Did some magnet swapping: A4/59 - A5/DDn

[Artie]

I got my A4 from Lew, (thanks Lew), to try in my 59, and since I had the A5 out of the 59, decided to try it in my Distortion neck.

A4/59: I'll have to try this for a bit longer, but I'm not initially thrilled with it. Don't get me wrong, it sounds great, but it doesn't sound like a 59 any longer. I hope this isn't my bias showing through, but I like my "de-mud mod" better. The A4 mag changes the basic character of the 59, while my mod didn't. Its a good sound. The A4/59 is smoother and mellower, but its also missing something. The "bite" perhaps. I'm going to keep it in there for awhile to see what my long-term evaluation is, but I'll probably put the A5 back.

A5/DDn: This, on the other hand, I like a lot. The A5 had the same basic affect on the DDn as the A4 had on the 59, but here, it was just the right "tweak". It became just a tad smoother, and seems to be a bit clearer. But the best part is, it now matches beautifully with the Custom 5 in the bridge. The output of these two is almost perfectly matched and they compliment each other "tonal-wise" also. By just using a simple 3-way, the three ordinary sounds are great. The Custom 5 has a bit of "bite", the DD5 has a touch of "smooth", and they play together perfectly.

I'll try to post some clips later this weekend.

Artie

 

[flank]

Re: Did some magnet swapping: A4/59 - A5/DDn

i wonder if that DD neck with the A5 at the bridge position would be similar to what all these people want for the 10-12k bridge pickups that are like hotter PAFS...isnt the DD neck measured around 12k or something?.... idk, im just blabbering an idea out loud

 

[Faraday]

Re: Did some magnet swapping: A4/59 - A5/DDn

I got my A4 from Lew, (thanks Lew), to try in my 59, and since I had the A5 out of the 59, decided to try it in my Distortion neck.

A4/59: I'll have to try this for a bit longer, but I'm not initially thrilled with it. Don't get me wrong, it sounds great, but it doesn't sound like a 59 any longer. I hope this isn't my bias showing through, but I like my "de-mud mod" better. The A4 mag changes the basic character of the 59, while my mod didn't. Its a good sound. The A4/59 is smoother and mellower, but its also missing something. The "bite" perhaps. I'm going to keep it in there for awhile to see what my long-term evaluation is, but I'll probably put the A5 back.

A5/DDn: This, on the other hand, I like a lot. The A5 had the same basic affect on the DDn as the A4 had on the 59, but here, it was just the right "tweak". It became just a tad smoother, and seems to be a bit clearer. But the best part is, it now matches beautifully with the Custom 5 in the bridge. The output of these two is almost perfectly matched and they compliment each other "tonal-wise" also. By just using a simple 3-way, the three ordinary sounds are great. The Custom 5 has a bit of "bite", the DD5 has a touch of "smooth", and they play together perfectly.

I'll try to post some clips later this weekend.

Artie

Thanks for the review Artie. Have you tried an A3/59? As soon as I get in the Alnico-8 mag its going in my 59 to test.

 

[Artie]

Re: Did some magnet swapping: A4/59 - A5/DDn

i wonder if that DD neck with the A5 at the bridge position would be similar to what all these people want for the 10-12k bridge pickups that are like hotter PAFS...isnt the DD neck measured around 12k or something?.... idk, im just blabbering an idea out loud

Yeah, it is. 12.7k to be exact. After I play with this for awhile, I told Theodie he could borrow it, but I believe you were next. It would be cool to hear it in the bridge.

 

[Artie]

Re: Did some magnet swapping: A4/59 - A5/DDn

Thanks for the review Artie. Have you tried an A3/59? As soon as I get in the Alnico-8 mag its going in my 59 to test.

No, I haven't. This is my first mag swap. An A8 59 sounds interesting too.

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: Did some magnet swapping: A4/59 - A5/DDn

No, I haven't. This is my first mag swap. An A8 59 sounds interesting too.

Artie,,,What guitar were you doing these mods in?

Funny how are ears are Artie....The A4 is great in the neck of my LP....Just like Doc Barlo told me,it sounds like an aged A5 magnet,but I feel the character is pretty much the same.....Strange huh? I Like the A4 59N pickup alot and it removed the woofiness I had...

 

[Artie]

Re: Did some magnet swapping: A4/59 - A5/DDn

Hey John; The 59 is in my Peavey Predator. Not sure what the body is, (probably poplar), maple neck/fingerboard, locking nut, Kahler Flyer bridge and 250k pots. Keep in mind also, that I'm playing through a modeler, mixer, SS amp, and studio monitors . . . so my sound may be a bit more "clinical" than yours.

Anyway, I agree completely that it removed the woofiness. Thing is, it also seemed to "soften" the pup overall. Its not bad, just makes it a different pup. (To me.)

Also, I've only played with this for an hour or so. I'm going to leave it in for awhile, and test it more long term.

The DD5/C5 is in my Patriot. More or less the same guitar, without the locking nut and Kahler bridge.

Artie

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: Did some magnet swapping: A4/59 - A5/DDn

Hey John; The 59 is in my Peavey Predator. Not sure what the body is, (probably poplar), maple neck/fingerboard, locking nut, Kahler Flyer bridge and 250k pots. Keep in mind also, that I'm playing through a modeler, mixer, SS amp, and studio monitors . . . so my sound may be a bit more "clinical" than yours.

Anyway, I agree completely that it removed the woofiness. Thing is, it also seemed to "soften" the pup overall. Its not bad, just makes it a different pup. (To me.)

Also, I've only played with this for an hour or so. I'm going to leave it in for awhile, and test it more long term.

The DD5/C5 is in my Patriot. More or less the same guitar, without the locking nut and Kahler bridge.

Artie

Understandable Artie....Maybe the guitar woods makes alot of difference,though you liked it with the A5...Mine as you know is in a maple capped/mahogany body,mahogany necked guitar,and this combination can be dark and woofy...

Maybe it's just not a good swap in your case buddy?