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Laminated bars are used to reduce eddy currents and a core with higher efficiency. In transformers you have higher efficiency with a minimum number of turns using insulated laminated sheets. Eddy currents are decreased in strength by using many thin sheets rather that a solid bar. The sheets should be insulated for optimum efficiency and…

Steel rod pole pieces are usually made from a high carbon steel alloy and can conduct magnetic fields easily to the strings. A high carbon steel is best suited for conducting the magnetic field to the strings. Steel with high carbon needs to be plated with chrome, nickel or gold plating to keep the parts…

Rod pole pieces can either be Alnico rod magnets or cylindrical carbon steel studs cut to the desired length and diameter. Steel stud pole pieces are basically used to direct the magnetic field from a permanent magnet within the components of the pickup. Rod pole pieces are normally non-adjustable and their length and diameter can…

Four effect: A standard Gibson style humbucker where the adjustable polepieces extend out the bottom of the adjustable side of the pickup. You have a slight loss of magnetic field out the bottom of the pickup. The stud side has direct flow of the magnetic field to the strings and is the brighter side of…

There are many standard and custom shapes that magnets can be made into. Some standards for Alnico are: Blocks U-shapes less than 180° U-shapes more than 180° C-shapes Rods Bars Squares Rectangular Chain Cast or break off Slugs Rings Bowl Cups Side Poles Internal Radial Poles E-shapes Some standards for Ferrites are: Plates Blocks Slabs…

The surface pits are a result of sand casting when the molten material is poured into a preparation shell form made from sand and binders. At times air pockets can occur and also piping is the small hole often seen at the ends of the magnet as it is formed. Magnet rods and bars are…

The most common are: Cobalt Steel: various grades- 3 1/2%, 3%, 17%, 36%. Alnico: common grades- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5DG, 6, 8, 8HC, 9. Sintered Alnico: various grades- 2, 5, 6, 8, 8HC. Ceramic: various grades- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Cunife: various grades- 1, 2. Vicalloy: common grade- 1…

The most common are the Alnico rod and bar types used in most instrument pickups. Some common grades are: Alnico 2 10Al, 19 Ni, 13 Co, 3 Cu, Bal. Fe Alnico 3 12 Al, 25 Ni, 3 Cu, Bal. Fe Alnico 4 12 Al, 27 Ni, 5 Co, Bal. Fe Alnico 5 8 Ni, 14…

Remagnetizing magnets in guitar pickups can change the tone and output of a pickup. Trying to make a weaker magnet stronger depends on the chemical composition and grade of the material. There are several ways to magnetize by using Permanent-magnet magnetizers, Impulse magnetizers, Semi-continuous DC magnetizers, Half-cycle magnetizers etc. If a magnet has become demagnetized…

Magnets and pickups need to be handled with extreme care and should be kept a safe distance apart. I would keep pickups approximately 3-4 inches apart. Magnets can be altered by the placement of other magnets or pickups in close proximity to them. I see pickups displayed in stores stacked on top of each other…