Why no "Oversized" Alnico mags?

Masta' C

Masta' C

Well-known member
Any reason why we don't see more oversized or double-thick AlNiCo mags used? Is it simply price and/or availability?

I know Carvin uses an oversized A5 in their C22 bridge model with good reviews and double-thick Ceramics have been employed by different manufacturers for 30+ years!

I'd be curious to know what an oversized A5 would sound like in a popular platform like the JB/Distortion wind or Custom series?!?

:scratchch
 
Re: Why no "Oversized" Alnico mags?

An oversized Alnico may not scale as well as an oversized ceramic. In other words using an Alnico twice the thickness may not provide as much power as a double thickness ceramic. If double the thickness only provided 10% more power then it would be a better choice to use a different magnet type.

I used a M22SD for many years and it wasn't the greatest. All of the emphasis was on the initial attack and there wasn't much warmth. If people don't like the 59 because it's bright and barks too hard they wont like the M22SD. On the plus side the M22SD could pound nails with its initial attack, it also had a malevolent growl to sustained chords.
 
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Re: Why no "Oversized" Alnico mags?

What?!?!

Duncan '59 vs. Carvin M22SD?

I wasn't asking for a review on the M22SD!

Besides, the M22SD uses a regular Alnico V magnet, so that whole mumble-jumble really isn't pertinent to my post...

...or IS it? :eyecrazy:


Also, it's not just about a magnet's "power". I'm 99% sure a double-thick Alnico V is going to have a completely different tone than a ceramic rated at the same "power" level!

.
 
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Re: Why no "Oversized" Alnico mags?

masta' c said:
Any reason why we don't see more oversized or double-thick AlNiCo mags used? Is it simply price and/or availability?

I know Carvin uses an oversized A5 in their C22 bridge model with good reviews and double-thick Ceramics have been employed by different manufacturers for 30+ years!

I'd be curious to know what an oversized A5 would sound like in a popular platform like the JB/Distortion wind or Custom series?!?

:scratchch
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yeah that carvin C22-b is a really good pu, it s 13K and has a nice balanced tone. very underated
I always wondered what the double thick 5 would do for say a 59b or a demon?
 
Re: Why no "Oversized" Alnico mags?

masta' c said:
What?!?!

Duncan '59 vs. Carvin M22SD?

I wasn't asking for a review on the M22SD!

Besides, the M22SD uses a regular Alnico V magnet, so that whole mumble-jumble really isn't pertinent to my post...

...or IS it? :eyecrazy:


Also, it's not just about a magnet's "power". I'm 99% sure a double-thick Alnico V is going to have a completely different tone than a ceramic rated at the same "power" level!

.
Click to expand...
Fool me twice shame on me. Your cut off!
 
Re: Why no "Oversized" Alnico mags?

I think that when it comes to alnico bar magnets used in pickups there is an 'ideal' size where they will 'perform' the best, keeps it's magnetic charge, etc.
 
Re: Why no "Oversized" Alnico mags?

Nightburst said:
I think that when it comes to alnico bar magnets used in pickups there is an 'ideal' size where they will 'perform' the best, keeps it's magnetic charge, etc.
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Probably this. I'm sure its been experimented with.
 
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Re: Why no "Oversized" Alnico mags?

FYI The new Blackouts Modular Coil Pack Bridge pickup has a double tall Alnico 5 magnet. That said, it is not recommended for use without the preamp. It only sounds like the original Blackouts bridge when both coils hit the preamp. That choice was just as much about the inductance as it was magnetic field. Double tall A5 is a finicky beast and I wouldn't consider it a good mag swap for the forum crowd. It's more like something you would design a pickup around. Its also used on the Benedetto B6 another very unique pickup and recipe.
 
Re: Why no "Oversized" Alnico mags?

frankfalbo said:
FYI The new Blackouts Modular Coil Pack Bridge pickup has a double tall Alnico 5 magnet. That said, it is not recommended for use without the preamp. It only sounds like the original Blackouts bridge when both coils hit the preamp. That choice was just as much about the inductance as it was magnetic field. Double tall A5 is a finicky beast and I wouldn't consider it a good mag swap for the forum crowd. It's more like something you would design a pickup around. Its also used on the Benedetto B6 another very unique pickup and recipe.
Click to expand...
Suddenly I really want a thick A5 to experiment with.

Maybe a thick UOA5...
 
Re: Why no "Oversized" Alnico mags?

In my experience, double-thick doesn't really add much. Just more bite, not that much more punch or output because the screws are touching more magnet at the bottom rather than dragging the magnetic field below the plate.

For that reason it's helpful with a high output pickup but doesn't really help with vintage outputters. It would also prevent you from putting a cover on it.
 
Re: Why no "Oversized" Alnico mags?

Maybe, but they should trust me. I'm more into this stuff than any (or at least most) of you, and I'm telling you that it's a specialized use. It's not like these other Alnico grades and rough vs. polished, or degaussing, etc. If your brain has got you thinking you want a double tall A5 then you're probably better off trying A6 or A8 first. For example, a Custom 8 probably would sound "better" to most people than the Custom 5XL. (sweet name, huh?)
 
Re: Why no "Oversized" Alnico mags?

I have a Custom winder who did 11k A5 42awg PE humbucker with 50mm bobbins. The sucker was too congested and warm for me. This winder wound up with double thick A5 and it did the trick. Still a bit congested, it was brighted up considerably.
 
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