Wilkinson M Series Alnico 5 P90 Soapbar Neck and Bridge Set - Classic

In this review of the Wilkinson M Series Alnico 5 P90 Soapbar pickups, the bottom line is straightforward: these pickups are for players chasing the iconic P90 midrange presence and raw responsiveness without breaking the bank. The set delivers a recognizably gritty, focused tone that sits well in rock, blues, and vintage-leaning styles, and the wax-potted construction keeps hum under control. Our review found them particularly useful in Les Paul and SG-style guitars, and they offer a clear, immediate upgrade for anyone swapping from stock single-coils or lower-output humbuckers.

Key Features

• Alnico 5 Magnet: Provides the characteristic P90 snap and pronounced midrange that helps single-note lines cut through a mix.
• Neck and Bridge Set: Matched neck (8.1K) and bridge (9.8K) D.C. resistance deliver balanced output and complementary voicing between positions.
• Wax Potted: Potting reduces microphony and unwanted hum so the pickups stay usable at higher gain and when driving pedals.
• Polepiece Spacing: 50mm neck and 52mm bridge spacing fits many Les Paul, SG and similar soapbar routs without heavy modification.
• Complete Pair: Package includes two pickups clearly marked N and B on the back so installation orientation is simple for most rigs.
• Genuine Wilkinson Parts: The M Series is produced for Musiclily and offers a cost-conscious alternative to higher-priced vintage repros.

Who It's For

These pickups work best for guitarists who want the classic P90 voice in a Les Paul, SG, Epiphone Casino, or similar soapbar-routed instrument. Players who use overdrive and pedals will appreciate the strong midrange and punch that can push amps and effects without getting lost.

Those seeking an ultra-precise vintage-correct replica or top-end boutique construction might look elsewhere; likewise, if your guitar requires non-standard screw lengths or exact period-correct hardware, be prepared to supply your own mounting screws as noted by the manufacturer.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear, punchy midrange and dynamic response that matches the expected P90 tonal profile.
• Wax potted to minimize hum and microphonic issues, making them practical for high-gain use.
• Matched neck and bridge resistances give a balanced, musical transition between positions.
• Good value for players who want genuine Wilkinson M Series parts without boutique pricing.

Cons

• Mounting screws supplied may not fit every guitar, so replacements could be needed during installation.
• Some players report mixed impressions of output level, with a few finding them pushier than expected compared with Strat-style pickups.

Specifications

Pickup Type	P90 soapbar neck and bridge set
Magnet	Alnico 5
D.C. Resistance (Neck)	8.1K (+/- 0.5K)
D.C. Resistance (Bridge)	9.8K (+/- 0.5K)
Polepiece Spacing	Neck 50mm (1-31/32 in), Bridge 52mm (2-3/64 in)
Construction	Wax potted
Package Contents	2 pickups (marked N and B)

Our Verdict

The Wilkinson M Series Alnico 5 P90 set is a practical choice for players who want authentic P90 character at a moderate price. It suits Les Paul, SG and other soapbar-equipped guitars, gives strong midrange presence and reduced hum thanks to potting, and represents solid value for upgrading tone without boutique expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will these fit my Les Paul or SG?
They are designed for many Les Paul and SG-style soapbar routs with 50mm neck and 52mm bridge pole spacing, though you should check your cavity and screw lengths before installation.

Are the pickups noisy?
The pickups are wax potted to limit microphony and hum, and most users report low noise even when using pedals or higher gain settings.

Which wire is hot?
The white wire is the hot lead; the backs are marked N for neck and B for bridge to simplify wiring.