Description
Scottie Moore’s groundbreaking guitar work with Elvis Presley helped define the sound of early rock ‘n’ roll. His 1952 Gibson ES-295, loaded with P90 pickups, was responsible for the warm, twangy, and articulate tone heard on legendary tracks like That's All Right and Mystery Train. While his echo-drenched slapback delay and dynamic playing style contributed to his sound, the true core of his tone came from his P90 pickups.
Now, with Virgil Arlo 1952 P90 "Scottie Moore" pickups, guitarists can capture the vintage rockabilly magic of Moore’s Gibson ES-295. These pickups deliver the same smooth highs, punchy midrange, and percussive attack that helped shape the golden era of rock and roll. If you want the best Scottie Moore P90 tone, these pickups are the answer.
Scottie Moore’s P90 Pickups were the Most Important Part of His Tone.
Playing alongside Elvis Presley, Scottie Moore’s 1952 Gibson ES-295 was the driving force behind many of rock's earliest and most influential recordings. His P90 pickups played a crucial role in:
- Bright, twangy highs that cut through the mix without being harsh
- Full, punchy midrange perfect for rockabilly rhythms and lead lines
- Fast attack and dynamic response that gave his playing a crisp, percussive feel
- Smooth sustain and warmth that balanced well with slapback delay
Without the P90 pickups in his 1952 Gibson ES-295, Scottie Moore’s signature tone wouldn’t have had the same clarity, attack, and warmth that defined the early rockabilly sound.
Virgil Arlo 1952 P90 "Scottie Moore" Pickups vs. Vintage Gibson P90 & Modern P90 Pickups
| Feature | Virgil Arlo 1952 P90 "Scottie Moore" Pickups | Vintage Gibson P90 | Modern P90 Pickups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tone Quality | Twangy, articulate, and full-bodied | Warm, but varies with age | Often too compressed or harsh |
| High-End Clarity | Bright but smooth, never shrill | Clear, but may be worn out | Can be overly bright or dull |
| Midrange Response | Punchy and dynamic for rockabilly leads | Strong mids, but inconsistent | Can be too scooped or muddy |
| Attack & Response | Fast, percussive, and dynamic | Good attack, but varies | Often lacks quick response |
| Sustain & Harmonics | Smooth sustain with vintage warmth | Good sustain, but varies | Often lacks harmonic richness |
| Construction | Hand-wound with vintage-correct materials | Aged materials, may degrade | Machine-wound, less precision |
| Magnet Quality | Custom Alnico magnets for authentic 1952 tone | Aging Alnico, sometimes weak | Generic or ceramic magnets |
| Output Balance | Perfect clarity and twang blend | Can be inconsistent | Often too compressed or overly hot |
Capture the Legendary Scottie Moore P90 Tone
If you want to recreate the iconic sound of Scottie Moore’s Gibson ES-295, the Virgil Arlo 1952 P90 "Scottie Moore" pickups are the best P90 pickups you can get. These pickups don’t just mimic the vintage Gibson P90 sound—they bring it to life with unmatched clarity, twang, and dynamic expression.
Upgrade Your Sound with Virgil Arlo Scottie Moore P90 Pickups
Experience the legendary rockabilly tone of Scottie Moore’s Gibson ES-295 for yourself. The ultimate P90 sound is finally within reach. Don’t settle for anything less—upgrade your pickups today.
Limited Edition - Get Them While You Can
The 1952 Virgil Arlo Black Label P90 Pickups were originally sold for $1200 per set. This set is no longer available. Please check ebay or Reverb for used sets.
You can achieve similar results with our Deluxe 1946 P90 Set, which is considered by many to be the Best P90 Pickups ever made.