Who's tried an Alnico 3 Custom?

[Gearjoneser]

The only bridge pickups I tend to like are the Duncan Custom Series, like the Custom 5, Custom, Custom Custom, JB. So far, I like the C-5 the best, but am still interested in trying more magnets. I've already used an Alnico 4 in a C-5 nickelcovered, and found that it added a bit of mids, but lost some warmth and bounciness. The C-4 turned out to be a very articulate pickup with great tone, but a little harder feeling under the fingers.

I've always though CC's had the highs too choked off for my taste, and the JB a bit middy. This leads me to believe that I may really like the Custom 3.
Has anyone here become a big fan of a Custom with an Alnico 3 magnet?

[rspst14]

Re: Who's tried an Alnico 3 Custom?

I liked it better than the other Custom series pickups. The A3 magnet puts back some of the highs and lows that are lacking in the CC, while taming the midrange a bit and giving the pickup slightly more articulation and clarity. It's not a huge difference, but it is a positive one, and definitely noticeable.

Ryan

[dr.barlo]

Re: Who's tried an Alnico 3 Custom?

[MattPete]

Re: Who's tried an Alnico 3 Custom?

[korovamilkdud]

Re: Who's tried an Alnico 3 Custom?

Bass is a little tighter than the CC. A bit more glass on top too. I'll always love my Custom but I'd pick the C3 over the C5 myself.

[Jeff_H]

Re: Who's tried an Alnico 3 Custom?

Hmmmm....I've got a C5 TB on the way for my double fat strat, and I was planning on swapping the A2 I've got in my CC, then having a CC TB and a regular spaced C5 for my Hardtail.

Perhaps I'll order an A3 and experiment. I've already got an A4 sitting around.

[dr.barlo]

Re: Who's tried an Alnico 3 Custom?

I've got 4 A4s sitting around. It is a pitty that I did not like them. I looked for them for such a long time, and actually it was me who begged Lew to ask Mr. Fralin for some. He did that and got our supply of a4's in this forum. A mighty cool move!

A4 sounded just like a5 on the high side, yet it did not have the bass of a5's, which was a pitty because without them bass me thinks it becomes too much high dominated. But that's exactly why a c4 I think is great for a dark guitar. But I did not try them in my antiquities yet. Will be doing them some time. I gotta setup my computer first for recording, since I want to record clips as I am doing that. My new soundcard (audiology platinuum) is still in its box.

B

[dr.barlo]

Re: Who's tried an Alnico 3 Custom?

Another thing: I believe GJ did the right thing to use covers on a C4. 8)

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Who's tried an Alnico 3 Custom?

Yeah, on Pauls, I really dig nickelcovered the most, which also makes it hard to swap magnets. What I'm doing right now is trying to gather every Custom I can in nickel and tremspaced black. Soon, I'll have a Custom, CC, C-3, C-4, C-5, JB, all in front of me, so I can start a weekend of pup swapping.
All I need to complete that mini-collection is a C-3 nickelcovered.
I really want to find out precisely what I love in all my guitars, by having all my favorites on hand. I also have Seths and 59's.

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Who's tried an Alnico 3 Custom?

Anyone have an Alnico 3 magnet sitting around, they want to sell me for a few bucks?
It'll be nice having all of my favorite Duncan humbuckers, so I can take a new guitar, and find out which one really shines in it, then gain a better understanding of which guitars like which pickups. Clips give you a good idea, but trying them with YOUR guitars and YOUR amps, tells you exactly what you like to hear.

[kevlar3000]

Re: Who's tried an Alnico 3 Custom?

It is brighter with less bottom, I love it in a neck position but unless it is a gibby type I don't like it in the bridge. Does a great job of taking out the muck in a dark guitar

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Who's tried an Alnico 3 Custom?

Brighter? If it's pretty close to a CC (Alnico II), then I'd think it's just a touch brighter than that, but not as bright as a Custom or C-5? I guess it's hard to know, till I hear it in the same day as the others. Still gotta get an Alnico 3 magnet.