how to recognize ceramic from alnico by the the eyes?

[satch24]

hi,

i would like to buy a 2nd hand cheap preloaded pickguard but i am doubtful about the magnet.

is it a ceramic or alnico, i don't know and i couldn't try this on a amp since i'm away for the seller

i would like to know your review about it. or just an advice to distinguish one from the other just by a look.

here it is a pic of the set may be it could be helpful for you



if it is ceramic magnet it does'nt what i want so i will try a gfs prewired alnico pickguard or dragonfire set.

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: how to recognize ceramic from alnico by the the eyes?

Those are ceramic magnets. If you want you can pry off the magnet and push out the lugs and replace with Alnico rod magnets.

 

[satch24]

Re: how to recognize ceramic from alnico by the the eyes?

ok and is it easy to do?
what is the method?

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: how to recognize ceramic from alnico by the the eyes?

ok and is it easy to do?
what is the method?

The magnets are glued to the bottom of the bobbins and you can run a razor knife beneath the magnet to break the seal and then pry off the magnet with a screwdriver. You can then use an icepick or nail to push out the metallic lugs and replace with Alnico rod magnets.

Alnico rod magnets are pretty cheap on ebay and if the pickups sound decent to begin with you can improve their tone with Alnico's. It's a cheap experiment and you can learn what magnet types you prefer by buying a few different types. If you find that you still want a better sounding pickup you can keep the rod magnets you bought and use them in whatever new pickups you buy to tweak their tone.

 

[zenmindbeginner]

Re: how to recognize ceramic from alnico by the the eyes?

Ceramic is usually very dark (almost black) where Alnico is usually anywhere from dark grey to a bright silver look when they are highly polished.