At the heart of every pickup, whether it’s a humbucker or a single-coil, is one or more magnets that define the fundamental character of the pickup’s tone. Learn how a pickup’s magnet type impacts its tone to help you choose the best pickups for you and your guitar! Read on for info on a few of the most common magnet types that we use in our pickups, and how they affect the pickup’s tone:

1) Alnico II: full low end, enhanced mid-range, sweet top end

You’ll hear Alnico II magnets in expressive favorites like Pearly Gates™ and Alnico II Pro™ Staggered Strat. Explore more here.

2) Alnico III: clear, warm low end, full mid-range, soft high end

Known for their clarity and warmth, Alnico III magnets power MJ’s Magicbucker and the Queenbucker bridge.

3) Alnico IV: tighter bass response than A2, even mid-range response, brighter than A2 but sweeter than A5

Alnico IV magnets shape the tone of pickups like Saturday Night Special™, Cory Wong Clean Machine neck, and Brad Paisley La Brea™ bridge.

4) Alnico V: bright and glassy top end, cutting mid-range, tight bass response

A go-to for punch and bite, Alnico V magnets drive models like the Hot Rodded Humbucker Set and Vintage Staggered Strat. Explore more here.

5) Alnico VIII: exceptional mid-range, tight low end, and smooth treble response

Designed for power and aggression, Alnico VIII magnets are at the core of the Nazgûl™ Sentient™ Rails Set and Alternative 8™. Explore more here.

6) Ceramic: bright and edgy with enhanced upper-mids, hard, aggressive harmonics, and punchy low end

Ceramic magnets bring high-output edge to pickups like the Invader™ and Hot Rails® Strat. Explore more here.

For more info on how to swap your pickups, check out our Resources Page here.