I have a MZ Charvel mahog body with a floyd and the custom 5 /f9 combo. I am finding the bridge Custom 5 to be very smooth sounding with no bite. Is this the norm for this pickup? Any suggested tweaks or adjustments ? I have tried raising and lowering and screwing( no pun intended) with the poles to no avail. Perhaps its just not my coil of copper? :9:
Custom 5- suggestions on tweaking?
- Thread starter stratvox
- Start date
IanBallard
New member
Re: Custom 5- suggestions on tweaking?
To expand on the previous post... in case you aren't familiar with the concept, you can swap out the bar magnet inside the pickup VERY easily. Simply remove the bottom screws that hold the bobbins in place and carefully slide out the old magnet. You can get new magnets from "AddictionFX" on eBay and a few others. I also suggest an Alnico 8 if you want a louder, more aggressive midrange and overall balance, or an "Unoriented Alnico 5" for a more vintage sound with better midrange. You'll probably find either of those magnets would wake up the Custom 5. Normal Alnico 5's on everything but extremely hot-wound (16k+) pickups have a scooped midrange. While this sounds "smooth" and nice in a bedroom, you'll get lost in the mix during live performance. Doing a magnet swap, completely changes the nature of the magnetic field, changing the sound and creating a brand new pickup (with the same coils) for only about $10. There is also the option of ceramic, which is similar to the Alnico 8 but brighter on the treble.
To expand on the previous post... in case you aren't familiar with the concept, you can swap out the bar magnet inside the pickup VERY easily. Simply remove the bottom screws that hold the bobbins in place and carefully slide out the old magnet. You can get new magnets from "AddictionFX" on eBay and a few others. I also suggest an Alnico 8 if you want a louder, more aggressive midrange and overall balance, or an "Unoriented Alnico 5" for a more vintage sound with better midrange. You'll probably find either of those magnets would wake up the Custom 5. Normal Alnico 5's on everything but extremely hot-wound (16k+) pickups have a scooped midrange. While this sounds "smooth" and nice in a bedroom, you'll get lost in the mix during live performance. Doing a magnet swap, completely changes the nature of the magnetic field, changing the sound and creating a brand new pickup (with the same coils) for only about $10. There is also the option of ceramic, which is similar to the Alnico 8 but brighter on the treble.
Barron1
New member
Re: Custom 5- suggestions on tweaking?
Great! C8 is amazing! Has the balls and tude of the custom, but more vintage warmth. Compared to the C5, it'll have less low end and alil more attitude
Great! C8 is amazing! Has the balls and tude of the custom, but more vintage warmth. Compared to the C5, it'll have less low end and alil more attitude
Re: Custom 5- suggestions on tweaking?
Same here. Never loved the C8 and I think the CUOA5 is way better, but I play classic rock and blues. To the heavier stuff, maybe the C8 is a better option and a more "modern" sounding.
Same here. Never loved the C8 and I think the CUOA5 is way better, but I play classic rock and blues. To the heavier stuff, maybe the C8 is a better option and a more "modern" sounding.
W
WGTP
Guest
Re: Custom 5- suggestions on tweaking?
Didn't really say what you were after. If you want less smooth and more bite, the ceramic is probably what you need. If it is more mids, the the A8 or CUOA5 would seem to be the solution. If you order magnets, go ahead and get several. Also, might try a 1 Meg pot for more bite.
Didn't really say what you were after. If you want less smooth and more bite, the ceramic is probably what you need. If it is more mids, the the A8 or CUOA5 would seem to be the solution. If you order magnets, go ahead and get several. Also, might try a 1 Meg pot for more bite.
IanBallard
New member
Re: Custom 5- suggestions on tweaking?
Lowering an A8 pickup makes a lot of difference. People using lower-gauss mags, tend to put the bridge pickup right on the strings and an A8 will pull hard and make it boomy. Lower it about a nickel's depth and that should make a difference. Of course, A8's in hotter pickups can be overwhelming, but they take PAF's and hybrids to a new level.
Lowering an A8 pickup makes a lot of difference. People using lower-gauss mags, tend to put the bridge pickup right on the strings and an A8 will pull hard and make it boomy. Lower it about a nickel's depth and that should make a difference. Of course, A8's in hotter pickups can be overwhelming, but they take PAF's and hybrids to a new level.