A2 vs A3 Magnets: CC & PGn

[dr.barlo]

Ok now my experiment with a2's and a3's in my 14.40K CC, and my 7.40K PGn. Both are in my mahogany MIK ibanez s370. The height is the same, I marked the height on the pickup before taking them out to swap the magnet. the strings, the amp setting etc etc ... are all the same.

C2 = CC with an a2

C3 = CC with an a3

PGn with an a2

PGn with an a3

Soon I will be getting my a4's, and intend to record controlled clips of CC and a neck PAF style HB, each with a2-5. But for now this is all I've got.

B

[dr.barlo]

Originally posted by kevlar3000
Very cool,

I can't decide which cc I like better, they are both very cool.

I like the A3 in the PGn definately smoother and seems a bit less tubby.

Originally posted by Jeff_H
I like the A3 in both better.....thanks for the nice comparison Doc!

Originally posted by Rid
CC with A2 was something....haunting stuff.

Originally posted by RCM78
The CC-A2 sounds much better then the A-3. The A-3 seems to have alot more mids and even less lows then the A-2. It sounds tinny and thin compared to the A-2.

The PGn sounds good with either magnet. The A-3 seems to sound more round with a little more low end.

I kept the CC with the a2 (due to the floyd rose), and the PGn with the a3 as you hear it in those clips.

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[Marcel]

nice work....
I like it if isame settings and riff is used. I just can better compare the sounds....

I think I like the C3 over the C2

[Marcel]

but i like the A2 PG over the A3 PG weird
maybe
'coz the difference with the pg is not that big

[dr.barlo]

Originally posted by Marcel
... the difference with the pg is not that big

I agree!

I went with the a3 in the PG to get a little more highs while keeping the overall characteristics as they are.

B

[Marcel]

Originally posted by dr.barlo
I agree!

I went with the a3 in the PG to get a little more highs while keeping the overall characteristics as they are.

B

i am not really hearing more highs on the a3 pg. i thought the a2 has more highs though it's not logical coz a3 must have more highs...
weird
or maybe this are the high mids...

[korovamilkdud]

In my experience, A3 sounds a bit brighter than A2, but I think that is more from upper-mids. There may be more highs too, but they're the more transparent, twangy, more articulate highs rather than the chimy, sweet highs of the A2.

[dalastcaffeine]

i like a3 in pg better too

[Mr. Loud]

Awesome test! Thanks.

I liked alnico 3 in both. I was looking for more highs from a Pearly Gates neck and a CustomCustom bridge. Sounds like alnico 3's is what I should try.

How would I get alnico 3 magnets? How would I get the swap done? Would a guitar tech know what to do? HELP!

[korovamilkdud]

Originally posted by Mr. Loud
Awesome test! Thanks.

I liked alnico 3 in both. I was looking for more highs from a Pearly Gates neck and a CustomCustom bridge. Sounds like alnico 3's is what I should try.

How would I get alnico 3 magnets? How would I get the swap done? Would a guitar tech know what to do? HELP!

I've gotten my magnets from www.ampge.com.

Swapping is easy. take out the pup (you don't need to de-solder or anything, just slip it out from under the strings) loosen the bottom plate screws, grab the magnet with a needlenose pliers, and pull it out. CAREFULLY

After that, just throw in the new magnet, tighten the plate screws and put the pup back in your guitar. Takes me about 5 minutes.:6:

[Mr. Loud]

Originally posted by korovamilkdud
I've gotten my magnets from www.ampge.com.

Swapping is easy. take out the pup (you don't need to de-solder or anything, just slip it out from under the strings) loosen the bottom plate screws, grab the magnet with a needlenose pliers, and pull it out. CAREFULLY

After that, just throw in the new magnet, tighten the plate screws and put the pup back in your guitar. Takes me about 5 minutes.:6:

Thanks a bunch.

Now that you mention how to grab the magnet and pull it out, I remember some thread from the old forum containing a guide about how to swap magnets. Or was it the custom/59 thing? I am not sure.

???

[korovamilkdud]

http://www.seymourduncan.com/website/support/faqdescr.shtml#flipmagnet

Check it out. You'll like it.

[Mr. Loud]

Originally posted by korovamilkdud
http://www.seymourduncan.com/website/support/faqdescr.shtml#flipmagnet

Check it out. You'll like it.

I did check it out and I liked it!

Thanks korovamilkdud.

[Marcel]

there was also a site with nice pictures about flipping/changing magnets ...

[dr.barlo]

I am very glad that you guys found it helpful. That was the purpose!

Mr. Loud, I see that korovamilkdud did a great job in answering all your questions. Welcome aboard the magnet-swpping frenzy!

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[korovamilkdud]

I do what I can.


I just swapped my A3 mag in my 59n for an A2 last night. Very happy with my sound right now. Probably switch back eventually...back and forth, back and forth. :P

[keano12]

The A2 in the neck is great, bridge wise, I like both depends on use and guitar.

[kevlar3000]

I love A2s in my strat but A3 were by far the best option in my Explorer. There was just do much sizzle and drive with the a5 and a2 I tried. The A3 is brighter with less power and it really gave the guitar the cut I like. In the neck I like A3 in just about any guitar, but in a fender type bridge PU I think it would be too bright for my tastes.

[dr.barlo]

Bumpidipity!

[italic zero]

I liked the A2 CC a lot better. In the PG it was a lot more subtle... I think I like the A3 better.