DiMarzio Fantom HSP90

The Fantom HSP90 separates itself as Larry and crew walk the fine line between true P90 grit and hum-free modern practicality. Sure, every maker says that. But the question is, does the Fantom actually deliver the goods? Let’s take a look!

The guitar world loves a good paradox. Players want single-coil sparkle without the hum, and P90 bite without hacking up their prized Les Paul. That’s why we humbucker-size P90s (HSP90s). These hybrids have existed for decades, offering that midrange snarl and top-end cut of a P90, all while slipping right into a standard humbucker route. No router, no blood, no regrets.

The idea is simple: take the raw, unapologetic mojo of a P90 and jam it into a humbucker casing. But let’s not pretend it’s easy. Real P90 tone comes from wide coils and specific magnetic structure. Trying to cram that into a tighter humbucker cover often ends up like stuffing a lion into a birdcage – you get something loud, but not quite the real deal.

Four Coils, Zero Noise

DiMarzio’s patent-pending design in the Fantom HSP90 sets it apart from typical noiseless P90s by using a unique four-coil architecture. Instead of relying on stacked coils that often choke dynamics and roll off highs, the Fantom splits its voice across two dual-coil systems – each pair handling a portion of the signal while collectively canceling hum. This clever coil layout maintains the wide, open response and raw midrange bite of a true P90, all while keeping 60-cycle noise in check. The result is a pickup that sounds alive, not filtered, offering true single-coil character without the background buzz that usually comes with it.

Installation

Out of the box, the Fantom HSP90 looks sleek. You’ve got your standard single-conductor wiring, using the quick-connect harness. DiMarzio keeps things simple and smart. No surprises, no swearing. Okay, maybe a little swearing for dramatic effect.

Swapping into a dual-humbucker guitar is as pain-free as it gets. It’s a direct drop-in. No springs launching across the room, no poles that won’t align, no funky grounding nonsense. Just line it up, solder it in, and you’re ready to go full tone-hammer on your amp.

One note: Adjust your pickup height accordingly for the best results for your rig. This isn’t your overwound ceramic bruiser. Get it too far from the strings and it starts whispering like a shy librarian. Dial it in tight and it roars like a caffeinated bobcat.

Evaluation

The first thing you hear is snap. Not brittle, not piercing – just a fast, articulate attack that says, “I’m not your typical humbucker.” It hits with that signature P90 midrange bark. It’s vocal without honking, gritty without sounding like broken glass. The low end stays focused and clear, no flub. Highs have presence but avoid that icepick-in-the-eyes thing that ruins a lot of wannabe P90s.

Through a cranked tube amp, the Fantom sings. You get that hair-on-the-notes feel that real-deal P90 players chase. It pushes an amp just right. Never too boomy, never too harsh. Chords are open and complex. Lead work cuts without sounding thin. And dynamics? Oh yeah, baby. This pickup responds. Light touch, and it purrs. Dig in, and it barks like a junkyard dog with nothing to lose.

Noise? Virtually none. DiMarzio’s stacked design keeps the hum out without neutering the tone. This isn’t some overwound, compressed Frankenstein. The Fantom HSP90 breathes. It’s not 100% indistinguishable from a true soapbar, but it gets about 99% of the way there and then gives you the silence your rig needs on a noisy stage.

Specs

Demo

While there are no officially sanctioned audio or video samples at this time, this is where it will be once some are available!

Conclusion

The DiMarzio Fantom HSP90 is not here to play dress-up. It brings a legit P90 experience to the table in a humbucker-sized chassis. It balances clarity, grind, and dynamic response in a way that makes other stacked designs seem like tone pretenders. If you’ve ever cursed your guitar’s routing – or your luthier’s invoice – this pickup is your salvation.

It doesn’t reinvent the wheel. It just makes sure the wheel is round, properly inflated, and fitted to your hot rod. Some vintage purists will still scoff and clutch their dog-ear soapbars like grandma’s pearls. That’s fine. Let them miss out while you drop this bad boy into your guitar and get back to melting faces.

Is it for everyone? If you want a snarling, responsive pickup that brings P90 flavor without hacking your axe, the Fantom might just be your next favorite sidekick. You can get it with a black, nickel or gold cover with your choice of black, nickel or gold pole pieces.

For reference, this DiMarzio Fantom HSP90 pickup evaluation was conducted with the following: Fractal Axe-Fx II XL+ featuring Celestion Impluse Responses and Fractal MFC-101 MIDI Foot Controller. ADA MP-1 Tube Pre-Amp loaded with Tube Amp Doctor ECC83 Premium Selected tubes, using the ADA MC-1 MIDI Controller. Fryette LX II Stereo Tube Power Amplifier. Physical cabs use are Marshall 1960B, Mojotone British, and Peavey 6505 cabs loaded with Celestion Classic Series Vintage 30s and Classic Series G12M Greenbacks.

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