 8.0 kOhm (neck), 8.5 kOhm (bridge)
  • Resonant frequency: 6.3 kHz (neck), 6.05 kHz (bridge)
  • Single-conductor hookup cable
  • Airtight waxed with nickel covers
  • Includes complete fixing hardware
  • Made in USA

Product specs

Type Set: Single-coil
Active/Passive Passive
Configuration SS Set
Magnet Material Alnico II
Number of Conductors 1 wire plus braided shield
DC Resistance 8.49K (bridge), 7.98K (neck)
Connectivity Soldered
Number of Strings 6
Covering Covered
Format P-90, Soapbar
Features Humbucker-sized

FAQs

What makes Seymour Duncan P90 Phat Cat pickups unique compared to standard humbuckers?

Seymour Duncan P90 Phat Cat pickups offer a true single-coil P90 sound in a humbucker-sized format, providing a bright, punchy tone with more midrange detail compared to standard humbuckers. They are ideal for players wanting a vintage P90 sound without modifying their guitar.

Are Seymour Duncan P90 Phat Cat pickups suitable for all music genres?

These pickups excel in blues, rock, and jazz due to their warm, articulate tone and dynamic response. While they can handle higher gain settings, they may not be the best choice for genres requiring ultra-high gain or extreme metal.

Will Seymour Duncan P90 Phat Cat pickups fit in my humbucker-equipped guitar?

Yes, the Phat Cat pickups are designed to fit into standard humbucker slots, making them an easy upgrade for guitars originally equipped with humbuckers.

How do Seymour Duncan P90 Phat Cat pickups handle noise and hum?

While Phat Cat pickups are single-coil, they are designed to be relatively quiet compared to traditional P90s, thanks to their construction and shielding, making them suitable for both studio and live settings.

What type of magnet is used in Seymour Duncan P90 Phat Cat pickups?

Seymour Duncan P90 Phat Cat pickups use Alnico II magnets, which contribute to their warm, smooth tone and vintage character, ideal for players seeking a classic P90 sound.

Bryant Throckmorton

Bryant Throckmorton

Seymour Duncan Phat Cat P-90 Play Through

Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan Phat Cat P-90 Play Through by Bryant Throckmorton

Seymour Duncan Phat Cat P-90 Play Through

Bryant Throckmorton

Bryant Throckmorton

Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan Phat Cat Pick Up Review - Fender Jazzmaster Installation by The Bass Pedal Show

Seymour Duncan Phat Cat Pick Up Review - Fender Jazzmaster Installation

The Bass Pedal Show

The Bass Pedal Show

Video thumbnail for Seymour Duncan 59 and Phat Cat sound almost exactly the same by Zaloral’s Test

Seymour Duncan 59 and Phat Cat sound almost exactly the same

Zaloral’s Test

Zaloral’s Test

Video thumbnail for Lollar Charlie Christian HB VS Seymour Duncan '59 VS Phat Cat - Part 1 - CLEAN TONES by TheSpaceGuitar

Lollar Charlie Christian HB VS Seymour Duncan '59 VS Phat Cat - Part 1 - CLEAN TONES

TheSpaceGuitar

TheSpaceGuitar

Video thumbnail for Moniker Rival Series with Seymour Duncan Phat Cat P90s (iphone) by Moniker Guitars

Moniker Rival Series with Seymour Duncan Phat Cat P90s (iphone)

Moniker Guitars

Moniker Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Transforms guitars with improved tone and clarity

  • Fits humbucker slots without modifications

  • Delivers warm tone with exceptional dynamics

  • Easy installation process

  • Inspires more frequent playing due to sound quality

  • Ideal for blues and versatile with pedals

  • Offers bright and clear sound, surpassing expectations

  • Perfect upgrade for cheaper guitars, elevates sound quality

  • Maintains P90 drive and bite while offering clean tones

CONS

  • Buzz typical of P90 pickups

  • Single coil hum noticeable when not playing

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Seymour Duncan P90 Phat Cat Pickups.

Setup and maintenance

  • Swapping to Phat Cats might require careful threading of braided wires through ground clamps, which can be a challenging task for some users.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Humbucker-sized P90s allow players to achieve a P90 sound without modifying the guitar's pickguard or body.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users found Phat Cats offered more clarity compared to stock Epi buckers, especially when paired with a slightly overdriven amp.

    Source
  • Phat Cats are well-regarded as humbucker-sized P90s, offering versatility similar to DiMarzio Bluesbuckers, suitable for high-gain soloing with a unique voice.

    Source
  • Phat Cats are described as more refined compared to Bare Knuckle Mississippi Queens, which have a raw, aggressive sound.

    Source
  • Phat Cats are noted as having a midrange-focused EQ, contrasting the treble emphasis of Bare Knuckle pickups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Installing a Phat Cat in an HSS Strat provides a balanced sound between traditional SSS and HSS configurations.

    Source
  • A P90 neck paired with a humbucker bridge, like in an Ibanez setup, provides a versatile sound profile ideal for covering bands like Radiohead and Peach Pit.

    Source
  • Phat Cats in an SG paired with a Pearly Gates bridge pickup create a complementary tonal combination for classic rock and blues.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that Phat Cats deliver articulate and responsive tones, enhancing guitars like the Epiphone Les Paul and SG.

    Source
  • Owners report Phat Cats produce a fatter tone than typical P-90s, with reduced noise levels, especially in semi-hollow body guitars.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Consider pairing Phat Cats in a Telecaster with a DiMarzio Air Zone bridge pickup for a balanced tonal range across musical styles.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Legendary Tones - Seymour Duncan Phat Cat Review

legendarytones.com

The Seymour Duncan Phat Cat P90 pickups deliver a lively and dynamic tone that bridges the gap between humbuckers and traditional P90s, offering excellent clarity and touch sensitivity. They excel in rock and blues contexts, allowing players to shine with their versatility. However, they do exhibit a thinner bottom end compared to conventional P90s, which may not satisfy all players, particularly those seeking a fuller sound. While the Phat Cats provide a great alternative for those unwilling to modify their guitars, purists might find them lacking in warmth and depth. Overall, these pickups are a solid choice for players looking to experiment with P90 flavors without extensive alterations.

positive

Seymour Duncan Phat Cat Review - Great P90 Pickups

guitarpickzone.com

Seymour Duncan's Phat Cat pickups are a game-changer for guitarists seeking the punch of P90s without the modification hassle. This humbucker-sized solution combines the warmth of humbuckers with the clarity of single coils, making them versatile for various genres. The Alnico 2 magnet delivers a lively tone, though some users note a slight dip in low-end response. The pickups excel in cutting through mixes and provide a rich tonal palette, but they do carry the classic single-coil hum. Overall, the Phat Cats are a worthy investment, offering most of the P90 character while fitting seamlessly into guitars designed for humbuckers.

positive

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Artist usage

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See how Taylor York uses Seymour Duncan P90 Phat Cat Pickups

Taylor York

Guitarist

Paramore

...
Verified via YouTube

In a rig tour video by Fender, Taylor York mentions at 0:54 that he uses a Seymour Duncan Phat Cat humbucker-sized P90 pickup in the neck position of his custom shop Fender Jazzmaster. He praises the pickup, particularly for its blend with the bridge pickup, and notes that he has installed it in at least two other guitars: a different Jazzmaster and a Thinline Telecaster. This information is supported by the video titled "Rack Review w/Paramore's Taylor York" by Fender.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Seymour Duncan P90 Phat Cat Pickups, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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