Changing '59n to A2 or A3 magnets

[7turns]

I just picked up an open coil '59 neck to go along with another covered '59 I've got and thought about changing up the the new one to modify it's sound a little. I'll probably put it in the neck position.
Anyway...what's up with changing out magnets on these buckers? Where does one get and Alinco 2 or 3 to replace the A5?
Anyone have advice either way? Have you done it and how did it turn out?

Oh yea, will a gibson cover for a neck pole spacing (1 15/16ths) fit the duncan? I'm guessing that it should but I thought I'd ask.
thanks,
matt

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Changing '59n to A2 or A3 magnets

I don't think that the Gibby cover fits a Duncan. I got Alnico II mags out of the 490 pickups that came in my LP. Maybe Lew or John at Blackrose has some for sale. I highly recommend an Alnico II mag in a neck 59. It's a big, smooth, creamy sound that doesn't have the boomyness that I didn't much care for in the normal 59.

To change the mag, just loosen the 4 small screws in the bottom of the pickup and carefully pry up the bobbins and push out the magnet.

 

[rspst14]

Re: Changing '59n to A2 or A3 magnets

Try http://www.ampge.com or http://www.allstarmagnetics.com/magnets/specialty.asp for magnets.

Ryan

 

[dr.barlo]

Re: Changing '59n to A2 or A3 magnets

I am a big fan of a3's especially in the neck versions of ants, PG's and 59's.

B

 

[theodie]

Re: Changing '59n to A2 or A3 magnets

I have used gibson covers on a set of 59's with out any problem. The covers came off of a set of Gibson 57 classics. Some Gibson pickups have different spacings than a 57 though. I know the 500t and the 496r has a wider spacing.