59b mag swap...

J

jig

New member
Uh oh... guess I'm denser than I thought. Just got some A8 mags in the mail and was ready to swap the 59b A5 mag out when it struck me - the polarity (n/s) of the existing mag in the pup. I don't know which end is which. Is the top (closest to the top bout of the guitar) N and the bottom (closest to the vol/tone controls) south? OR, is north on the edge of the magnet? Like, facing the neck is n and facing the bridge is s?

I'm confused and evidently stupid. I did read through an older thread that had a link to the procedure, but it was on a covered pickup and confused me a bit more. Any assistance greatly appreciated, and forgive my "noobness"
 
Re: 59b mag swap...

When you take the other magnet out, be sure to mark which way it was going. Then take your new magnet and stick it end to end with the old one, and then you will know which way to put it. It should line up in the same direction.
 
Re: 59b mag swap...

Meaning? The A8 is only marked as such and nothing more. It's just a bar with no distinguishing characteristic that would match up with the existing A5 (like, one end rounded, the other square for instance). Do you mean attract/repel properties or something?
 
Re: 59b mag swap...

jig said:
Meaning? The A8 is only marked as such and nothing more. It's just a bar with no distinguishing characteristic that would match up with the existing A5 (like, one end rounded, the other square for instance). Do you mean attract/repel properties or something?
Click to expand...

yes, North on the A8 will attract to the south on the A5. That will line them up the same way. Then mark them both for orientation with a sharpie, and the pop in the A8 the same way the A5 came out.
 
Re: 59b mag swap...

this is what I do

when pulling out the original, it's going to be marked on one edge. It's the edge closest to the slug coil.

when you get it out take the other magnet and bring it together with the other magnet on the side that isn't marked. If they stick it's facing the right way. If it repells it's wrong. When it stick, just pull it apart and mark the edge with a sharpie like the other one is marked. Then just replace it the same way.

Even if you put the mag in "wrong" the worst that will happen is it will be out of phase with the other one when both are on (like Peter Green).
 
Re: 59b mag swap...

Be sure to let us know what you think of the '59 with an A8 in it. I tend to think of the A8 effect on a pickup as kind of like the loudness button on a stereo. It kind of boost all the good things about it. I've only tried it with hotter pickups (JB and Custom).
 
Re: 59b mag swap...

make sure you don't stick that pickup to close to the strings either, those a8s are strong enough that if they're too close they suck away your sustain and harmonics.
 
Re: 59b mag swap...

Well this is what I would always do when switching mags. It works for me.


You can take the new magnet and hold it lightly between your thumb and forefinger over the other pickup. You have to be careful about the distance because if it's too close it will dart for the strings. But there is a distance where you can feel the magnet repelling or compelling. If the magnet almost seems to run away from the strings, it's oriented out of phase.
 
Re: 59b mag swap...

I love the A8 in the 59 in my baretta! Not quite the love I have for the Custom8s, but the 598 is groovy too!! anxious to hear what others think!
 
Re: 59b mag swap...

super rad ska said:
make sure you don't stick that pickup to close to the strings either, those a8s are strong enough that if they're too close they suck away your sustain and harmonics.
Click to expand...

Do you really have that problem? That happens on Strats, because the pole pieces are actually magnets, but I've never noticed any difference with 'buckers.
 
Re: 59b mag swap...

JB_From_Hell said:
Do you really have that problem? That happens on Strats, because the pole pieces are actually magnets, but I've never noticed any difference with 'buckers.
Click to expand...

i did when i first installed it in my sg in a pearly gatesB. about a week later i got fed up with it and realized i had to lower the pickup a bit. now it works fine:)
 
Re: 59b mag swap...

Thanks again everyone. I'm gonna make the switch today and will post my thoughts later. I love the 59b but just wanted a touch more output and a little less treble. From what I've read it would seem the A8 could be the ticket. Fingers crossed!
 
Re: 59b mag swap...

Ok, so it was a bit iffy being my first time and all, but all in all a cinch to do. I was sorta scared breaking the wax seal like that (to loosen the bobbins from mag) and I took the tape almost off (realized afterward I didn't need to do that). At any rate, all went well and I got it back in place. Now, the sound....

I think you can color me sold. However, I haven't had a chance to run it at full volume yet so the jury's still somewhat out. I did notice a warmer, rounder tone altogether, especially in the treble region and upper registers. Nice! I was a bit surprised that the output doesn't seem much greater at all. Then again, it was at really low volume so I can't say for certain. Thanks again for all the help!
 
Re: 59b mag swap...

it definitely has an increase in output, just not as much as you'd think. it's like the difference between a '59 and a C5. but cool to see you like it:)
 
Re: 59b mag swap...

Yup, I think it's gonna be a definite keeper, but there's certainly less output than I'd have expected. I know I've gotta get my MarkIV cranked up some more to REALLY be able to tell, but still..
 
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