59b ceramic? a4?

G

Gish_85

New member
Hi,

Dno if any of you have been following my issues with my guitars tone but to sum up, I was using a C5 and I was getting way too much and too piercing highs, basically no mids especially low-mids. The bass was really quiet too. I tried a variety of extra magnets without luck.

My guitar is a PRS CE with maple neck, rosewood fingerboard and solid mahogany body in case you were wondering.

Anyway changing to a 59b has made everything much better. Still needs some tweaking though, the bass is too boomy and loose, could definitely do with some more mids, treble is fine. Those problems sound a lot like the characteristics of an A5 so I thought I would make a switch.

I figured a ceramic would be good, from what I have read an A4 might be good. Has anyone got any other suggestions or comments on mine?
I'm enjoying having more dynamics now that I'm not using a high output pickups in case that makes any difference.

Thanks for everyones help so far!
 
Re: 59b ceramic? a4?

If you want to get some A2 feel to a '59B, try an UOA5. More mids, less treble, lots of dynamics. And dials down some of the low end. Great bridge magnet. A RC A4 would be another good option. I wouldn't put in a ceramic if you're liking the dynamics of a '59; to me they sound stiff, cold, and harsh, with too much output.
 
Re: 59b ceramic? a4?

Thanks Maynardo, I haven't actually tried using different pole pieces will order some.
I'm a bit confused about this UOA5 business, is it the same as a rough A5? Similar even? I've got one of them lying around.
Whats RC mean as well?
 
Re: 59b ceramic? a4?

Gish_85 said:
Thanks Maynardo, I haven't actually tried using different pole pieces will order some.
I'm a bit confused about this UOA5 business, is it the same as a rough A5? Similar even? I've got one of them lying around.
Whats RC mean as well?
Click to expand...

RC = roughcast

UOA5's are much different than A5's of RC A5's.

A5 - sharp highs, big tight low-end, scooped mids
RC A5 - similar but with smoother, less harsh high-end
UOA5 - like a cross between an A5 and A2, with the best of both. Lots of dynamics and response.
 
Re: 59b ceramic? a4?

I'm in the UK and it seems the only way to get a UOA5 is from america and postage costs loads and I'm not that patient.
I'll order a RC A4 and try that.
What do you think about a A8, what would that do to the eq? I've mainly read that its more of everything, which isn't too helpful to me. Is there much low mids? that's what I'm trying to get really

cheers
 
Re: 59b ceramic? a4?

Friends don't let friends put ceramics in vintage output buckers...

(You think you have too much/too piercing highs now...)
 
Re: 59b ceramic? a4?

haha fair enough. This is the first moderate output bridge pickup I've had since I've started mag swapping!
Got any suggestions?
 
Re: 59b ceramic? a4?

Amp knobs? The ones marked Bass Mid and Treble?


Otherwise you might want to look into the Duncan Custom. I have them in several guitars of that style and they work really well.
 
Re: 59b ceramic? a4?

If you want output but want to keep the vibe of a PAF, try an A8.

But yeah... the UOA5 would be nice. I'm considering trying it in my hybrid.
 
Re: 59b ceramic? a4?

NO, NO, NO to ceramic in the '59. The UOA5 is a good choice, but I find that the A8 is the perfect mag for a '59. I tried:

A2 (highs and mids improved, but not the boomy bass),
A4 (a little better than the A5...not as scooped, but kinda blah),
UOA5 (tamed the highs a bit but still kinda bright, added some mids, increased the dynamics),
A8 (smoothed out those shrill highs right where they needed to go, nice warm mids, beautiful full lows without the boominess, increased output slightly). The '59A8 is still PAF sounding, but so much more complete...warmer, fuller, more responsive, smoother but still has that '59 bite.
 
Re: 59b ceramic? a4?

If it was a mahogany neck instead of maple, I'd say do the 59 ceramic. The one I have in a mahog/mahog neckthrough with maple cap really kicks a$$.
 
Re: 59b ceramic? a4?

I really hate the brittle sound of ceramic, even in a powerful wind like the Custom. Certainly can't imagine anything good to come of putting it in a '59, IMHO.
 
Re: 59b ceramic? a4?

IME A5 has the tightest bass of all the alnicos, so switching to A4/UOA5 is only going to make the low end spongier. Like was said before, hex poles on the bass strings will tighten up the low end more than a mag swap.
 
Re: 59b ceramic? a4?

lemonman said:
IME A5 has the tightest bass of all the alnicos, so switching to A4/UOA5 is only going to make the low end spongier. Like was said before, hex poles on the bass strings will tighten up the low end more than a mag swap.
Click to expand...

A5's have a lot of bass, which is firm in most wood/PU combinations (an exception is the JB in mahogany, which can be pretty flabby). But, having less low end also makes it less prominent, and you may not notice that it's not quite as tight.

Keep in mind too, a magnet is more than just low end. It's about the whole EQ spectrum, and things like dynamics come into play. A2's have the loosest low end, yet they are very popular here for their other characteristics.
 
Re: 59b ceramic? a4?

Gish_85 said:
Hi,

Dno if any of you have been following my issues with my guitars tone but to sum up, I was using a C5 and I was getting way too much and too piercing highs, basically no mids especially low-mids. The bass was really quiet too. I tried a variety of extra magnets without luck.

My guitar is a PRS CE with maple neck, rosewood fingerboard and solid mahogany body in case you were wondering.

Anyway changing to a 59b has made everything much better. Still needs some tweaking though, the bass is too boomy and loose, could definitely do with some more mids, treble is fine. Those problems sound a lot like the characteristics of an A5 so I thought I would make a switch.

I figured a ceramic would be good, from what I have read an A4 might be good. Has anyone got any other suggestions or comments on mine?
I'm enjoying having more dynamics now that I'm not using a high output pickups in case that makes any difference.

Thanks for everyones help so far!
Click to expand...

I think a ceramic magnet can make a great choice. Gibson used velvet bricks in 70s SG's and LS-6. I know the guys in Kansas used LS-6's.

Jackson used a ceramic in the J-50BC. I have one of these and it's one of the most awesome pickups I have. I think that Alexi dude uses this pickup with the JE-1200 boost, but mine is unboosted.

I'm glad I don't listen to the "don't think outside of the box" crowd LOL!
 
Re: 59b ceramic? a4?

Keep in mind too, a magnet is more than just low end. It's about the whole EQ spectrum, and things like dynamics come into play. A2's have the loosest low end, yet they are very popular here for their other characteristics.
Click to expand...

Of course; I personally love A2 buckers. But the OP specifically mentioned the bass quality as one of his main complaints, and some of the recommendations are leading away from what he's asking for.
 
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