Alnico II Pro vs Custom Custom vs Seth Lover vs Slash

SavageRiffer

New member
Is it just me or is the Alnico II pro overlooked a lot? I swapped these pickups at least twice each in the same guitar, back and forth trying to figure out which is best. First the Custom Custom ruled the land because it's all about rock and makes the coolest makes the coolest pick sound for lead playing, then my appreciation grew for the Seth and I thought it was superior, but now the dust has settled it's the Alnico II pro that stays in that guitar. It seemed like it would be cool to be able to get some Slash tones out of my strat but found out the AII pro is super versatile. Who would have known that alnico II pickup is capable of metal too? To me the AII pro neck blows the 59 and Jazz away. I like it better than the Pearly Gates also. It also shines not just with Marshall amps, so even through a Diezel it holds up. Incredible. It's imperative for me to get another set, but what am I missing though? Because what does the Slash version have that the AII pro doesn't have? It looks like the Slash version is wound hotter so does that mean it's also a little warmer?
 
Re: Alnico II Pro vs Custom Custom vs Seth Lover vs Slash

+1 that the Alnico II Pro is a great and versatile neck pick up. Excellent in Lesters and the various clones, semi hollow bodies and even in the neck of a Telecaster. For some reason the bridge does not possibly have the same size fan club. Not sure why.

In another recent thread a person far far more knowledgeable than me claims the APH really nails the PAF sound.
 
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Re: Alnico II Pro vs Custom Custom vs Seth Lover vs Slash

A2P's are my second favorite Duncan PU, after Seth's. They're warm, full, and rich, unlike '59's. The bridge and neck are balanced EQ-wise, unlike PG's. I'm pleased with my A2P's and haven't been in a rush to get the Slash version.

A2P's are the Jazz set with an A2 magnet, so you can easily convert your Jazz's with an A2 magnet. Or, use an UOA5 if you want a little more high end and a little less midrange.
 
Re: Alnico II Pro vs Custom Custom vs Seth Lover vs Slash

APH1 is my most favorite low output hb by SD in the bridge. In the neck not so much.
 
Re: Alnico II Pro vs Custom Custom vs Seth Lover vs Slash

APH1 & Custom Custom is my favorite combo in my Music Mans, and they just seem to work well together. For what I play, this combo just works really well.
 
Re: Alnico II Pro vs Custom Custom vs Seth Lover vs Slash

I purchased a A2P and have yet to install it, but I am getting hyped! Will replace a custom custom uoa5
 
Re: Alnico II Pro vs Custom Custom vs Seth Lover vs Slash

A2P's are my second favorite Duncan PU, after Seth's. They're warm, full, and rich, unlike '59's. The bridge and neck are balanced EQ-wise, unlike PG's. I'm pleased with my A2P's and haven't been in a rush to get the Slash version.

A2P's are the Jazz set with an A2 magnet, so you can easily convert your Jazz's with an A2 magnet. Or, use an UOA5 if you want a little more high end and a little less midrange.

I knew some Duncan pickups like the Customs were the same with different magnets, but I didn't know the Alnico II Pro was the Jazz. My experience with UOA5 has been that it seems good for a more vintage, degaussed kind of thing but I like a little more output and high gain definition like alnico IV, V and sometimes ceramic. What I want to know is if there is a stronger alnico II magnet because the only thing I would want to change about the A2 Pro is to increase the output a little. I wonder if a thicker magnet would fit, if someone makes such a thing.

I purchased a A2P and have yet to install it, but I am getting hyped! Will replace a custom custom uoa5

I haven't tried any magnet swaps with mine yet, but I don't want to mess with the tone at all.
 
Re: Alnico II Pro vs Custom Custom vs Seth Lover vs Slash

What I want to know is if there is a stronger alnico II magnet because the only thing I would want to change about the A2 Pro is to increase the output a little. I wonder if a thicker magnet would fit, if someone makes such a thing.

Now you are onto something! I wonder if such a thing is possible, that would be amazing! Keep me posted if you find anything!
 
Re: Alnico II Pro vs Custom Custom vs Seth Lover vs Slash

What I want to know is if there is a stronger alnico II magnet because the only thing I would want to change about the A2 Pro is to increase the output a little.

not really how it works with a pickup like that one.
 
Re: Alnico II Pro vs Custom Custom vs Seth Lover vs Slash

What I want to know is if there is a stronger alnico II magnet because the only thing I would want to change about the A2 Pro is to increase the output a little.
That's what the Slash version is. Same pickup, more output.
 
Re: Alnico II Pro vs Custom Custom vs Seth Lover vs Slash

But the Slash is slightly clearer, so the voice is a little different.
 
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