I replaced the magnets in my '07 SE Singlecut pickups

[Lewguitar]

I was surprised to find that the original magnets were not ceramic. They are alnico.

And I was also surprised to find that they were only about 2 1/4" long...not 2 1/2".

They were more like old Gibson T-Top magnets.

This would account for the bright, somewhat edgey sound.

I replaced them with Unoriented Alnico 5 magnets and the improvement was such that I will not be replacing these pickups.

They now sound very very good!

 

[Dusty Chalk]

Would've loved to have heard before and after sound clips -- any chance for an after?

 

[Lewguitar]

Sorry. No recording gear here at home. But basically the UOA5 made the pickups sound less sharp and steely.

The treble is there of course but rounder and more pleasant.

The whole sound is more comfortable and familiar.

I found myself humming along while trying them out and adjusting the ht. and what not.

I have three of these guitars and in the first I put a set of Duncan Pearly Gates.

In the second a set of Duncan Slash APH-2's.

In the third, I was going to replace the pickups but couldn't decide with what.

The magnet swap made a huge improvement.

Enough that I probably will just keep them now.

I should mention that my favorite style to play is a jazzy blues style.

Along the lines of Robben Ford or Larry Carlton.

I do use some overdrive for solos but I like my tone clean when I'm playing chords.