Whats with pickups using ceramic boosters?

[frankfalbo]

What comes into question with Alnico is how it sits within the magnetic circuit. You can have Alnicos that would self-degauss if they were left out in free air, but if they’re attached to something that guides or completes a larger, more stable magnetic circuit then the Alnico won’t self degauss.

So that’s the unique thing about combining Ceramic and Alnico, if they’re working together it’s ok, if they’re opposing, it’s bad. But the crazy part is, with flanking magnets, if they’re up against a keeper bar, the flux is directed upward and out. If you’ve ever made a P90, as you move the magnets toward one another they repel one another. But once you get close enough to the keeper bar, then it snaps into place.

I don’t consider Ceramic flanking magnets in an Alnico HB to be a fully stable circuit. There is too much stray flux around the Ceramic, and this is especially true without a keeper bar on a slug coil. But if it were highly focused, or at least a double screw pickup with 2 keeper bars, it should be alright.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

What comes into question with Alnico is how it sits within the magnetic circuit. You can have Alnicos that would self-degauss if they were left out in free air, but if they’re attached to something that guides or completes a larger, more stable magnetic circuit then the Alnico won’t self degauss.

So that’s the unique thing about combining Ceramic and Alnico, if they’re working together it’s ok, if they’re opposing, it’s bad. But the crazy part is, with flanking magnets, if they’re up against a keeper bar, the flux is directed upward and out. If you’ve ever made a P90, as you move the magnets toward one another they repel one another. But once you get close enough to the keeper bar, then it snaps into place.

I don’t consider Ceramic flanking magnets in an Alnico HB to be a fully stable circuit. There is too much stray flux around the Ceramic, and this is especially true without a keeper bar on a slug coil. But if it were highly focused, or at least a double screw pickup with 2 keeper bars, it should be alright.

Better perspective from a seasoned expert. Thanks for that info, Frank.

 

[hamerfan]

What comes into question with Alnico is how it sits within the magnetic circuit. You can have Alnicos that would self-degauss if they were left out in free air, but if they’re attached to something that guides or completes a larger, more stable magnetic circuit then the Alnico won’t self degauss.

So that’s the unique thing about combining Ceramic and Alnico, if they’re working together it’s ok, if they’re opposing, it’s bad. But the crazy part is, with flanking magnets, if they’re up against a keeper bar, the flux is directed upward and out. If you’ve ever made a P90, as you move the magnets toward one another they repel one another. But once you get close enough to the keeper bar, then it snaps into place.

I don’t consider Ceramic flanking magnets in an Alnico HB to be a fully stable circuit. There is too much stray flux around the Ceramic, and this is especially true without a keeper bar on a slug coil. But if it were highly focused, or at least a double screw pickup with 2 keeper bars, it should be alright.

Great explanation as always. Thanks Frank!