Gibson EM-150 Pickup help

**Titleist77** · May-01-2011, 3:24pm

I have a 53 model em-150. Im wanting to replace the stock p90. Anyone know if a mini humbucker will fit into where the p90 is?or will I have to cut a new spot? Thanks

**mrmando** · May-01-2011, 4:35pm

I don't know what will fit in there, but I would certainly hesitate to cut into a vintage instrument. If you must replace the pickup, choose something that fits the existing slot.

**mandroid** · May-02-2011, 9:59am

Consider sending it out for service, for a rewinding..
if you want it rewound, say, as a stacked Humbucker, that is likely possible.

**i-vibe** · May-02-2011, 11:40am

i'm curious...why do you want to replace it?

**Titleist77** · May-02-2011, 9:46pm

I play western swing. I want to get close to the sound that gimble got. This stock pickup has no volume and is very flat and dull sounding. Another friend has a 39 model with a mini humbucker and it's awesome. That's what I'm wanting.

**pops1** · May-02-2011, 10:33pm

If i remember your mandolin ha a P90, which is about the same size as a humbucker, so a mini should fit. If you make a new surround that fits the screw holes in the top and the mini you should be able to change with any modification to your mandolin.

**Titleist77** · May-02-2011, 10:39pm

Thanks pops1. Will a mini sit down in the hole like the stock P90? Or will it be to tall?

**Tom Wright** · May-02-2011, 11:20pm

Is it a small pickup or oversized, basically guitar? Fender did this on their acoustic-electric. It looks like a P90 with only 4 poles showing.

If so, you can upgrade with one of the many good replacements like:
http://www.seymourduncan.com/product...kp1_p90_stack/

But you can do a lot with EQ, too. (Not to mention Johnny plays on 4 strings).

**mandroid** · May-03-2011, 12:07am

I read, Johnny Gimble got Leo Fender, to rewind his P 90,
Leo did it, for J G Himself, back in them days..

same pickup was used on Gibson's Tenor arch-top guitars, then, too..

**mrmando** · May-03-2011, 12:23am

Johnny Gimble never had a P-90. His pickup was custom made by Leo Fender, and it has been rewound by both Shot Jackson and Joe Glaser. Johnny's instrument is an A50 ... it was not originally equipped with a pickup at all.

http://emando.com/players/Gimble.htm

A '53 EM150 will have a 4-pole P-90. This is the replacement pickup you are looking for, if it will fit in the hole.

**Titleist77** · May-04-2011, 10:06am

Thanks for the responses. A mini humbucker is on the way and I can't hardly wait.

**dcoventry** · May-04-2011, 11:58pm

http://www.themandolinstore.com/scri...idproduct=9273

A bit off topic..........but WOW!!

**mandroid** · May-08-2011, 11:31am

looks like the hole had to be enlarged for the pickup shown on SD site , Martin refers to in #10.

P90 cover.. of plastic, lays on top..
If really Custom there may be an Identical P90, made to order.. if they ship it off the shelf,
then "custom" means something less.. just a smaller production batch..

**mandroid** · May-10-2011, 10:42pm

Unlike that F new Gibson the fingerboard on the EM150's I've seen..
like A50's .. they're not elevated.. glued right to the top..

so the pickup sits a lot closer To the bridge, to have room, still uses a hole in the top,
[factory reinforcement, where the hole is needed] to get the PU mech in place.