Magnet swap in PRS pickup?

[alex1fly]

I recommend this for your description that you want the pup to bite back with more rudeness in the highs. It's more aggressive than A5 and sounds better than A8 or ceramic imo. A9 on the addfx ebay store.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/32445939555...wAAOSwqa9fEMF~

Thanks. This is more my speed, price-wise.

 

[BluesIsBlood12]

A side note here. While I did like the UOA5 magnets in my 85/15s, I eventually replaced them with a set of Whole Lotta Humbuckers that I really like.

 

[Clint 55]

No prob

 

[Masta' C]

A side note here. While I did like the UOA5 magnets in my 85/15s, I eventually replaced them with a set of Whole Lotta Humbuckers that I really like.

How do the WLH compare to the 85/15's? I was considering them at one point, but never got around to trying them

 

[Masta' C]

Same price, sounds way better, nah, A9.

"Sounds way better"? Ok, bro...sure

Ceramic may not be a perfect fit in every situation, but neither is A9. In my experience, A9 is like a punchier A8 with some of the edginess of an A5. It's fairly similar to Ceramic, really, and can be a bit much in some winds.

With the goals of the OP in mind, regular Ceramic is a perfectly valid choice here. Granted, it has become a LOT easier to get some of the less common Alnico grades these days, so there's no harm in experimenting and I probably shouldn't be so dismissive of the A9 idea.

I suggested Ceramic because there's a good chance he either 1) has one he can borrow from another pickup, 2) has one laying around, or 3) could probably get one for free from a forum bro if he asked.

Regardless, I bet either would be an improvement in the OP's case.
:beerchug:

 

[jeremy]

ceramic might clean up some of the low mid mud better

 

[Clint 55]

Ceramic sux, bro. Maybe try an A9, Mr. pup connoisseur guy. :nana:

 

[Chistopher]

Ceramic sux, bro. Maybe try an A9, Mr. pup connoisseur guy. :nana:

If A9 is so good, how come it's the only humbucker magnet never to appear in a SD pickup?

 

[jeremy]

it doesnt suck. you may not like it, but that doesnt mean squat. i may not like it either, doesnt mean it sucks. i dont like a8 or a9 much either, doesnt mean they suck. in this case, i think ceramic might be the best option to push the tone in the right direction

 

[Clint 55]

^ Sux.

If A9 is so good, how come it's the only humbucker magnet never to appear in a SD pickup?

SD basically only uses A2, A5, and ceramic because they're production pups. That's not much of an argument.

 

[jeremy]

you can keep saying c8 sucks, it doesnt make it true.

sd has started using a3, a4, and a8, but yes historically a2, a5, and c8 were the common ones.

 

[Chistopher]

SD has even used A6 at one point on the Amos set

 

[jeremy]

yep, totally forgot about that. cool sounding pups from what ive heard

 

[eclecticsynergy]

I've often thought A6 would complement a PAF wind nicely.
Came close to trying it once, on a Burstbucker 2 that sounded thin & harsh in a very bright-voiced LP.

 

[Masta' C]

SD basically only uses A2, A5, and ceramic because they're production pups.

The "ease of production" aspect is valid, but A2, A5, and Ceramic encompass 90% of the Custom Shop and artist signature pickups, as well.

A good winder can cover 95% of the tonal needs of 95% of players with just those 3 magnets because coil wire and wind characteristics are much bigger factors in how a pickup sounds.

If A9 is so unique, show me one reputable pickup builder that offers more than one "A9" model...the majority of builders don't offer any at all (and don't be so naïve as to suggest that most builders aren't aware of A9's existence)!

 

[Clint 55]

Just because A9 pickups aren't marketable now doesn't mean it's a bad mag for average mag swappers. It's a great mag.

 

[Masta' C]

No one is saying it's a "bad" mag, just that it's not the be-all, end-all you insinuate it is

 

[Clint 55]

Imo it's better than the other 2 options that are more aggressive than A5 - A8 and C8.

 

[DavidRavenMoon]

Ever replace PRS pickups with good 'ol PAF types?

Well I used what the clients supplied.
But the first PRS I changed pickups in, back in the 90s, was an SE. We put Alnico II Pros in it. Those are very PAF-ish. Was like night and day.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[hamerfan]

I've often thought A6 would complement a PAF wind nicely.
Came close to trying it once, on a Burstbucker 2 that sounded thin & harsh in a very bright-voiced LP.

I use A6 in a 59B, but it really excels in a PGB.