Ceramic magnet swap

[3'scompany]

I heard someone on the board mention putting a ceramic magnet in a duncan JB and I'm very interested in trying this to say the least. First off, are there different grades or kinds of ceramic magnets? Are they all the same or do I need to buy a $65 dollar pup just for the good magnet? That'd be rad if I could just use a cheaper used stock pup if all ceramic magnets are the same (like a 500T or something), but I fear that's not the case. Secondly, how do you swap the magnets? I've never taken one apart and am curious as to how you even go about doing it. You guy's (and ladies') expert opinions would be awsome... plus do you think the ceramic JB would sound nasty mean (and by that I mean righteous and totally sweet) in a prs singlecut or would it be better suited to another guitar?... like my custom 22?

Another side note, I've heard good things about the C5 and prs's, but I play heavier music. Would this pup still provide me with a heavy tone and pinch harmonics with ease? I was thinking about putting a C5 in my singlecut, seeing as how I already have a JB in my McCarty. However, I like the JB and think a hotrodded one might sound really good in such a thick bodied guitar such as my singlecut. Enough ranting, on with the suggestions!

 

[Low_fidelity2100]

Re: Ceramic magnet swap

A Jb with a Ceramic magnet is A Duncan distortion. They have the same exact Coils, and the only difference (besides the sound) is the magnet. So if ya like The Dd then you should try this mod. If you don't like the Dd (as many don't) then this would be a waste of time.
Now with that said....

As far as I know pretty much all ceramics are the same. I might be wrong on this though, as I've never really checked into it.
But even if they are all the same. The size of the magnet itself has a massive effect on tone. So finding a ceramic the right size might be difficult.
The ceramic in a Duncan Custom (for instance) is the same size as The alnico magnets used in the 59' (or other alnico mag buckers). But The ceramic's used in the Dd is Substantially taller (about twice as tall, maybe a little taller), Than a normal Alnico mag. And The invader has the same size Magnet as a Dd, But instead of plastic spacers on the outside of the bobbin (like the Dd has) it has Two small magnets which increase the Magnetic feild and the output. So the size of the magnet itself will impact your tone.
Now I have used ceramics out of different cheapo stock P'ups before (Namely from an epiphone sg special). And I can tell you that from the ones I've tryed, They're never quite the same size as those found in a Dd, or a Dc. So ya might have trouble finding the exact right size. But ya might luck out, never know.
Even if ya can't find the right size, I suggest trying it out anyways. It might end up sounding radical. Then again it might now.

Ed

p.s.
To change magnets you just loosen the four small screws on the bottom plate (don't remove em all the way). And Gently slide the magnet out from underneith the pickup. They normally come out fairly easily. But if ya need a little extra help getting it all the way out (being as your fingers won't fit in the tiny space) Use a chop stick, or something else dull. So ya don't accidentally gouge a coil.
Also make sure you push it out the side without any wires in the way. That way no change of accidentally disconnecting something.
then to replace it. you just slide the new magnet in, and then tighten the screws down on top of it.
If you end up useing a larger magnet than the one you removed. You'll need to loosen the screws a bunch to get the new one in. ANd you'll also need to get some Plasic spacers (Three is normally sufficent, 1 on one side 2 on the other) other wise the coils will not sit even. and there will be a space between them.
If ya can't get the type of spacers you need (there will be 1 in the Jb already the little black plastic thing) you can either take em outta another pickup. Or You can make some yerself. Out of various house hold items.