A2 vs A3 Magnets: CC & PGn

[theboatcandream]

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

I'd agree with this only that I think the difference in the CC was more subtle than in the PG. I'd have to hear the clips with less hiss, I'd like to hear them dry as well (no delay effects... it's the guitar we want to hear afterall).


Why is it that people shy away from posting clips of powerchords?

[Gearjoneser]

I'm glad you did this test, because I have every Custom except for the C-3, but just got the A-3 magnet in the mail. Overall, I think I still prefer the C-5, although the
C-4 and CC are great in their own rite. The C-3 seems pretty bright and narrow, but has a great twang I like. I think I may put that magnet in a 59 Neck, to pull back the boominess a bit. Do you think, now that you've heard them all, that A-2 and A-5 are best for bridges, while the necks sound different but equally good with ALL the magnets?

[darkshadow54321]

I preferred the C3 over the CC.

For the PG I could hardly tell the difference, but I think I prefer the a2 version more.

[dr.barlo]

GJ,

1st off sorry, it's been a while that I've checked this thread.

I think the effect of the wood is more important. A3 I think is very similar with an a2. But it does a great job for fine tuning kinda arrangements. But it wouldn't solve an inherent problem of the wood. However, the jump from a5 into a3 is very very noticeable. That's why I'd say by all means try an a3 in your 59n. I think you'd like the result, as it would not be as round as it would be with an a2. I think with an a2 it is simply too round.

B

[StrangeDay]

I tried the CC (A2), C3, and C4 all in my maple neck Strat bridge. The CC just didn't have enough highs. I also use a Telecaster, and the sounds between the two guitars were just too contrasting. I really REALLY liked the C3, but now I prefer the C4.

My favorites are the C3 and C4.

[dr.barlo]

Gotta do some clips with a4s as well! StrangeDay, with me it all depends on the guitar. Some are bright then CC is a match made in heaven. On the other hand, some or darker, then I gotta go for either an a3 or an a4 or even an a5 depending on how dark the wood is.

Recently I swapped the a5 in my ant bridge with an a4. I loved the results in that guitar. I agree a3s and a4s are definitely great magnets.

B

[mongrollo]

Thats for the clips, dr Barlo! I've found them vey usefull. I am planing to make a 59n A2 and you just gave me the last punch...

[Faraday]

Thats for the clips, dr Barlo! I've found them vey usefull. I am planing to make a 59n A2 and you just gave me the last punch...

Hey mongrollo, have you tried the 59n A2 yet?

[BlueGuitar]

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:

One caveat: to make sure that your pickups stay in phase with each other, use a compass to confirm that the new magnet has the same orientation as the old magnet. With a hb the top of one coil will be North and the other will be South. (If you don't have a compass you can use a spare strat pickup to check each coil of the humbucker.)

--Thanks!

P.S. I get my magnets from SK at A.M.P.G.E., too!

[Fiesta Red]

Nice comparisons. Thanks for the clips. I liked the CC with both magnets. Hard to pick a favorite there. I liked the PG with the A3 much better than the A2. Thanks again.

-Mark

[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

The links are updated:

CC with an a2

CC with an a3

PGn in the neck with an a2

PGn in the neck with an a3

Best,

B

[CountFunkula]

Old thread! I liked the A3 in both much better. Snappier, tighter, and more open. It wasn't as nearly as thin as I expected in the bridge.

[Ed Hunter]

Old thread! I liked the A3 in both much better. Snappier, tighter, and more open. It wasn't as nearly as thin as I expected in the bridge.

that A3 clip of the CC's tone impressed me enough to want one

[jake_xms3_punk]

i prefer the A2 CC. the pgs sound pretty similar, i like them both.

the C3 sounds really thin and bright to me. how did you set the EQ? i mean did you play a certain pickup and EQ that to sound good and then swap mags and keep the previous EQ settings? i might be wrong but it just sounds like you set it up for the A2 first.

good job. you should do some more.