An update on my magnet swapping. Again, mostly cataloging this for future modders experimenting with cheaper models.
Last time I posted, over a year ago, my solution was to make a hybrid with the Duncan Designed HB 102 and HB 103 bridge pups, and install an A8. I did this on 4 guitars, and was generally happy with the results. Now, after putting plenty of hours on each of these guitars, I decided to try some further modifications to refine the tone. I still stand by the coil swapping, it makes for a well rounded rock/metal pickup and captures the qualities of each. However, I had grown to dislike some of the characteristics of the A8. It's aggressive for sure, but has this nasally quality that I couldn't dial out. The bottom end was also slightly rolled off, for lack of a better term. Still having a hard time finding the best way to describe it, but the "voice" was just getting annoying. The whole situation was kinda like meeting a person with whom you hit it off with real well and become instant friends, but over time realize that they've got some serious quirks, and you decide to stop hanging out with them altogether after a while.
Anyway, I had been disassembling some cheap-o pickups and had a couple thick ceramics collecting dust and loose screws and steel wool shavings. I decided to throw one in a guitar that is basswood and downtuned to A. I was VERY pleasantly surprised with the improvement. Tighter lows, mids were decreased tastefully, and the highs where not overly shrill. So I performed the same proceedure on my guitar tuned to A#, which is mahogany. Again, very good results, albeit slightly different. So now I've got a growing stack of A8s that won't be used, as I plan to phase them all out over the coming months.
On a side note, I freaking LOVE the HB 103 Neck with some different magnets in it. Thanks for the suggestion Lt Kojak.
TL;DR
Swapped a double-thick ceramic in to my Duncan Designed HB 102/103 hybrid (replaced an A8). Happy with the results.
