Putting Harmonic Design Z90 (Cream) into Les Paul (Black)

[kingdavidy2k]

Just about to purchase a set but not sure on how it would look on my Black Tokai LS75 with Bigsby B7. Anyone ever seen a cream z90 in a Les Paul? Preferably Black LPs? It's a shame they don't make Nickel covered z90s?

[cnardone]

If you are buying new, I'd recommend getting the black. Cream will look a little wonky to me. But if you are getting used, they will sound pretty good either way.

cmn

[kingdavidy2k]

Can't really decide between Vintage Vibe Humbucker Sized P90 or the Z90...

[kingink]

Haven't heard the Vintage Vibe (I do have the VV equivalent to HD's Super 90 Tele pickup but I haven't installed it).

I really love Harmonic Design pickups. They're really clear and even sounding, maybe even "transparent" or "flat" in the mids. In other words, they're not real peaky. They sound great distorted, but they retain clarity, not muddy at all. I've tried the Tele Super 90 and a pair of the VP-90s (HD's version of the P-90) kicked out the Lollar P-90s on my Koll Superior.

Because they're so articulate, HDs have this really cool, snappy attack that I like. They're "fast" sounding, especially compared to the Lollar P-90s. However, with the amp, or with pedals, or the guitar's tone and volume knobs, the HDs can be dialed down to sound darker. That's the other cool thing, they're really responsive to adjustments at all points in the signal chain, to pick attack, and to pickup height.

About 10 years ago I bought and installed a Super 90 in my Tele and didn't like it. It freaked me out how "hi-fi" (though not sterile) it was. I kinda felt naked because it was so clear. I sold it and went back to a less-clear, mid-rangey pickup in the guitar. But now I've rediscovered the HDs and am really happy with 'em.

I'm a big fan, clearly.

Anyway, have fun!

[kingink]

Oh yeah: I bought another Super 90 and installed it in my Tele. I still have that pup, but took it out of the guitar just because I had too many P-90-ish guitars and wanted a more vintage Tele sound.

But I'm stockpiling the Super 90 for future use.

[kingdavidy2k]

I'm quite surprised with the limited clips available online of the z90 with all this great reviews