Fine tuning a pickup

[big kurka]

So I installed a set of pearly gates pickups along with the BMP-1 system. First impressions I really like the overall sound I’m getting but the bridge pu could use some more highs and the bass side could use more oomph. I’m wondering how big of a step in magnet change I should go, A4, A5, A8 or ceramic. Guitar is older Schecter hellraiser solo-6 used for hard rock - new metal stuff. What do you suggest?
Thanks

 

[Mincer]

I'd start with A5, and then if you need it to be 'harder', go with ceramic.

 

[jeremy]

i agree, id start with a5

 

[Chistopher]

Bare in mind the BMP-1 is going to greatly diminish any effect swapping a magnet is going to have on your sound.

 

[big kurka]

Thanks for the replies. I’ll will be starting with an A5

 

[Mincer]

Let us know how the swap turns out. It may help someone else contemplating the same thing.

 

[Spaghetti Bolo]

I believe Frank Falbo claimed that the BO coil pack pickups were close to the Jazz set so I used a spare Jazz Neck in the bridge position about a 1/4 inch from the strings with the BMP-1. A5 should get you closer to that spec. The preamp really dominates the overall sound though. Compliments to Mr Beller on his well executed design.

 

[big kurka]

Yea I don’t expect a big change in the tone but hoping that a mag swap will give a minor change in the tone. Will update after the mag swap

I do have a thick A5 mag that’s in the Gus G pickup set that I’m using the BMP from. Do you think the thick A5 would be better than a regular A5???

 

[Mincer]

If you have the thicker A5 on hand, try that first.

 

[big kurka]

Mincer I do have one one on hand. I will hopefully be swapping the magnet today or tomorrow. Thanks again and will report back with the results

 

[Mincer]

Yeah, I always suggest using what you have on hand first. It might be perfect.

 

[big kurka]

So I was able to switch a double thick A5 in to the pearly gates bridge. First impressions are I’m liking the change so far. The tone I did change a little but it’s subtle. There is more highs coming through now and there seems to be slightly more lows. Not sure about the mids yet because I was only able to play for a couple of minutes and I didn’t actually adjust the pu height just kinda eye balled it.

 

[jeremy]

more highs and lows sounds like a typical a2 to a5 switch, glad you like the initial impressions

 

[Mincer]

I hope you get more time over the next few days. We have very little research results here of thicker A5 magnets, and I am interested myself.