A2 w/AWG 41?

KRKBAB

New member
Do A2 magnets play better with certain gauge pick-up wire?

I'm thinking of swapping out the A5 to an A2 in a Dimarzio Humbucker from Hell, which I think has AWG 41 wire.
It's been said that the HfH has similar specs to the DMZ Super 2 but with much lower output.

For instance, what AWG is used in Seths and APH2s?
 
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Re: A2 w/AWG 41?

Do A2 magnets play better with certain gauge pick-up wire?

I'm thinking of swapping out the A5 to an A2 in a Dimarzio Humbucker from Hell, which I think has AWG 41 wire.
It's been said that the HfH has similar specs to the DMZ Super 2 but with much lower output.

For instance, what AWG is used in Seths and APH2s?

There's no hard and fast rule about magnet types and the wire gauges they work best with. The concept of one magnet or wire gauge "playing better" with another on the whole is very subjective and it really boils down to what you are looking to achieve. There are certain characteristics that an A2 tends to have vs. other magnet types, which helps us estimate possible outcomes in a broad sense when applied to very standardized designs, but, in reality, there are SO many variables that can affect how a particular pickup might react to a certain magnet type that it's nearly impossible to know what the exact outcome will be.

So, the question is...what are you trying to achieve by swapping magnets in your HFH?

To answer your last question, I'm fairly certain the Seths and APHs both use 42 AWG magnet wire.
 
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Re: A2 w/AWG 41?

There's no hard and fast rule about magnet types and the wire gauges they work best with. The concept of one magnet or wire gauge "playing better" with another on the whole is very subjective and it really boils down to what you are looking to achieve. There are certain characteristics that an A2 tends to have vs. other magnet types, which helps us estimate possible outcomes in a broad sense when applied to very standardized designs, but, in reality, there are SO many variables that can affect how a particular pickup might react to a certain magnet type that it's nearly impossible to know what the exact outcome will be.

So, the question is...what are you trying to achieve by swapping magnets in your HFH?

To answer your last question, I'm fairly certain the Seths and APHs both use 42 AWG magnet wire.

Basically, I'd like to pull in a little more mids in my HfH.
I'm leaning A2 or A3.
I'm thinking A4s aren't appropriate,
 
Re: A2 w/AWG 41?

A4's are interesting. Nice and flat. I like the roughcast because they soften the highs a bit. Over all, I've liked them in both neck pickups I've put them in, an SH-6n and an SH-1n (though that one is a polished and I find it too bright so I'm replacing it soon with a rough cast).
 
Re: A2 w/AWG 41?

A4's are interesting. Nice and flat. I like the roughcast because they soften the highs a bit. Over all, I've liked them in both neck pickups I've put them in, an SH-6n and an SH-1n (though that one is a polished and I find it too bright so I'm replacing it soon with a rough cast).

hmmm...
Lt Kojak likes A4s if I'm not mistaken.
Do you think an A4 will pull out a little more of the mids?
 
Re: A2 w/AWG 41?

the seth is #42 pe, the aph is #42 poly.

id be surprised if the hfh was #41 but who knows
 
Re: A2 w/AWG 41?

the 42 is going to be things like Brobucker, PG, 59, 78, Seth, Jazz, A2P and Bonamassa. 43 is going to be things like the Demon, the Custom line (Custom, CC, C5, FS) and the IM1. 44 would be along the lines of the JB line (JB, DD, Invader) and Alt-8.
 
Re: A2 w/AWG 41?

Not much. The mags with the most mids are A3, A2, and A8. A8's too hot for a neck HB.

Well, which do you think would work better with a Humbucker from Hell (if you're familiar with it)- an A2 or A3?

the HfH is brighter than a Jazz, 59n and a Seth (three pickups I'm familiar with).
It has a little glass on top, the lows are present but tight, and the mids are hidden in there somewhere.

I never thought the A3 would add mids- guess I was guessing too much :)

I am now leaning towards an A2, but could be talked into an A3.
 
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Re: A2 w/AWG 41?

