identifying MJ Custom Shop pickup

[slim_blues_boy]

I just recently got this pickup. it was signed by MJ and has orange sticker that only said "SWD Custom Shop Bridge".
so it was Custom Shop pickup made by MJ, for bridge position.

is there anyway to identify what kind Custom Shop pickup that I have like what the models etc?

thanks

 

[Masta' C]

Re: identifying MJ Custom Shop pickup

Could be hard to determine with absolute certainty, but your best bet is to post pictures here and take a DC resistance reading of the pickup with a multi-meter, so we know what you're working with.

 

[slim_blues_boy]

Re: identifying MJ Custom Shop pickup

I'll try to take some photos.
but meanwhile, it read around 8.6k on my fluke 77. it has nickel cover, double black butyrate bobbin, rough cast magnet, and plain enamel wire.

 

[AlexR]

Re: identifying MJ Custom Shop pickup

If it's a stock model then the Antiquity bridge is pretty close to this.
Fully custom......nobody here will have even the faintest clue.

 

[Mincer]

Re: identifying MJ Custom Shop pickup

Well, many CS pickups have some kind of number on the sticker, and they can be traced. Do you still have a box? That usually has some clues.

 

[slim_blues_boy]

Re: identifying MJ Custom Shop pickup

well it only has sticker said SWD Custom Shop Bridge with MJ signature.
the magnet looks different than what I found on my Antiquity.
this one has roughcast magnet with some red mark, while the Ants has dull smooth magnet with blue mark.

is there any way to contact Seymour Duncan and ask about the pickup?

 

[Mincer]

Re: identifying MJ Custom Shop pickup

You can contact the Custom Shop here.

 

[jeremy]

Re: identifying MJ Custom Shop pickup

on a duncan magnet, blue = alnico 2, black = alnico 5, not sure about red though.

mincer, maybe you could ask hq about the red mark? it shouldnt be a secret or anything

 

[dotsdad]

Re: identifying MJ Custom Shop pickup

Red is Alnico 4

 

[jeremy]

Re: identifying MJ Custom Shop pickup

and there ya go, i was just thinkin about running downstairs and popping the cover off a sns to see what the marking is

 

[slim_blues_boy]

Re: identifying MJ Custom Shop pickup

well A4, that's interesting. previously I thought that I didn't quite get along with A4. I once got Floor Custom Shop 59 Models with A4 when people started to talk about how good A4 was, but I sold it immediately. then I tried dimarzio paf master, again didn't quite like it.

but with this pickup, I really like it. and made me thinking about give A4 magnet more try.

 

[hamerfan]

Re: identifying MJ Custom Shop pickup

Did you get an answer from MJ what exact model that is?

My experiences with the A4 are mixed too. I immediately loved it in the neck with a Les Paul, it fits to low wound PAF style humbuckers like a glove. I learned that the magnet on the heydays of PAFs were similar to the nowadays A4, but they differ now very much from factory to factory.
My experience with the A4 in high wound pickups like the Custom and the JB are bland, boring, nonimpressiv sounding.
Though i never tried in medium wound PAF style pickups like yours. I am gonna put it in an Ant B next time i am around.
Just in case you get tired of the A4 in your CS pickup, order a Unoriented A5 - just a bit more muscles and growl.