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5 Best Cheap P90 Guitars – Top Picks!

    You want a P90 guitar but your wallet’s crying? I totally get it. P90s have this raw, snarly tone that just hits different, like somewhere between a single coil and a humbucker.

    But seriously, who has the cash to pay for a top-tier Gibson? Good news: You don’t need to spend all your savings to find a decent P90.

    Five Best Cheap P90 Guitars – Subjective List

    1. Harley Benton SC-Custom III P90 Black

    Harley Benton SC-Custom III P90 Black - one of the best cheap p90 guitars

    Harley Benton. Those words alone should make budget-conscious guitarists smile 😉 This brand? It’s like finding a hidden gem in a thrift store—cheap but SO good!

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    The SC-Custom III P90 Black is solid, no joke. Built with a Meranti body and a set-in neck, it’s sturdy, and feels like it’s ready to take on the world.

    The Tesla TM P90 Alnico-5 pickups are the heart of this guitar. These pickups, man, they’ve got that growly, punchy tone that P90s are known for.

    harley benton custom headstock

    Gold-plated hardware on a budget guitar? Yes, please. You’ve got Grover machine heads and a WSC Tune-O-Matic bridge here, so don’t worry about tuning issues. And the high-gloss black finish?

    It’s classy and looks way more expensive than it is. I’ve messed around with a bunch of Harley Bentons on my YouTube channels before (seriously, their guitars are consistently good), and this one’s no different—just straight-up value.

    Why It Rocks:

    • Solid hardware: Grover tuners and a Tune-O-Matic bridge. No complaints.
    • Awesome pickups: Tesla P90s deliver that gritty tone.
    • Sleek looks: The high-gloss black finish is a showstopper.

    2. Larry Carlton L3 P90 Tobacco Sunburst

    Larry Carlton L3 P90 Tobacco Sunburst

    The Larry Carlton L3 P90 in Tobacco Sunburst. This guitar? It’s no joke. Larry Carlton is a legend, and this guitar carries his name with pride.

    With a mahogany body and a rosewood fingerboard, it’s smooth to play, no matter what style you’re into. The LC Vintage P90 in the bridge gives it a sound that’s perfect for blues, rock, or whatever else you throw at it.

    larry carlton p90

    The bone nut and jumbo medium frets are great features for a guitar at this price. Sustain is superb, and the feel is buttery. The Tobacco Sunburst finish just adds that extra touch of class. It’s hard to argue with a guitar that plays this well and looks this good. Carlton knows what he’s doing.

    Why You’ll Dig It:

    • Iconic vibe: It’s Larry Carlton approved.
    • Great materials: Mahogany, rosewood, and a bone nut? Can’t go wrong.
    • Versatile sound: Can handle a wide range of styles with ease.

    3. Gretsch G2215-P90 Streamliner Junior Jet Club

    Gretsch G2215-P90 Streamliner Junior Jet Club

    Got a thing for vintage vibes? Check out the Gretsch G2215-P90 Streamliner Junior Jet Club. Gretsch is known for its style, and this guitar doesn’t disappoint.

    The Mint Metallic finish is just plain cool. And the Broad Tron BT-2S and P90 Soap Bar pickups give it a tone that’s flexible enough for anything from surf rock to punk.

    body of gretsch guitar

    Lightweight? Absolutely.

    The Nato body and bolt-on neck make it super comfy for long sessions. And with anchored compensated bridge and die-cast machine heads, this thing stays in tune like a champ. This guitar is just flat-out fun to play and looks awesome while doing it.

    Why It’s Awesome:

    • Retro looks: That Mint Metallic finish is killer.
    • Versatile pickups: A combo that works for all kinds of music.
    • Comfortable feel: Light, easy to play, and stays in tune.

    4. Epiphone SG Special P-90 Faded Pelham

    Epiphone SG Special P-90 Faded Pelham

    Epiphone does it again with the SG Special P-90. This guitar looks like it walked straight out of a time machine from the 60s.

    The Faded Pelham Blue finish is a total throwback, and it’s awesome. The mahogany body and neck give it that classic SG feel, and the 60s SlimTaper neck profile makes it super easy to shred on.

    body of epiphone guitar

    The P-90 Pro SoapBar pickups are where the magic happens. These pickups? They’re raw, gritty, and perfect for punk or rock. The lightning bolt wrap-around bridge keeps things simple and effective—great intonation and sustain without the fuss.

    If you’ve always wanted an SG but didn’t want to break the bank, this one’s for you.

    Why It Rocks:

    • Classic SG look: That Faded Pelham Blue is pure retro goodness.
    • Punchy pickups: The P-90 Pro SoapBars give you that gritty tone.
    • Shred-friendly neck: SlimTaper profile for fast, smooth playing.

