Custom 4

[JeffB]

who has tried this?

does it even out the EQ and cure the "no mids" issue with the C5?

Or would an A8 be better for this?

Strong *WELL BALANCED* PAF-like tonality is what I'm going for. (i.e. not 59 or c5 V-type eq) I have a SH5 custom laying around but I'm going for more of a Robbo type Les Paul sound with this axe.

 

[millsart]

Re: Custom 4

From what I've been reading, the a4 would probably be the better way to go. A8 is reported to be balanced but gives a bit of a hotter cermaic type tone so probably not the PAF tone you'd be after. I'm buying both magnets myself to really try it with my own ears though.

You may also want to consider going the hybrid route with your C5 as the 59/C5 hybrid should give you a little more midrange and the unbalanced coils give a truer PAF tone.


Having had the 59' though I'd really say that its pretty PAF toned as is, at least to my ears. I'm not sure what a "Robbo" type of tone is, but I would say that if a 59 or C5 is close to what your after right out of the box, then maybe you need to look to a different pickup all together.

Making a hybrid or changing magnets is a great way to refine and enhance what you already like about a pickup, but I don't think its a means to totally produce something new. So in other words if C5 doesn't do it for you, a C4 probably won't either. Its like if you hate the layout of a room, changing the wallpaper isn't going to make a difference.

 

[Iron Horse]

Re: Custom 4

Having had the 59' though I'd really say that its pretty PAF toned as is, at least to my ears. I'm not sure what a "Robbo" type of tone is, but I would say that if a 59 or C5 is close to what your after right out of the box, then maybe you need to look to a different pickup all together.

Robbo = Brian Robertson of Thin Lizzy.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Custom 4

Thanks for your insight.

Well, I've had many 59s, and messed around with a c5 once. I know they are heralded as PAF types, but IME with A5 PAFs/PAT #s/T Tops, you name it...nothing was as scoopy sounding as a 59 is. And thats what I dislike about the 59..if it was more "full" or better balanced from highs to lows I'd be all over it :bigthumb:

I was thinking the A4 may tame the highs and lows in a Custom 5 to make it sound more balanced as people have used it in 59n to reduce the boom and balance out the pup.

Oh..and Robbo= Brian Robertson of Thin Lizzy circa 74-78

 

[millsart]

Re: Custom 4

I'm planning on doing a 59/C5 custom, and plan on trying an a4 and a8 in it just to experience it with my own ears so check back sometime in the future and I'll be glad to give a first person account.

The a4 though sounds like it could be a winner for what your after. Magnets are cheap enough that you can try a few different ones without feeling bad if they don't work out.


What guitar would this be going in out of curiosity ? I'm speaking in regards to my all mahaogany LP custom.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Custom 4

... And thats what I dislike about the 59..if it was more "full" or better balanced from highs to lows I'd be all over it :bigthumb: I was thinking the A4 may tame the highs and lows in a Custom 5 to make it sound more balanced as people have used it in 59n to reduce the boom and balance out the pup.

When I'm on a magnet swapping project, I usually end up putting an A4 in place of an A5 on bridge PU's, when the A5 is too scooped & bright. A4's have a balanced EQ (the most balanced of any guitar magnet) so they are noticeably different from an A5. On replacement magnets, I use A4's more than any other. I don't know why manufacturers don't use these on a regular basis.

On neck PU's, I always end up taking out A2's (dull & dark) & put in A3's, A4's or A5's, depending how much 'sparkle' I need (which is determined by the body design & wood).

If you get several kinds of magnets, and a few of each, you can keep swapping until you reach your ideal tone. Try Wymore Guitars for a good selection.

 

[millsart]

Re: Custom 4

Sounds like I'm leaning towards an A4 because I'd really like to get a bit more mids than what my C5 has and also reduce the rather boomy/woofy bass a bit.

In order to get the low mids to really come through I have to eq it so that the low end chug is just this massive cabinet knock that really overpowers everything.

Otherwise I just don't get the clarity and cut I want on powerchords like the D and 2nd postion E

Additionally adding to much in the treble gets a bit too much sizzle that also robs the mids.


What I'm looking for in a good solid and tight lowend that sits well in the mix, some good raunchy mids that cut, and some nice smooth highs that have good clarity without sounding overlly shrill.


Steve Jones tone on "God Save the Queen" or Slash on "Don't **** Me" come to mind as the perfect balance.

They are raunch and cut well, the low end is solid and you can feel/hear the rythm but its not in the least bit boomy, and the highs are very well mannered and sit well in the mix without any harshness or sizzle.

Its such a fine balance between cranked EL34 raw power and crossing into the shrill shred zone which I want to avoid.

 

[dr.barlo]

Re: Custom 4

A4s sound like degaussed a5s. The bass and highs are not as upfront as with a5s. And that can be useful when the pickup sound a little scooped. But a5 to a4 conversion would not drastically change the eq of the pickup.

I love a4 magnets in bridge ant HB's and 59N's.

B

 

[JeffB]

Re: Custom 4

What guitar would this be going in out of curiosity ? I'm speaking in regards to my all mahaogany LP custom.

Its going in a import Paula :bigthumb:

I'm gonna try the custom first. I used it for sev years in my main Les Paul back in the early 90s, and it worked well enough for "robbo" type tones. Could be a bit warmer and sweeter. I'll give an A8 or A4 a try if it doesn work out.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Custom 4

When I'm on a magnet swapping project, I usually end up putting an A4 in place of an A5 on bridge PU's, when the A5 is too scooped & bright. A4's have a balanced EQ (the most balanced of any guitar magnet) so they are noticeably different from an A5. On replacement magnets, I use A4's more than any other. I don't know why manufacturers don't use these on a regular basis.

On neck PU's, I always end up taking out A2's (dull & dark) & put in A3's, A4's or A5's, depending how much 'sparkle' I need (which is determined by the body design & wood).

If you get several kinds of magnets, and a few of each, you can keep swapping until you reach your ideal tone. Try Wymore Guitars for a good selection.

A4s sound like degaussed a5s. The bass and highs are not as upfront as with a5s. And that can be useful when the pickup sound a little scooped. But a5 to a4 conversion would not drastically change the eq of the pickup.

I love a4 magnets in bridge ant HB's and 59N's.

B

Thanks much for the replies. I know it won't be a drastic change, but any improvement in EQ balance on the 59/C5 is a great thing in my book :bigthumb:

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Custom 4

Custom 8 is a great lead pickup. It has similar tonal character to the Custom but more organic (alnico) warmth. I have one in a Kramer Focus 6000 and its great..

Custom 4 is VERY similar to a C5 but rolls just alittle bit off the lows and the highs. I had a C5 in my Explorer and it got just alittle Flubby. Changed to a C4 and its perfect.

Kinda like this:

C5:
12345678910
C4:
23456789
Same core, just shave off the ends..

Hope that helps