SSL1 Bridge non magnetic pole piece

[dimmy]

I picked up a SSL1 Bridge second hand. I had plans to use it in a project guitar. Currently it's not installed yet as I'm still putting the guitar together. I was just tapping the pole pieces today and found the B string magnet has no 'pull' when touching it with a metal screw driver. All other pole pieces pull the screw driver tip towards it.

I'm quite sure this is not normal, so I'm wondering a few things:
1) how does a pole piece lose magnetism or is it more likely I got a dud?
2) can I replace this pole piece or do anything to save it?

Thanks in advance

 

[idsnowdog]

If there's a Harbor Freight tools near you buy some Neodymium disks and place one on each end of the magnet and let it sit for a few weeks. This will recharge the magnet. Rare Earth Magnets - Rare Earth Magnet Set, 10 Piece (harborfreight.com)

 

[hamerfan]

Not necessary to let it sit a few weeks, it's a matter of minutes, but the way to separate the neos from the pole piece is important.

 

[GuitarStv]

1) how does a pole piece lose magnetism or is it more likely I got a dud?

Alnico magnets aren't permanent. They can be damaged and lose magnetism by impact, or by having another magnet brought close to them. Easy to demagnetize them if you keep a bunch of pickups in a drawer a little too close to each other.

 

[JR-Guit]

Not necessary to let it sit a few weeks, it's a matter of minutes, but the way to separate the neos from the pole piece is important.

What is the best way to separate them?

 

[hamerfan]

Most people pull it with slowly apart in a vice, but anyways you must not slide it sideways. This would weaken the outer mags.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

I your neo disk comes in a round translucent plastic box, you can leave it in the plastic and just stick it to the pickup that way.
The field will still be plenty strong enough for recharging rod mags, and you'll have an easier time removing it.

Not sure it really needs saying, but keep any neo magnet far away from guitars & pickups (and other mags) at all times.
Don't leave it anywhere near your workbench - neo can partially degauss alnico in an instant, even from six inches away.
I keep mine stuck to the fridge.

 

[dimmy]

Great info all. Thanks

Stew Mac sells 1" neo magnets. Are they too large to use?

 

[jeremy]

nope. thats what i started with. now i use 3"x1" bars, either 1/4" or 1/2" thick. big isnt necessary but itll work fine

 

[dimmy]

oh, just saw they have 1/2" ones as well.

Will I need to run all the pole pieces past the magnets? Or only the demagnetised one?