wickenspoet
New member
Saw that Crazy 8 pickup. What will an Alnico 8 magnet sound like compared to an Alnico 5?
Alnico 8 versus Alnico 5?
- Thread starter wickenspoet
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shogunlegend
Guest
Re: Alnico 8 versus Alnico 5?
i don't know becuase i did search for it in the forums, but people only talked around it mainly. i haven't found where anyone actually described it real well. as far as i can tell, it's weaker than alnico 5 but has more midrange.
i don't know becuase i did search for it in the forums, but people only talked around it mainly. i haven't found where anyone actually described it real well. as far as i can tell, it's weaker than alnico 5 but has more midrange.
Zhangliqun
Questionologist
Re: Alnico 8 versus Alnico 5?
No, A8 is MUCH MUCH stronger than A5. It's got all the punch of ceramic, maybe more, but with a fatter, sweeter Alnico attitude.
A5 is scooped in the mids a bit, depending on how fully charged it is, while A8 has tons of mids and a sweet, A2-like top.
No, A8 is MUCH MUCH stronger than A5. It's got all the punch of ceramic, maybe more, but with a fatter, sweeter Alnico attitude.
A5 is scooped in the mids a bit, depending on how fully charged it is, while A8 has tons of mids and a sweet, A2-like top.
Zhangliqun
Questionologist
Re: Alnico 8 versus Alnico 5?
There's also Alnico 9, which I assume is stronger, but I've never been able to get ahold of any. A8 is plenty strong anyway, 9 would probably pull down satellites.
There may also be A10 and A12, but I haven't been able to verify beyond some obscure references to them via Google searches.
There's also Alnico 9, which I assume is stronger, but I've never been able to get ahold of any. A8 is plenty strong anyway, 9 would probably pull down satellites.
There may also be A10 and A12, but I haven't been able to verify beyond some obscure references to them via Google searches.
Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: Alnico 8 versus Alnico 5?
It wasn't my choice to have parallel axis poles, mostly because I use nickel covers.
My worry about PA poles is that they have a strong magnetic pull, and so does Alnico 8. Do you think stringpull will be an issue with the Crazy 8?
It wasn't my choice to have parallel axis poles, mostly because I use nickel covers.
My worry about PA poles is that they have a strong magnetic pull, and so does Alnico 8. Do you think stringpull will be an issue with the Crazy 8?
Zhangliqun
Questionologist
Re: Alnico 8 versus Alnico 5?
Maybe I'm wrong but I assumed the PA poles were just steel like humbucker slugs, not Alnico. Otherwise no need for a bar magnet at all because it's just a Stag Mag with 24 little Alnico rectangles instead of 12 Alnico rods.
If I'm right, all the magnetic pull will be provided by the A8, not the PA poles, so the A8 will be the source of excessive pull problems, if any, not the poles.
Maybe I'm wrong but I assumed the PA poles were just steel like humbucker slugs, not Alnico. Otherwise no need for a bar magnet at all because it's just a Stag Mag with 24 little Alnico rectangles instead of 12 Alnico rods.
If I'm right, all the magnetic pull will be provided by the A8, not the PA poles, so the A8 will be the source of excessive pull problems, if any, not the poles.
Kosh Naranek
New member
Re: Alnico 8 versus Alnico 5?
The pole pieces, being in contact with the magnet, are magnetized. It is the magnetic field of the pole pieces that the string vibrates within. The magnet determines how strong the magnetic field is.
But Parallel Axis pole pieces are just steel, same as screw pole pieces. I don't know why the field would be stronger because of the shape of the polepieces. Shaped differently, yes.
The pole pieces, being in contact with the magnet, are magnetized. It is the magnetic field of the pole pieces that the string vibrates within. The magnet determines how strong the magnetic field is.
But Parallel Axis pole pieces are just steel, same as screw pole pieces. I don't know why the field would be stronger because of the shape of the polepieces. Shaped differently, yes.
Zhangliqun
Questionologist
Binnerscot
New member
Re: Alnico 8 versus Alnico 5?
I have a PATB-1 and a PATB-2, they seem to have much less magnetic pull on the strings than the standard buckers I have (C5s, JBs, DDs, Dimebucker, even the PG). They really ring so much longer that it really stands out as an attribute of the PA design.
What is even kind of humorous is that I have Sustainiacs in both PATB equipped guitars, they sustain so well that I often check to see if I left the Sustainiac on.
I have a PATB-1 and a PATB-2, they seem to have much less magnetic pull on the strings than the standard buckers I have (C5s, JBs, DDs, Dimebucker, even the PG). They really ring so much longer that it really stands out as an attribute of the PA design.
What is even kind of humorous is that I have Sustainiacs in both PATB equipped guitars, they sustain so well that I often check to see if I left the Sustainiac on.
paytojt
New member
Re: Alnico 8 versus Alnico 5?
My experience with A8 didn't do much for me. It reminded me of ceramic on steroids. Everything was just too hot in a bad way. It was hard to get a clear sound, even with differences in height and amp settings. It warrants some more testing, I suppose, but I'm a little surprised everyone is so excited about it! To each there own, of course.
