Do unoriented mags always sound out of phase in middle position?

[beaubrummels]

Put a RCUOA5 59B and 59n polished A4 into my Les Paul and the middle position is weak and thin, sounding out of phase. Rolling one of the volumes a notch straightens out the level, but I wanted the full 50/50 middle position sound.

Is this an expected characteristic of unoriented mags? Or might I have a different problem with the magnets? (These are AFx)

Thanks

 

[Clint 55]

Re: Do unoriented mags always sound out of phase in middle position?

No, the magnet being unoriented before it gets charged doesn't mess up the phase. You probably just have to flip it around.

 

[AlexR]

Re: Do unoriented mags always sound out of phase in middle position?

A2, 3 & 4 are all unoriented as standard. Putting 2 magnets in oop with each other is the issue.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Do unoriented mags always sound out of phase in middle position?

Yup, it's reversed. Flip it and it should be fine.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Do unoriented mags always sound out of phase in middle position?

The problem is the RCUOA5 had the same pull regardless of direction when I put it up to the original mag that was installed, so I couldn't tell the polarity. I'll just flip it anyway. Thanks. So it seems like that actual 'sound' test is more reliable than the two-magnet-polarity test with UO mags.

 

[frankfalbo]

Re: Do unoriented mags always sound out of phase in middle position?

The only way it would have the “same pull” is if it wasn’t charged or the other magnet was significantly stronger. You may want to also recharge it if you have the means.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Do unoriented mags always sound out of phase in middle position?

Sorted it out. It was marked N but I went by the magnet pull which was a mistake. I actually switched to an A4 and I think I've found one of my holy grail sounds finally. RCA4 59b, A4 59n with 500k pots and 50s wiring in an LP studio. I'm getting everything from John Mayall / Clapton to Alex Lifeson and beyond.

 

[Discharged]

Re: Do unoriented mags always sound out of phase in middle position?

Well, seems that what happened to Beaubrummels is something due to the "misleading" character of the word "unoriented".

The right word for it is "isotropic". You should have a pretty clear explanation it you care to visit the Wiki page of "alnico".

/Peter

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Do unoriented mags always sound out of phase in middle position?

It happened because of the odd behavior of the magnet against the installed magnet, coupled with all the complaints I read about this mag vendor sending the wrong things or marking things incorrectly.