SD Custom magnet change effects

[ledvedder]

Hi all,

I put a Custom in the bridge of my Les Paul and I'd like to have a bit less boomy bass, as well as a bit warmer treble response. I know this has a ceramic magnet. I also have a few other magnets available. A2, A4, UOA5, and A8.

Which would you suggest to try in the Custom.

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[Chistopher]

Re: SD Custom magnet change effects

Ceramic is Custom, A2 is Custom Custom, A5 is Custom 5, A4 is a Custom 5 with more balance and no mid scoop, UOA5 is tonally half way between an A2 and A5, and the A8 is essentially a louder Custom Custom with three testicles. The UOA5 is the best mag swap for a Custom in my opinion, with the A8 right behind it.

For what you want, a UOA5 will probably get you there. An A5 will have the least dramatic change, it's still maintains the smiley EQ of the ceramic, but with a more organic and slightly more modern tone. It's less harsh in the highs as well. An A2 will give it looser bass, strong mids, and rolled off highs, or a frowny EQ. The UOA5 will be right in the middle. If you try the A5 and don't like the mid scoop, go for an A4. But a warning, A4s can be considered bland in some guitars, I think they are better suited for the neck spot. If you try the A2 but want a more in-your-face tone, go for an A8.

 

[ledvedder]

Re: SD Custom magnet change effects

Well, I tried the UOA5 and I don't like the result at all. It lost all bite. It's actually not much different, tonally, from my neck pickup now.

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[Clint 55]

Re: SD Custom magnet change effects

An A4 could achieve less boomy bass with slightly softened treble while maintaining bite.

 

[jeremy]

Re: SD Custom magnet change effects

id go a4 for what you want. youll also lose output though

 

[dxlxntxxlxr]

Re: SD Custom magnet change effects

i wasnt a fan of the a2, but i play metal. i put a ceramic in my custom custom. bit of a mid scoop, but wasnt that bad. tighter low end. go for the a2 if u want warmth, mid boost, bass thats scooped and loose

 

[ledvedder]

Re: SD Custom magnet change effects

Does the tonal difference I'm hearing between the ceramic and the UOA5 seem correct? I honestly wasn't expecting that much of a difference. By the way, this is in a Les Paul.

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[Clint 55]

Re: SD Custom magnet change effects

When I've used UOA5, it's had some treble to it, that's weird. But ceramic is the balls to the wall mag and it's much different than alnico.

 

[ledvedder]

Re: SD Custom magnet change effects

When I've used UOA5, it's had some treble to it, that's weird. But ceramic is the balls to the wall mag and it's much different than alnico.

I agree. I've played many A5 pickups in other guitars in the past, so the sound I got is not what I was expecting.

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[Nagisa]

Re: SD Custom magnet change effects

Hijacking this thread for a short question: would you recommend roughcast or polished a8 in a custom? I have both but the custom I am waiting to arrive has a cover so frequent swapping is troublesome

 

[Chistopher]

Re: SD Custom magnet change effects

Polished will have a bit more high end than rough cast. It's a subtle difference though.

 

[ledvedder]

Re: SD Custom magnet change effects

Tonight I swapped an A8 magnet in the Custom. Now, this is more like it!

I've decided on the Custom with an A8 and a 59 with an A4 in my Les Paul.

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[posite63]

Re: SD Custom magnet change effects

I've heard so many great things about the Custom 8 that I finally gave it a shot. I had a Custom in an LP type guitar (ESP EC 256). I liked the tone with the ceramic, but it was lacking some warmth and organic mids. So I had high hopes for the C8 after hearing so many Bros rave about it.

Boy idk if there's a problem with my A8 or what, but it sounded far less desirable. I can't even put a finger on what wasn't working, but it was definitely not a good sound. Loose lows, a weird nasaly sound, slippery mids. I kept it only a few weeks before trying an A5. Night and day difference, the A5 will be staying in there for the foreseeable future.

 

[Mincer]

Re: SD Custom magnet change effects

That's cool...I am not a big fan of an A8 either, or an A5, unless it is the right guitar for it. I use a Custom 5 in a really mid-heavy poplar Music Man I own, and it is perfect. In my other guitars, not so much.

 

[hamerfan]

Re: SD Custom magnet change effects

I did boatloads of magnets swaps on my 10 guitars. My take on the custom8 is that the stock ceramic Custom plays great in my Les Pauls, while the C8 is better in longer scale Fender style guitars. It depends on the scale and a bit on the woods Maple/alder vs mahogany.