Description
The Secret to Robbie Krieger’s Iconic P90 Tone
From the hauntingly smooth leads in The End to the fiery riffs of Light My Fire, Robbie Krieger’s 1964 Gibson SG was at the heart of The Doors’ legendary sound. The key to his warm, articulate, and expressive tone came from the P90 pickups in his SG, delivering rich overtones, dynamic response, and a singing sustain that defined his unique playing style.
Now, with Virgil Arlo 1964 P90 "Robbie Krieger" pickups, guitarists can unlock the same deep, expressive tone that made Krieger’s psychedelic blues-inspired playing so unforgettable. Whether it’s the glassy cleans, violin-like sustain, or searing overdrive, these are the best Robbie Krieger pickups ever made.
Why Were Robbie Krieger’s P90 Pickups the Most Important Part of His Tone?
Robbie Krieger’s 1964 Gibson SG was more than just an instrument—it was a voice. His P90 pickups were essential for capturing his dynamic, fluid playing, allowing him to shift effortlessly between delicate fingerpicking and blistering solos.
- Warm, smooth highs for expressive lead lines
- Articulate midrange that cut through The Doors’ organ-heavy mix
- Responsive dynamics that allowed for whisper-quiet passages and explosive crescendos
- Fat, singing sustain that gave his solos their signature vocal-like quality
Without the P90 pickups in his 1964 Gibson SG, Krieger’s tone wouldn’t have had the warmth, clarity, and edge that made The Doors’ music so timeless.
Virgil Arlo 1964 P90 "Robbie Krieger" Pickups vs. Vintage Gibson P90 & Modern P90 Pickups
| Feature | Virgil Arlo 1964 P90 "Robbie Krieger" Pickups | Vintage Gibson P90 | Modern P90 Pickups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tone Quality | Warm, articulate, and touch-sensitive | Smooth, but varies with age | Often too bright or muddy |
| High-End Clarity | Sweet, singing highs without harshness | Clear, but may be worn out | Can be overly sharp or dull |
| Midrange Warmth | Fat, rich mids perfect for blues and rock | Strong, but inconsistent | Can be too scooped or overpowering |
| Sustain & Harmonics | Lush sustain with rich overtones | Good sustain, but varies | Lacks harmonic complexity |
| Dynamic Response | Expressive and touch-sensitive | Good, but varies with aging | Often compressed and less responsive |
| Construction | Hand-wound with vintage-correct materials | Aged materials, may degrade | Machine-wound, less precision |
| Magnet Quality | Custom Alnico magnets for true 1964 tone | Aging Alnico, sometimes weak | Generic or ceramic magnets |
| Output Balance | Perfectly balanced between warmth and attack | Can be inconsistent | Often too compressed or overly hot |
Capture the Legendary Robbie Krieger P90 Tone
If you want to recreate the fluid, expressive sound of Robbie Krieger’s Gibson SG, the Virgil Arlo 1964 P90 "Robbie Krieger" pickups are the best pickups for achieving his signature tone. These pickups don’t just replicate vintage Gibson P90s—they perfect them, offering unmatched warmth, sustain, and clarity.
Upgrade Your Guitar with the Best Robbie Krieger Pickups
Experience the legendary sound of Robbie Krieger’s 1964 Gibson SG for yourself. The ultimate P90 tone is finally within reach. Don’t settle for anything less—upgrade your pickups today.
Limited Edition - Get Them While You Can
The 1965 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.