A2 vs A3 Magnets: CC & PGn

dr.barlo

New member
Ok now my experiment with a2's and a3's in my 14.40K CC, and my 7.40K PGn. Both are in my mahogany MIK ibanez s370. The height is the same, I marked the height on the pickup before taking them out to swap the magnet. the strings, the amp setting etc etc ... are all the same.

C2 = CC with an a2

C3 = CC with an a3

PGn with an a2

PGn with an a3

Soon I will be getting my a4's, and intend to record controlled clips of CC and a neck PAF style HB, each with a2-5. But for now this is all I've got.

B
 
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kevlar3000 said:
Very cool,

I can't decide which cc I like better, they are both very cool.

I like the A3 in the PGn definately smoother and seems a bit less tubby.

Jeff_H said:
I like the A3 in both better.....thanks for the nice comparison Doc!

Rid said:
CC with A2 was something....haunting stuff.

RCM78 said:
The CC-A2 sounds much better then the A-3. The A-3 seems to have alot more mids and even less lows then the A-2. It sounds tinny and thin compared to the A-2.

The PGn sounds good with either magnet. The A-3 seems to sound more round with a little more low end.

:cool:

I kept the CC with the a2 (due to the floyd rose), and the PGn with the a3 as you hear it in those clips.

B
 
nice work....
I like it if isame settings and riff is used. I just can better compare the sounds....

I think I like the C3 over the C2
 
Marcel said:
... the difference with the pg is not that big

I agree!

I went with the a3 in the PG to get a little more highs while keeping the overall characteristics as they are. ;)

B
 
dr.barlo said:
I agree!

I went with the a3 in the PG to get a little more highs while keeping the overall characteristics as they are. ;)

B
i am not really hearing more highs on the a3 pg. i thought the a2 has more highs though it's not logical coz a3 must have more highs...
:confused: weird
or maybe this are the high mids...
 
In my experience, A3 sounds a bit brighter than A2, but I think that is more from upper-mids. There may be more highs too, but they're the more transparent, twangy, more articulate highs rather than the chimy, sweet highs of the A2.
 
Awesome test! Thanks.

I liked alnico 3 in both. I was looking for more highs from a Pearly Gates neck and a CustomCustom bridge. Sounds like alnico 3's is what I should try.

How would I get alnico 3 magnets? How would I get the swap done? Would a guitar tech know what to do? HELP!

:yourock:
 
Mr. Loud said:
Awesome test! Thanks.

I liked alnico 3 in both. I was looking for more highs from a Pearly Gates neck and a CustomCustom bridge. Sounds like alnico 3's is what I should try.

How would I get alnico 3 magnets? How would I get the swap done? Would a guitar tech know what to do? HELP!

:yourock:

I've gotten my magnets from www.ampge.com.

Swapping is easy. take out the pup (you don't need to de-solder or anything, just slip it out from under the strings) loosen the bottom plate screws, grab the magnet with a needlenose pliers, and pull it out. CAREFULLY

After that, just throw in the new magnet, tighten the plate screws and put the pup back in your guitar. Takes me about 5 minutes.:6:
 
korovamilkdud said:
I've gotten my magnets from www.ampge.com.

Swapping is easy. take out the pup (you don't need to de-solder or anything, just slip it out from under the strings) loosen the bottom plate screws, grab the magnet with a needlenose pliers, and pull it out. CAREFULLY

After that, just throw in the new magnet, tighten the plate screws and put the pup back in your guitar. Takes me about 5 minutes.:6:

Thanks a bunch.

Now that you mention how to grab the magnet and pull it out, I remember some thread from the old forum containing a guide about how to swap magnets. Or was it the custom/59 thing? I am not sure.

???
 
I am very glad that you guys found it helpful. That was the purpose! ;)

Mr. Loud, I see that korovamilkdud did a great job in answering all your questions. Welcome aboard the magnet-swpping frenzy! :D

B
 
A2 vs. A3 magnets

A2 vs. A3 magnets

I do what I can. :D


I just swapped my A3 mag in my 59n for an A2 last night. Very happy with my sound right now. Probably switch back eventually...back and forth, back and forth. :P
 
Re: A2 vs A3 Magnets: CC & PGn

The A2 in the neck is great, bridge wise, I like both depends on use and guitar.
 
Re: A2 vs A3 Magnets: CC & PGn

I love A2s in my strat but A3 were by far the best option in my Explorer. There was just do much sizzle and drive with the a5 and a2 I tried. The A3 is brighter with less power and it really gave the guitar the cut I like. In the neck I like A3 in just about any guitar, but in a fender type bridge PU I think it would be too bright for my tastes.
 
Re: A2 vs A3 Magnets: CC & PGn

I liked the A2 CC a lot better. In the PG it was a lot more subtle... I think I like the A3 better.
 
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