Charging pickup magnets

[RVA]

I ran across this concept and realized that I have never heard it mentioned before.

So, has anyone used neodymium (or other) magnets to
- Charge degaussed pickup magnets/rods
- Add charge to a weaker magnet/rod
- Reverse the polarity of a magnet/rod

Would adding charge with magnets make the pickup hotter?

I understand that most would prefer to swap a magnet where possible, but this is not the case with single coils and and may be of benefit with a magnet that can be removed but you want to keep.

Here is a quick video on the many uses of magnets for guitar applications, one of which is charhing single coils. So any magnet fans here?

 

[eSGEe]

I charge em all the time---- on my Mastercard

BUWAHAHAHHAHAAA


o.k. Ill go sit in the corner now-----purple crayon please?

 

[smitty_p]

Yes, a more powerful magnet in a pickup will make it more powerful. That is why you cannot judge a pickup's output only by its DC resistance.

It's also why high-output pickups usually use ceramic magnets. They can be charged to a higher degree of magnetism than alnico.

But, there gets to be a point where more powerful magnets don't really improve things.

 

[RVA]

Yes, a more powerful magnet in a pickup will make it more powerful. That is why you cannot judge a pickup's output only by its DC resistance.

It's also why high-output pickups usually use ceramic magnets. They can be charged to a higher degree of magnetism than alnico.

But, there gets to be a point where more powerful magnets don't really improve things.

Thank Smitty. I generally do not buy hot pickups. I am just intrigued by the concept. It is cool to have the ability to "heat" a pickup though!!

 

[RVA]

FYI - my neodymium "near earth" magnets are on the way. These things came with a list of safety warnings. Let's see what we can magnetize!

 

[syscokid]

FYI - my neodymium "near earth" magnets are on the way. These things came with a list of safety warnings. Let's see what we can magnetize!

Keep those magnets away from credit cards and digital storage devices like memory cards or your smartphone.

In fact, if you have a bunch of pickups stored together, keep them oriented all the same way, and don't stack them on top of each other. Space them out if you can.

 

[Hackmaster]

FYI - my neodymium "near earth" magnets are on the way. These things came with a list of safety warnings. Let's see what we can magnetize!

Make sure to keep the fingertips clear.
Those neodymium magnets can raise a serious blood blister smacking into each other.
Handy for all kinds of unconventional things though.

 

[RVA]

I had two out one time one in my hand and one on my desk got too close they hit so hard it sent shrapnel into my fingers!
I never tried to charge anything with them you know what I do with mine.

I have an idea. And it is a good one!!

 

[Bobby]

I can't image those discs being very effective, and have heard stories of the same. I'd get larger block versions off eBay that are like 3" long - longer than a humbucker bar magnet & a single coil pole magnet pickup like a strat PU. This way you pass the entire bar magnet, or in the case of a strat pickup the pickup, through the field @ the same time. Best way to get an even and consistent charge. You'll have to experiment to get it right. Multiple attempts are usually required to get the desired charge. Neo magnets are extremely strong and fragile - so care and caution must be taken.

You should also get a pocket/field magnetometer with a range of 50. You need a means to measure or your just shooting in the dark.
You can find them used on eBay for like ~$30 if you're patient. Here's an example of one, though this one only goes to 20 and not useful for this purpose:
Pocket MAGNETOMETER DC TESLA GAUSSMETER | eBay

It's not a really a gauss meter, but you'll be able to make relative comparisons - so extremely useful.

 

[Bobby]

I found the most effective method to get an even charge was "plunging" the magnet or pickup assembly down between the neos (3"x1/4"x1/2") in the vise then pulling up. I actually made a fixture for a drill press that I used for this. Sliding sideways - left to right or R to L never gave an even charge, ever.

This is what I've been using for a long time.

 

[RVA]

I found the most effective method to get an even charge was "plunging" the magnet or pickup assembly down between the neos (3"x1/4"x1/2") in the vise then pulling up. I actually made a fixture for a drill press that I used for this. Sliding sideways - left to right or R to L never gave an even charge, ever.

This is what I've been using for a long time.

Thanks for the pro advice Bobby. I am more fascinated with the possibility of taking a pickup and "kicking it up a notch"! If I need a real charge, i will get my pickups from you!

 

[Bobby]

Thanks for the pro advice Bobby. I am more fascinated with the possibility of taking a pickup and "kicking it up a notch"! If I need a real charge, i will get my pickups from you!

I know, just being thorough : )

A used vise, pair of 3" neo bar mags, some epoxy and a used magnetometer is reasonably cheap and well worth the $ if someone's going to be swapping magnets etc IMO.

I'd suggest at the very least get a magnetometer. It'll also tell you polarity.

Cheers,
Bobby