Ceramic magnet 59/09

[Schulzy]

Hi guys

Is it possible to swap out the alnico magnet in my 59/09 sqaubbin bridge pickup for a ceramic magnet with relative ease? I'm really starting to love the 59/09 but I would like it just a tad tighter in the bottom end and a little more brightness in the top end. I was thinking changing out to a ceramic mag would be the perfect fix.

Thanks.

 

[kbprs]

It seems like keeping the 59/09s original and buying a PRS \m/ bridge pickup (ceramic) or set would be a little more cost-effective longer term?

 

[Deleted member 2284]

I guess a magnet swap is more cost effective!

But people usually go FROM ceramic to alnico I know that I don't jive with ceramic magnets, myself.

I have no experience myself, but from what I understand it is RELATIVELY easy if you are careful. Provided the PRS components are standard size and whatnot.

You could also play with pickup height and pole piece height, if you haven't already.

 

[gush]

I guess a magnet swap is more cost effective!

But people usually go FROM ceramic to alnico I know that I don't jive with ceramic magnets, myself.

I have no experience myself, but from what I understand it is RELATIVELY easy if you are careful. Provided the PRS components are standard size and whatnot.

You could also play with pickup height and pole piece height, if you haven't already.

I would do this first as there seems to be a long range of tone to be had by doing this

 

[vchizzle]

Go for it! I've always intended on messing with magnets, but never get around to it.
There's a couple guys here that have done extensive swapping, hopefully they chime in.

 

[kbprs]

Heh, I just meant that reselling an original pickup would get more than a modified pickup, but fair enough, if it gets the job done, who cares? I'm curious to see how it turns out.

 

[VHTStark]

Swapped lots of magnets: super easy mod that is a cheap way to alter a pickups tone and response.

A standard size, fully charged ceramic will definitely tighten up the low end. How bright depends more on the wind and with a 59/09, you will likely get a more aggressive upper midrange amd top end, but it will be more subtle as compared to other inherently bright pickups. Also keep in mind you will a pretty significant boost in output switching to a ceramic.....which may or may not be a good thing.

 

[Schulzy]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

Swapped lots of magnets: super easy mod that is a cheap way to alter a pickups tone and response.

A standard size, fully charged ceramic will definitely tighten up the low end. How bright depends more on the wind and with a 59/09, you will likely get a more aggressive upper midrange amd top end, but it will be more subtle as compared to other inherently bright pickups. Also keep in mind you will a pretty significant boost in output switching to a ceramic.....which may or may not be a good thing.

Hi VHT, I've had a bit of a scout around on ebay and the only ceramics I can find are called 'ceramic 8' are these the ones to go for?

Also they seem to come in a variety of shapes and types, what is the best one to go for and will the new squabbin 59/09 make any difference on size needed or ease of replacement?

Thanks.

 

[John Beef]

I have done some magnet swapping but not with a squabbin pickup. I did put an Alnico 5 into a round bobbin HFS at one point. I have swapped magnets in SE pickups as well. The standard sizes on ebay worked great in both cases. Given how a standard humbucker is constructed, I can't see how a squabbin pickup would affect anything as far as the magnet is concerned. It's underneath the bobbins.

Also, as far as resale, the pickup hasn't really been modified if you put the original magnet back in it before you sell it. That's like swapping pickups in a guitar, then putting the originals back in it before you sell it. That qualifies as stock in my book.

 

[Deleted member 2284]

Agreed.

Be aware that some magnets are polarized in other directions. Be sure to buy one that is suited for guitar pickups!

Don't know about ceramic numbers....

 

[VHTStark]

John Beef summed it up perfectly : you will want just a standard size magnet. As for ceramic 8, that is just ceramic for all intents and purposes!

The square bobbins won't make a magnet change any harder. Simply unscrew the base plate, remove and swap in the magnet. Just take your time.

As an aside, buying a \m/ model or HFS will NOT be anything like putting a ceramic into a 59/09. Magnets are cheap; you can buy a few and see what you think. An alnico 8 might be up your alley as well. It will have similar output to ceramic, bigger low mids and a warmer top end.