My experience with A8 didn't do much for me. It reminded me of ceramic on steroids. Everything was just too hot in a bad way. It was hard to get a clear sound, even with differences in height and amp settings. It warrants some more testing, I suppose, but I'm a little surprised everyone is so excited about it! To each there own, of course.
AmirH
New member
Re: Alnico 8 versus Alnico 5?
Bingo. It was balanced, but it had too much of everything. Actually, no it didn't have enough treble. It was just way too middy and congested.
Bingo. It was balanced, but it had too much of everything. Actually, no it didn't have enough treble. It was just way too middy and congested.
jimijames
New member
Re: Alnico 8 versus Alnico 5?
Also, correct me if i'm wrong, but the PATB is designed to put the magnetic field on either side of the string, and so the string is pulled between the two fields if anything. So, having a strong magnet wouldn't have the same disadvantages that it does in traditional humbuckers.
Also, correct me if i'm wrong, but the PATB is designed to put the magnetic field on either side of the string, and so the string is pulled between the two fields if anything. So, having a strong magnet wouldn't have the same disadvantages that it does in traditional humbuckers.
disturb
New member
Re: Alnico 8 versus Alnico 5?
I have no interest in this pickup at all. I was surprised a custom shop build was wasted on it. But I guess a lot of guys really wanted it. I was kinda hoping for a hybrid. Maybe a CC coil with a Demon coil, on top of an Alnico II magnet. I'd get one of those.
I have no interest in this pickup at all. I was surprised a custom shop build was wasted on it. But I guess a lot of guys really wanted it. I was kinda hoping for a hybrid. Maybe a CC coil with a Demon coil, on top of an Alnico II magnet. I'd get one of those.
Kosh Naranek
New member
Re: Alnico 8 versus Alnico 5?
That's true. With a pole piece on either side of each string, the string is pulled out to either side as it's vibrating, rather than to the center of its travel as with conventional pole pieces, which would tend to cause it to stop ringing, decreasing sustain.
Metalblaze
New member
Re: Alnico 8 versus Alnico 5?
That's what I think too about PAs. Maybe the increased strength of the magnet increase sustain while the strings are vibrating.....?
That's what I think too about PAs. Maybe the increased strength of the magnet increase sustain while the strings are vibrating.....?
fab.regnaut
New member
Re: Alnico 8 versus Alnico 5?
PA pole style should increase sustain but decrease the first attack , then be less punchy but sweeter and more singing (sustain) .
Alnico 8 is the magnet that only have the best qualities of all other magnet types :
1) powerfull like CERAMIC , with the same full EQ but with rounder highs .
2) tigh like alnico 5 but without the mid scoop
3) lost of mids like alnico 2 but without the loose bottom end .
But in my experience (Jazz neck and Demon with alnico 8) , the alnico 8 work well in vintage type pickup , for pickups like the Custom it is less interesting , cause the added compression with the fullness of alnico 8 is a bit too much ;
bottom end not tight enough , loss of attack and treebles .
PA pole style should increase sustain but decrease the first attack , then be less punchy but sweeter and more singing (sustain) .
Alnico 8 is the magnet that only have the best qualities of all other magnet types :
1) powerfull like CERAMIC , with the same full EQ but with rounder highs .
2) tigh like alnico 5 but without the mid scoop
3) lost of mids like alnico 2 but without the loose bottom end .
But in my experience (Jazz neck and Demon with alnico 8) , the alnico 8 work well in vintage type pickup , for pickups like the Custom it is less interesting , cause the added compression with the fullness of alnico 8 is a bit too much ;
bottom end not tight enough , loss of attack and treebles .
Redbowties88
New member
Re: Alnico 8 versus Alnico 5?
This was a great read, I figure though I'll bring it back from the dead for more discussion...
I'm looking to do a magnet swap in my stock epi g-400 pickups just to see if I can make them suck a little less, I was about to buy a new set but a sweet guitar deal came up and after this latest NGD I'm going to have to put off pickups for a bit.
For this guitar I'm looking to play mostly hard classic rock and post hardcore/metalcore but in standard or drop D. This kinda stuff http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM6ofM315g8
What do you guys think would suite me better alnico 5 or 8? I'm trying to stay away from ceramics as I've not really enjoyed them in the past.
Thanks.
This was a great read, I figure though I'll bring it back from the dead for more discussion...
I'm looking to do a magnet swap in my stock epi g-400 pickups just to see if I can make them suck a little less, I was about to buy a new set but a sweet guitar deal came up and after this latest NGD I'm going to have to put off pickups for a bit.
For this guitar I'm looking to play mostly hard classic rock and post hardcore/metalcore but in standard or drop D. This kinda stuff http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM6ofM315g8
What do you guys think would suite me better alnico 5 or 8? I'm trying to stay away from ceramics as I've not really enjoyed them in the past.
Thanks.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: Alnico 8 versus Alnico 5?
Your G-400's stock PU's have A5's in them now. Put an A8 and the bridge and I think you'll like it. It's too hot and warm for the neck slot.
Your G-400's stock PU's have A5's in them now. Put an A8 and the bridge and I think you'll like it. It's too hot and warm for the neck slot.
