Description
The Secret to Guitar Slim’s Electrifying Tone
Guitar Slim’s fiery playing and raw, expressive tone helped shape the sound of modern blues and rock. His 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, loaded with P90 pickups, was the heart of his legendary sound on the classic track The Things That I Used to Do. While his overdriven amp and innovative approach played a role, it was his Guitar Slim P90 pickups that provided the piercing highs, rich sustain, and powerful midrange bite that made his playing unforgettable.
Now, with the Virgil Arlo 1952 P90 "Guitar Slim" pickups, players can experience the same soulful, dynamic, and powerful tone that defined an era. These pickups faithfully recreate the vintage Gibson P90 sound that helped Guitar Slim revolutionize the blues.
Why Were Guitar Slim’s P90 Pickups the Most Important Part of His Tone?
On The Things That I Used to Do, Guitar Slim’s 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop delivered a tone that was both fiery and soulful, thanks to its P90 pickups. These pickups were responsible for:
- Sharp, cutting highs that gave his leads their signature bite
- Powerful midrange for a bold, full-bodied blues tone
- Dynamic sensitivity that responded to every touch and nuance
- Rich sustain and overtones that allowed notes to ring out with intensity
Without the P90 pickups in his 1952 Les Paul Goldtop, Guitar Slim’s tone wouldn’t have had the grit, power, and singing sustain that made his playing so influential.
Virgil Arlo 1952 P90 "Guitar Slim" Pickups vs. Vintage Gibson P90 & Modern P90 Pickups
| Feature | Virgil Arlo 1952 P90 "Guitar Slim" Pickups | Vintage Gibson P90 | Modern P90 Pickups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tone Quality | Bold, fiery, and rich in sustain | Warm, but varies with age | Often too compressed or harsh |
| High-End Clarity | Crisp, singing highs with sharp attack | Clear, but may be worn out | Can be overly bright or dull |
| Midrange Response | Thick, cutting mids for standout blues leads | Strong mids, but varies | Can be too scooped or muddy |
| Sustain & Harmonics | Legendary bloom and harmonic depth | Good sustain, but inconsistent | Often lacks complexity |
| Touch Sensitivity | Highly dynamic for expressive playing | Good, but varies with aging | Less dynamic and compressed |
| Construction | Hand-wound with premium 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 blend of power and clarity | Can be inconsistent | Often too compressed or overly hot |
Capture the Guitar Slim Sound
If you’re searching for the ultimate blues tone, the Virgil Arlo 1952 P90 "Guitar Slim" pickups deliver the raw energy, sustain, and expressiveness of Guitar Slim’s 1952 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop. These pickups don’t just imitate vintage P90s—they bring them to life with unmatched dynamics, clarity, and harmonic depth.
Upgrade Your Sound with Virgil Arlo Guitar Slim P90 Pickups
Experience the legendary sound of Guitar Slim’s 1952 Les Paul Goldtop on your own guitar. The ultimate P90 blues tone is finally within reach. Don’t settle for less—upgrade your pickups today.
The 1959 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.