How to Swap Magnets

N

notesfield

New member
Hi-
A while back, I recall someone posting a link to a webpage that provided a detailed, step by step guide to swapping a magnet. I have a JB and a CC and would like to make a C5. I don't want to end up with two broken pickups trying to make this swap. Does anyone have the link or steps to do this safely?
Thanks!
 
Re: How to Swap Magnets

It's pretty easy actually. The biggest thing is to pay attention to which edge faces the adjustable bobbin so that you keep the polarity consistant.

Remove the cloth tape that is wrapped around the pickup.

Loosen but do not remove the 4 screws that fasten the bobbins to the baseplate. At this point you will see the bar magnets end sticking out below and between the two bobbins. You may have to wiggle the bobbins just a little to break the wax seal formed during potting.

Using a pair of needle nose pliers, slide the magnet out from between the two bobbins. This is where you need to pay attention to which edge contacts the screw bobbin. That edge will need to contact the screw bobbin in the other pickup.

Do the same to the second pickup and then install the magnets into the opposite pickups.

Push the bobbins down onto the baseplate with the new magnets in place and tighten the baseplate screws and then reinstall the black cloth tape.

Done.
 
Re: How to Swap Magnets

I would also like to contribute, If you are working with ceramic magnets, Be very careful!!! The are very brittle.
 
Re: How to Swap Magnets

I also want to try a magnet swap in my BG Bucker

Wondering if the so-called standard replacement size is universal to all humbuckers?

2.5" x .50" x .125"
 
Re: How to Swap Magnets

Thanks I've already read the DIY page, and did plenty of searching on the forum. I just want to know if the magnet size is universal to all brands of pickups.
 
Re: How to Swap Magnets

I believe they are universal. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

I did my first magnet swap a couple of weeks ago and it's really not that hard. As mentioned above pay attention to the polarity. If you get it wrong you'll know. When you get things back together the output will be way off. I know because I made a mistake. Lesson learned.
 
Re: How to Swap Magnets

95strat said:
I believe they are universal. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

I did my first magnet swap a couple of weeks ago and it's really not that hard. As mentioned above pay attention to the polarity. If you get it wrong you'll know. When you get things back together the output will be way off. I know because I made a mistake. Lesson learned.
Click to expand...

The same magnets work for HB's and P-90's. There are some double thick ceramics though. And some DMz's fit a little snug.

To get polarity: after you've opened up the PU, oull the old magnet out halfway, hold the new one next to it, so that the ends repel & sides attract. Then pull the old one out all the way & insert the new one. Be careful with the wires at the one end of the PU. Not counting loosening strings & retuning, a mag swap is 5 minutes. You make a new PU when you change magnets. Can't beat that.
 
Re: How to Swap Magnets

Just to clarify the magnet orientation check... If you were to place the new magnet over the top of the pick up with the existing magnet in, would it be repelled?
 
Re: How to Swap Magnets

d1dsj said:
Just to clarify the magnet orientation check... If you were to place the new magnet over the top of the pick up with the existing magnet in, would it be repelled?
Click to expand...

I put the ends together to repel, and the sides together to attract. I've never put one on top of the other. You want it exactly positioned like the old magnet.
 
Re: How to Swap Magnets

Rule Of Thumb: Opposites attract, like-poles repel. North will repel North, South will repel South. North and South will attract each other.
 
Re: How to Swap Magnets

metalmachine said:
someone should post a video of how to do it
Click to expand...

The tutorial above (projectguitar) tells you everything you need to know. It really is not difficult at all. Maybe a little nerve-wracking the first time. Take some old crappy pups and try it
 
Re: How to Swap Magnets

Robert S. said:
Remove the cloth tape that is wrapped around the pickup.
Click to expand...

not needed - I've done a buch of swaps and never once took the tape off.


btw - for me the easiest way to make sure the polarity is correct is to touch the magnet edges on their long sides. When they attract they're facing the same way. The just take a marker and mark the side that is closest to the slug coils. Magnets that come out of Duncan pickups should be marked on that side already.

whoa - I didn't catch the date on this thread...
 
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