    5. Harley Benton CST-24T P90 Ocean Flame

    Harley Benton CST-24T P90 Ocean Flame

    Last but not least, let’s talk about the Harley Benton CST-24T P90 Ocean Flame. Can we just take a moment to appreciate how gorgeous this guitar is? The flamed maple top with the Ocean Flame finish—it’s stunning. But don’t be fooled, this guitar isn’t just a pretty face.

    The Roswell P90 pickups (AlNiCo-5) give you a balanced tone that’s perfect for everything from jazz to rock. And the Wilkinson WVPC tremolo is smooth as silk, letting you add vibrato without throwing your guitar out of tune.

    p90 pickup closeup photo

    With 24 stainless steel frets, this guitar’s built to last. Harley Benton has done it again—affordable, beautiful, and reliable.

    There’s also a CST-24T with humbuckers which I also recommend!

    Why It’s a Winner:

    • Stunning design: The Ocean Flame finish is absolutely gorgeous.
    • Smooth tremolo: Wilkinson tremolo for perfect whammy action.
    • Durable: Stainless steel frets ensure longevity.

    My Rating

    my rating

    Alright, so if I had to pick just one out of these beauties, I’m going with the Harley Benton SC-Custom III P90 Black.

    Why?

    body of harley benton guitar

    Because I’m honestly a big fan of what they’re doing—great quality for a price that’s almost too good to be true.

    Plus, those Tesla P90 pickups on this model are just sick 😉 The SC-Custom feels solid, looks like a million bucks, and plays like a dream. So yeah, that’s my top choice.

    Don’t get me wrong though – all of these guitars are cool!

    Here’s how I rate each of these:

    • Harley Benton SC-Custom III P90 Black: 9/10
      Super solid build, killer pickups, and a price that’s hard to beat. A near-perfect option for budget-conscious guitarists. Case is not included so that’s why it’s not 10/10 😉
    • Larry Carlton L3 P90 Tobacco Sunburst: 8/10
      Fantastic tone and playability, plus it’s got Larry Carlton’s name on it. Loses a point because it’s a bit pricier than some others on the list.
    • Gretsch G2215-P90 Streamliner Junior Jet Club: 7.5/10
      Great retro vibes and versatility, but the pickups might not be everyone’s cup of tea if you’re not into that vintage sound.
    • Epiphone SG Special P-90 Faded Pelham: 8.5/10
      Classic SG look and feel with those gritty P90s. Perfect for rockers, but the wrap-around bridge might not appeal to everyone.
    • Harley Benton CST-24T P90 Ocean Flame: 8/10
      Stunning design and smooth playability, but the tremolo might be overkill if you’re not into whammy bars.

    FAQ

    Q: What exactly makes P90 pickups different from regular single coils or humbuckers?
    A: P90s sit somewhere between single coils and humbuckers. They’ve got more punch and midrange than a regular single coil, but they’re not as thick or dark as humbuckers. Think of them as the Goldilocks of pickups—not too bright, not too muddy, just right.

    Q: Can I swap P90 pickups for humbuckers or single coils easily?
    A: Not exactly a plug-and-play situation. P90s usually have a different shape and size compared to humbuckers or single coils, so you’d need some modifications to your guitar body. It’s doable, but not without some elbow grease or a visit to a guitar tech.

    Q: Are P90s noisy?
    A: P90s are single coils, so they do tend to pick up more hum than humbuckers. But, many modern P90s are designed to minimize that hum. If you’re playing in high-gain situations, you might notice it more, but for most scenarios, it’s not a dealbreaker.

    Q: What genres are P90s best suited for?
    A: P90s are super versatile. They’re perfect for blues, rock, punk, and even jazz. If you like to play music that requires a bit of grit and bite, P90s are your friend.

    Q: How do I get the best sound out of my P90 pickups?
    A: Roll back the volume a bit for a cleaner tone, crank it up for more aggression. P90s respond really well to changes in your guitar’s volume and tone controls, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

    Q: Are P90 guitars good for beginners?
    A: Absolutely. P90s offer a wide range of tones that are easy to dial in, making them great for beginners who want to explore different sounds without needing a bunch of different gear.

    Q: What’s the difference between Soap Bar P90s and Dog Ear P90s?
    A: It’s mostly about the mounting. Soap Bars are mounted into a rectangular housing, while Dog Ears have tabs that stick out on the sides, giving them a different look and mounting style. The sound is pretty similar, though.

    Got more questions? Hit me up, and let’s chat about all things P90!

    Wrapping It Up

    There you have it—five P90 guitars that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Each of these guitars brings something different to the table, whether it’s the classic vibe of the Epiphone SG Special or the versatile tone of the Gretsch G2215.

    If you’re on a budget but still want that signature P90 tone, you really can’t go wrong with any of these.

    So, which one’s your pick? Ready to plug in and let those P90s scream? I know I am. 🎸

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