SH-6n Mag Swaps

[grapeskeletons]

Kinda thinking about swapping out my DDn (SH-6n) Distortion Neck for an SH-1n '59, but before I get that drastic, has anyone done mag swaps on this in the neck and how were the results? I'm thinking of A4.

[Grindspine]

I'm a little curious on this too. I would think an A4 would definitely add a mellower side to the windings on the SH-6n. Anyone tried?

[metalmachine]

I have not tried but I have also pondered on this theory

[grapeskeletons]

bump before I just swap out the darn thing for a '59n

[King IzzO)))]

I did a bunch of swaps in one a couple years back. I liked both A4 and A5 in it, also tried airing it with the A5, liked that too. I remember thinking the A4 was best.

[misterwhizzy]

Unfortunately, I never tried it with A4. In my Les Paul, I tried an A2 and an A5. The A5 was really good. I played it like that for a good while. The A2 was horrendous. No high end and no low end. But the A5 was EQed about right, but just too hot in that guitar.

In my PRS, I've got it in the neck stock, and it sounds fantastic. I think it may just be very picky about which guitar it's in.

[grapeskeletons]

My A4 mags are in the mail, I'll update the thread when I know what happens. Last time I took out a ceramic I wrecked the magnet, so it might be a one-way trip. If it's a fail I will post the pickup on eBay and order a '59n, but I have my fingers crossed. Did not like A8 at all, but I have been wanting to try A4 for a while since I love A5 but think it would be better with more mids....

[grapeskeletons]

Just installed the Alnico IV in the DDn this morning. In short: it's awesome! Much more warm and alive. I had to remove one of the spacers because the ceramic magnet was double thick. I raised the screw poles one and a quarter turns, and I had to mess with the height a lot (pretty close to the strings). i ordered two magnets, and they looked half-rough cast, if that makes any sense. Half smooth, half rough. Of the two, I installed the one with the more rough appearance.

It's very compatible with the JB in the bridge. Reminds me of a hotter '59 sound, but with more mids. Sounds very nice for leads, with a lot of presence (though I haven't tried it with the band yet) and a lot of sustain, even compared with the ceramic version. To me, the ceramic sounded 'flubby' or tubular or 'squirty' something like that, scooped and bassy with a hint of fakeness/brittleness on the top. The Alnico IV sounds "hot vintage" and full. I couldn't use the stock version for rhythm because it was too bassy, this is a big improvement, even for distorted rhythms.

Basically, it's everything I've ever wanted from a neck pickup. If you are on the fence, go for it. I am pleasantly surprised, because I really hated Alnico VIII--sounded brittle and fake to me in a Custom. Alnico IV is much more like Alnico V, but with better E.Q. I have a new favorite neck pickup magnet....

[misterwhizzy]

I made the mistake of ordering extra spacers when I swapped mine, but I have since been told that you could just rotate the existing spacers ninety degrees, and it should match the thinner magnets.

[grapeskeletons]

I made the mistake of ordering extra spacers when I swapped mine, but I have since been told that you could just rotate the existing spacers ninety degrees, and it should match the thinner magnets.

Yes, it was two double-thick spacers in mine as well. Now that you mention it, I did rotate the one I used. I only used one spacer altogether--in the back coil, because the front coil spacer space was taken up by the lead wire.

Still very happy with the overall result!