Mixing Magnets Fantasies

[Peter Krasov]

Hey there,

Some people here always perform experiments with magnets replacements, or even make orders from SD Custom Shop, so the following question might be familiar to them...

Some manufacturers use three magnets construction in their pickups. For instance, Bare Knuckle Juggernaut, Mojotone Black Magic (both A5+Ceramic), SD Invader, Bare Knuckle Aftermath (both 3xCeramic).

So, the question is, whether it is possible to swap the central magnet with Alnico 4? The goal is to preserve the power of modern pickups, but to give some 'vintage vibe' into them. So, as a result we get Alnico 4 + Ceramic combination.

Will this combination work, or is it useless experiment? I remember that Alnico 4 is weaker than Alnico 5 or Ceramic, that's why I am asking.

 

[Discharged]

Re: Mixing Magnets Fantasies

Hey there,

Some people here always perform experiments with magnets replacements, or even make orders from SD Custom Shop, so the following question might be familiar to them...

Some manufacturers use three magnets construction in their pickups. For instance, Bare Knuckle Juggernaut, Mojotone Black Magic (both A5+Ceramic), SD Invader, Bare Knuckle Aftermath (both 3xCeramic).

So, the question is, whether it is possible to swap the central magnet with Alnico 4? The goal is to preserve the power of modern pickups, but to give some 'vintage vibe' into them. So, as a result we get Alnico 4 + Ceramic combination.

Will this combination work, or is it useless experiment? I remember that Alnico 4 is weaker than Alnico 5 or Ceramic, that's why I am asking.

There is one now discontinued p'up from Gibson using a (IIRC) central A2 bar with two ceramic shims, the Angus Young model. If it tone-wise works or not it's for the user to decide. In my personal view, it's not a solution that's so benefitial that can't be done by using the conventional design of a single bar magnet with the "right" Alnico grade and/or gauss charge.

Another thing to be aware of: the particular design of a central weak mag with to high-charged ceramic shims will inevitably degauss over time, hence changing the tone of the p'up.

/Peter

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Mixing Magnets Fantasies

I often times use ceramic flanking magnets with a double thick Alnico magnet at the center. An excellent example of this would be a set of Duncan Distortions I have. The bridge has a double thick A8 magnet with ceramic spacers and the neck is wired in parallel and has a double thick A4 with ceramic spacers.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Mixing Magnets Fantasies

I've only see shim magnets as ceramics. Are there alnicos available to the public as shims too, or is that too thin for those metals?

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Mixing Magnets Fantasies

Why yes there are. I've seen them advertised in all the standard guitar grade magnets at Axesrus.