Gibson Burstbucker Pro Magnet Quirk

[Nacho8807]

So I ran across something as I was swapping the magnet on my Burstbucker Pro neck. The magnet seems to have one spacer with the through-holes for the pole piece screws cast right into it. I could not push the magnet out like normal and had to basically disassemble the whole thing only to discover why.

I’ve never seen this before and wasn’t anything I’ve noticed someone else point out as something to look for. Has anyone else seen this?

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[plasticscouse]

Never had that when I replaced the magnets in my BB Pros. They are wax potted though are you sure it’s not just glued together by the wax?

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Seems odd also that the magnet wasn't centered. Is that normal for BB Pros?
And would it make for a tone difference, one side having the sound of a short A5?

 

[beaubrummels]

That's the roughest mag I've ever seen in a pickup. Didn't know Gibson even used roughcast in any modern era. Sure it's all original?

 

[hamerfan]

I have seen non polished and rough mags in stock Gibson pickups. They are cheaper if you buy them bulk from China, you see?

 

[Nacho8807]

It was offset to allow the wire to pass through the backplate in that spot. I am not totally sure that it isn't just "glued" but it sure didn't give easily, so I didn't force it. Just an interesting thing.

This is definitely original though. I haven't touched it since I bought the guitar new in 2007. However so far the A2 I put in sounds MUCH better. I highly recommend swaps on these BB Pros (A8 bridge, A2 neck in mine). It's far more balanced now.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

That's the roughest mag I've ever seen in a pickup. Didn't know Gibson even used roughcast in any modern era. Sure it's all original?

I have a 498T from the late 90's/early 2000's that has a rough magnet too.

 

[AlexR]

Seems odd also that the magnet wasn't centered. Is that normal for BB Pros?
And would it make for a tone difference, one side having the sound of a short A5?

A short A5's tone is mostly based on its complete physical size affecting the gauss it can be charged to. In the pickup here there might be (very) minor changes to the response strength of the outermost string only - due to the field being in a fractionally different location. But the way it bulges out on the edges makes this perhaps a more minimal effect.
You'd probably get more overall difference in the change from sand/rough cast to polished.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

A short A5's tone is mostly based on its complete physical size affecting the gauss it can be charged to. In the pickup here there might be (very) minor changes to the response strength of the outermost string only - due to the field being in a fractionally different location. But the way it bulges out on the edges makes this perhaps a more minimal effect.
You'd probably get more overall difference in the change from sand/rough cast to polished.

Never knew that - I always assumed it was as much a matter of field shape as of strength.
Then a slightly degaussed A5 would sound about the same as a short A5?