Magnet swap in a SH-6 DD

U

Ursupator

New member
Hi,

I get kinda bored of my Duncan Distortion Bridge PU. I like the overall sound, but it's too sterile in lower gain settings.

Now I think about swapping the magnet with an AlNiCo 8 Magnet.

But here's the question:

The SH-6 got an oversized ceramic magnet.
What does oversized mean? Is it a 7 string sized magnet or a custom size?
Can I just use a normal sized 6 string PU magnet?
 
Re: Magnet swap in a SH-6 DD

Oversized means the thickness is twice as much as a regular magnet on Duncan pickups. It's pretty easy to magnet swap. Just use a regular sized magnet, and turn one of the spacers on its side.
 
Re: Magnet swap in a SH-6 DD

Going to alnico improves the DD a lot. I recommend A5 or A8 in either regular thickness or double thickness. A5 is cleaner while A8 grinds more. Single thickness is more trebly while double is deeper.
 
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Re: Magnet swap in a SH-6 DD

If you generally like the sound as is, then switching to an A5 will sound better to you. Switching to an A8 will soften the highs a little bit and give it more mids.
 
Re: Magnet swap in a SH-6 DD

I ordered an OUA5 (A5 wasn't available) and an A8.
Should be here in a few days.

I also think about trying the "Air Mod" or "vintage mod" (how Duncan calls it to not hurt any market rights.)

It might give the DD a bit more room to breath on mid gain.


By the way: What is an easy way to remove a PU cover?
 
Re: Magnet swap in a SH-6 DD

Ursupator said:
By the way: What is an easy way to remove a PU cover?
Click to expand...

There is no "easy" way, but I use a Dremel with a saw-toothed disc and slice through the solder on each side. Then it's an easy task to solder it back on. You need to have a fairly high powered iron (at LEAST 40 watts but preferably over 60 watts) and a large chisel point tip).
 
Re: Magnet swap in a SH-6 DD

GuitarDoc said:
There is no "easy" way, but I use a Dremel with a saw-toothed disc and slice through the solder on each side. Then it's an easy task to solder it back on. You need to have a fairly high powered iron (at LEAST 40 watts but preferably over 60 watts) and a large chisel point tip).
Click to expand...

Forgot to mention that it's wax poted
 
Re: Magnet swap in a SH-6 DD

Cdwillis said:
Why not just heat up the solder and put some solder wick on it?
Click to expand...

Because you need a very hot iron that creates and sustains a high temp. It can melt the potting wax and even cause damage to the pup if left on too long. Very high heat for a short period of time is necessary. NOT low heat for a very long period of time.
 
Re: Magnet swap in a SH-6 DD

GuitarDoc said:
Because you need a very hot iron that creates and sustains a high temp. It can melt the potting wax and even cause damage to the pup if left on too long. Very high heat for a short period of time is necessary. NOT low heat for a very long period of time.
Click to expand...

Hey , I was just wondering since you're on the subject - My home soldering iron is something like 25 or 30 watts, it's good enough for pickup changes, but I have a bit of trouble with the backs of the pots (it takes more solder then it should, but I get it done.)

At work I have a butane soldering iron I use for wiring stuff inside cars. I wonder if that would qualify as being hot enough to do pickup covers and solder the back of pots? never thouoght to try it on guitars
 
Re: Magnet swap in a SH-6 DD

Cdwillis said:
Just get a 40 watt Weller soldering iron. It's cheap without the soldering station.

Or get it with the station for a little more:

https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC10...iron&qid=1573008528&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sr=8-4

The soldering iron itself is worth it, but if you plan on doing a lot of soldering I'd get the whole kit and caboodle.
Click to expand...

I have the soldering station and wish I'd picked one up years earlier. It's made working on guitars far easier.
 
Re: Magnet swap in a SH-6 DD

Cdwillis said:
Just get a 40 watt Weller soldering iron. It's cheap without the soldering station.

https://www.amazon.com/Weller-SP40N...=weller+soldering+iron&qid=1573008528&sr=8-12

Or get it with the station for a little more:

https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC10...iron&qid=1573008528&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sr=8-4

The soldering iron itself is worth it, but if you plan on doing a lot of soldering I'd get the whole kit and caboodle.
Click to expand...

dystrust said:
I have the soldering station and wish I'd picked one up years earlier. It's made working on guitars far easier.
Click to expand...

I have the station as well. Great iron. I also wish I had gotten it sooner.
 
Re: Magnet swap in a SH-6 DD

Cdwillis said:
Just get a 40 watt Weller soldering iron. It's cheap without the soldering station.

https://www.amazon.com/Weller-SP40N...=weller+soldering+iron&qid=1573008528&sr=8-12

Or get it with the station for a little more:

https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC10...iron&qid=1573008528&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sr=8-4

The soldering iron itself is worth it, but if you plan on doing a lot of soldering I'd get the whole kit and caboodle.
Click to expand...

If you're thinking about buying an inexpensive iron or kit, this would be better:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PDK3MX...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

It's 60 watts, and has a few extras, and it's even $5 cheaper.

Use the heavier chisel tip and highest heat setting to solder the case on.
 
Re: Magnet swap in a SH-6 DD

BeKindRewind said:
My home soldering iron is something like 25 or 30 watts, it's good enough for pickup changes, but I have a bit of trouble with the backs of the pots (it takes more solder then it should, but I get it done.)
Click to expand...

If "it takes more solder", your iron isn't powerful enough. MORE solder doesn't make the joint stronger...LESS solder, thin like water, will give you the strongest joint.

25 watts is only minimally enough for soldering tiny wires, but nowhere near enough to solder a cover on. At least 69 watts, but better yet would be 100 watts or more.
 
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