Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Seymour Duncan SP90-1n Vintage P90 Soapbar Neck Single Coil Pickup. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation to ensure proper function and longevity of your product.
The Seymour Duncan SP90-1n is a detailed and true-to-life replica of the single coils found in Gibson guitars from 1946. It offers higher output and stronger mid-range frequencies compared to a typical Stratocaster single coil, delivering a warm and classic character.
Product Overview
Image: Front view of the Seymour Duncan SP90-1n Vintage P90 Soapbar Neck Single Coil Pickup. It features a black soapbar casing with six visible pole pieces (screws) aligned in the center. A braided wire extends from the left side of the pickup.
The SP90-1n is designed as a neck position pickup. It features an Alnico V magnet and has a low output impedance with a DC resistance of 8.22 kOhm. The pickup comes in a black finish and includes necessary screws and a wiring diagram for installation.
Setup and Installation
Proper installation is crucial for optimal performance. If you are not experienced with guitar electronics, it is recommended to seek assistance from a qualified guitar technician.
Tools and Materials Required:
- Soldering iron and solder
- Wire strippers
- Small Phillips head screwdriver
- Multimeter (optional, for checking connections)
- Insulating tape or heat shrink tubing
- Included screws and wiring diagram
Installation Steps:
- Prepare the Guitar: Ensure the guitar is unplugged from any amplifier. Loosen and remove the strings. Carefully remove the existing pickup from the neck position.
- Identify Wiring: Refer to the included wiring diagram. The SP90-1n typically uses a 2-conductor braided wire. The braided shield is usually ground, and the inner conductor is hot.
- Solder Connections: Carefully solder the hot wire to the appropriate lug on your guitar's volume or tone pot, as indicated by your guitar's wiring scheme or the provided diagram. Solder the braided shield to a ground point, such as the back of a pot or a dedicated ground lug.
- Secure Pickup: Place the SP90-1n into the neck pickup cavity. Use the included screws to secure the pickup firmly in place. Adjust the height of the pickup using the screws to achieve desired tone and output.
- Test Connections: Before reassembling, it is advisable to test the connections using a multimeter or by temporarily plugging the guitar into an amplifier at a low volume.
- Reassemble: Once connections are verified, reassemble the guitar, re-string, and tune.
Note on Phase: In some multi-pickup configurations, the SP90-1n might be out of phase with other pickups, resulting in a thin or nasal sound when combined. If this occurs, you may need to reverse the polarity by switching the hot and ground wires of the SP90-1n. Consult a professional if unsure.
Operating Instructions
The SP90-1n operates passively and requires no external power. Its performance is primarily influenced by pickup height, amplifier settings, and guitar controls.
Adjusting Pickup Height:
- Closer to Strings: Increases output, sustain, and bass response. Can lead to magnetic pull on strings, affecting intonation and sustain if too close.
- Further from Strings: Decreases output, resulting in a cleaner, more articulate tone.
Experiment with pickup height to find the optimal balance for your playing style and desired tone. Small adjustments can make a significant difference.
Tone Characteristics:
The SP90-1n delivers a warm, classic P90 tone with strong mids and a higher output than traditional single coils. It offers a unique sonic palette, combining the harmonic richness of a single coil with a fatter, more aggressive character. While versatile, P90s are known for their inherent hum, especially at higher gain settings. This is a characteristic of their design and not a defect.
Maintenance
The Seymour Duncan SP90-1n pickup is designed for durability and requires minimal maintenance.
- Cleaning: Periodically wipe the pickup cover with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and grime. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Inspection: Occasionally inspect the wiring connections for any signs of wear or corrosion. Ensure all screws are snug.
- Environmental Factors: Protect the pickup and guitar from extreme temperatures and humidity, which can affect both the electronics and the instrument's wood.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound or very low output | Loose or broken wire connection; incorrect wiring; faulty pot or switch. | Check all solder joints and wiring against the diagram. Ensure hot and ground wires are correctly connected. Test pots and switches. |
| Thin, nasal, or out-of-phase sound (when combined with other pickups) | Pickup is out of phase with other pickups. | Reverse the hot and ground wires of the SP90-1n. |
| Excessive hum or noise | Normal P90 characteristic; poor grounding; external interference. | Ensure all ground connections are solid. Check for proper shielding in the guitar cavity. Move away from sources of electromagnetic interference (e.g., fluorescent lights, computer monitors). |
| Buzzing or rattling sound | Loose screws; vibrating components. | Tighten pickup mounting screws. Check for any loose components inside the guitar cavity. |
If troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, contact Seymour Duncan customer support or a qualified guitar technician.
Specifications
- Model: SP90-1n Vintage P90 Soapbar Neck Single Coil Pickup
- Part Number: 11301-05-BC
- Type: Single Coil (P90)
- Position: Neck
- Magnet: Alnico V
- DC Resistance: 8.22 kOhm
- Wiring: 2-conductor braided wire
- Color: Black
- Included Components: Screws, Wiring Diagram
- Product Dimensions: Approximately 4.05 x 2.85 x 1.6 inches (L x W x H)
- Item Weight: Approximately 7.8 ounces
- UPC: 800315003457
Warranty and Support
Seymour Duncan products are manufactured to high standards. For information regarding warranty coverage and terms, please refer to the official Seymour Duncan website or contact their customer support directly.
Manufacturer: Seymour Duncan
Website: www.seymourduncan.com
For technical assistance or further inquiries, please visit the support section of the Seymour Duncan website or contact their customer service team.