Can you even mag swap in a HFH? The mag might be glued in place in that style of DiMarzio pickup.

I wouldn't think a mag swap would be necessary to get what you want anyhow. If you want more mids, I would turn up the mids on your amp...or turn down the bass and treble, if you don't have a mid control. Then turn up the volume to compensate for the cuts.
 
Re: A2 w/AWG 41?

Can you even mag swap in a HFH? The mag might be glued in place in that style of DiMarzio pickup.

I wouldn't think a mag swap would be necessary to get what you want anyhow. If you want more mids, I would turn up the mids on your amp...or turn down the bass and treble, if you don't have a mid control. Then turn up the volume to compensate for the cuts.

might depend on the DMZ. I've seen them both ways. still possible, depending on how handy you are.
 
Re: A2 w/AWG 41?

Can you even mag swap in a HFH? The mag might be glued in place in that style of DiMarzio pickup.

I wouldn't think a mag swap would be necessary to get what you want anyhow. If you want more mids, I would turn up the mids on your amp...or turn down the bass and treble, if you don't have a mid control. Then turn up the volume to compensate for the cuts.

"The mag might be glued in place in that style of DiMarzio pickup."-

Nope- that's was someone's guess once and now it's being parroted too much.
They are easy to slide out.
DMZ just adds more wax me thinks (but not sure).

"If you want more mids, I would turn up the mids on your amp"- Seriously?
Should I also put on a coat if it's chilly outside, mom? :34:
 
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Re: A2 w/AWG 41?

might depend on the DMZ. I've seen them both ways. still possible, depending on how handy you are.

really- which DMZs have you seen with the magnet glued in?
It's possible I'm mistaking glue for wax- but I don't think so.

BTW- thanks for referring me to Bluemans A2-A8 guide (I'm aware of that)- it's always good for a re-cap.

I was still hoping someone would actually recommend an A2,3 or 4 for more mids and a tad less highs for my Humbucker from Hell, though.

thnks
 
Re: A2 w/AWG 41?

made a pile of hybrids for another forum member. don't even remember which models were what, as I was working off a requested list of results more than brands or models. I personally didn't suggest glue, and that might have been an oversight on my part...but what I did notice was that at least one of them had what looked like a hard foam injected in there....like the spray insulation stuff in a can. might as well have been glue, as it was not wanting to give.

but...some makers use different blends of wax. maybe you have one there that's a little stiffer. have you tried to hit it with a heat gun (or hair dryer) to loosen things up?


I have a HFH and I like it fine for what it does...although I can see where it might be a little too stiff for some. given the rolled-off mids and lows of the HFH, I don't think the A4 or A3 would be the first choice for what you are talking about. maybe start with an UOA5, which is a 1/2-step between the A5 and the A2. give it a week or so for your ear to acclimate and then maybe move on to the A2 if it's not quite there.
 
Re: A2 w/AWG 41?

made a pile of hybrids for another forum member. don't even remember which models were what, as I was working off a requested list of results more than brands or models. I personally didn't suggest glue, and that might have been an oversight on my part...but what I did notice was that at least one of them had what looked like a hard foam injected in there....like the spray insulation stuff in a can. might as well have been glue, as it was not wanting to give.

but...some makers use different blends of wax. maybe you have one there that's a little stiffer. have you tried to hit it with a heat gun (or hair dryer) to loosen things up?


I have a HFH and I like it fine for what it does...although I can see where it might be a little too stiff for some. given the rolled-off mids and lows of the HFH, I don't think the A4 or A3 would be the first choice for what you are talking about. maybe start with an UOA5, which is a 1/2-step between the A5 and the A2. give it a week or so for your ear to acclimate and then maybe move on to the A2 if it's not quite there.

No- I haven't really had any problems removing mags from Dimarzios at all.
Itsabass had implied that mags may be hard to remove because of glue- I was addressing his comment about DMZ mags.

So would a UOA5 give me a tad more mids and roll off the glass?- then I'll def. try that.
I was kind of settling into trying an A3, but if you actually own a HfH , then I'll try your suggested UOA5.

Thanks
 
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