P90 Magnet Swap help

[ram_man]

Howdy,

I know this has been round the block a few times but it’s worth an ask.

I’ve just taken the chrome covers off my casino coupe, replacing with black plastic ones and decided to opt for a magnet swap at the same time (bridge quiet and thin, neck to much of everything)

Was going to try:
Neck UOA5/A3
Bridge UOA5/UOA5 (would an A8 be too much? Don’t want to lose it’s acoustic playability).

Haven’t measured but I believe the stock pups to be highly would and A5 all round. As it’s a hollow body I don’t want to keep taking the thing apart so can someone advise on a vintage set up that balances well in a 22 fret hollow? Most posts are around LPJ’s.

Please don’t hang me.

 

[Chistopher]

Re: P90 Magnet Swap help

My first swap for P90s is A5/A3 for the neck (which magnet is closer to the fretboard doesn't matter) and A4/A8 for the bridge, with the A8 closest to the bridge.

 

[AlexR]

Re: P90 Magnet Swap help

Mag swaps are one of those things that might take a few goes to get right. So be warned.

There is also a degree of magnetic 'settling' - so a little time is needed before making any decision on the new setup.

 

[DavidRavenMoon]

Re: P90 Magnet Swap help

If you mixing magnets keep in mind that they both point up the same pole screws. While different magnet types might affect the inductance differently, they are mostly different strengths.

So using a stronger (A5) and weaker (A2) magnet is just going to be the two strengths added together. In this case a bit less gauss than two A5s.

Also the stronger magnet may demagnetize the weaker one.

The main purpose of the magnet is to magnetize the strings over the pickup.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ram_man]

Re: P90 Magnet Swap help

Thanks guys.

My concern is the damage to the laminate, installing and removing the bridge to get it matched with the neck. Both pickups are north facing and I’m intending to RWRP the bridge during the swap.
I understand whatever is in there now (A5 apparently) will be degaussing each other regardless. I just want to even up the output with respect to the hollow body construction.

 

[DavidRavenMoon]

Re: P90 Magnet Swap help

You really want a bridge pickup that’s wound hotter. Stronger magnets mostly make the pickup brighter.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ram_man]

Re: P90 Magnet Swap help

You really want a bridge pickup that’s wound hotter. Stronger magnets mostly make the pickup brighter.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Haven’t got the cash for new pickups just now but plenty of magnets and don’t think I want to plough cash into a £350 guitar

 

[AlexR]

Re: P90 Magnet Swap help

The A8 tip will be the best if you're asking for stronger without brighter.

As to guitar damage.....well be careful with the screws and use a decent driver with the right sized head and you'll be best off. The good thing about a dogear is that the screws hold no more tension than merely firming the pickup to the surface. And as such you can also repair the hole with matchstick and glue.....a technique also done with strap buttons.

 

[ram_man]

Re: P90 Magnet Swap help

Thanks for the tips. All done and ready for the first proper trial, managed to flip the bobbins in the bridge so now have a silent middle position! Need to sort the poles out and then I’ll tinker with the A8 if I need it.