HB or P90 magnet swaps - how readily do you hear the difference.

jtcnj

jtcnj

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it is hard to A/B if you swap magnets. If you play similar guitars with similar pickup specs, and the main difference is between A5 or A2 magnets - how well do you hear the difference?

I am not hearing a definitive where I could pick one out over the other.
I can tell between those and ceramic usually.

what say you?
 
A tough one, really. I have swapped A2s for A5s in a couple of guitars, and i think I get a bit more output and a slightly tighter bottom. The amp is driven a bit harder. Not having done any A/B tests, I would still say the differences are relatively subtle.
 
jtcnj said:
it is hard to A/B if you swap magnets. If you play similar guitars with similar pickup specs, and the main difference is between A5 or A2 magnets - how well do you hear the difference?

I am not hearing a definitive where I could pick one out over the other.
I can tell between those and ceramic usually.

what say you?
Click to expand...
It is a waste of time thinking about this. I was sure I had a preference, until I took the test below. That said, a new magnet will give you a different sound and can be a very economical way to effectively get yourself a "new" pickups. My point is only that you will not know until you try. Also, you can certainly A/B them if you record clips. You can always put the previous magnet back.


 
RVA said:
It is a waste of time thinking about this. I was sure I had a preference, until I took the test below. That said, a new magnet will give you a different sound and can be a very economical way to effectively get yourself a "new" pickups. My point is only that you will not know until you try. Also, you can certainly A/B them if you record clips. You can always put the previous magnet back.


Click to expand...

The difference was definitely easily noticeable in this clip. However, alnico 2 vs. 5 will be more subtle. Here's a comparison between Throbak KZ-115s with alnico 2, 4 and 5, respectively. I like the Doug and Pat Show.

Alnico 2 starts at around 16:00.
Alnico 4 starts at around 19:15.
Alnico 5 starts at around 22:00.

 
Gahr said:
The difference was definitely easily noticeable in this clip. However, alnico 2 vs. 5 will be more subtle. Here's a comparison between Throbak KZ-115s with alnico 2, 4 and 5, respectively. I like the Doug and Pat Show.

Alnico 2 starts at around 16:00.
Alnico 4 starts at around 19:15.
Alnico 5 starts at around 22:00.

Click to expand...
Really? I scored poorly. What % did you get correct?
 
Percetage?

Pickups 1 were alnico, A were ceramic in the samples. The guy wh posted the clip said so somewhere in the comments. Or did I miss something vital in the clip? 1 sounds crisper than A. What you think is "best" is purely subjective, but i preferred the clarity of the alnicos here.

Skjermbilde 2017-09-29 13.14.54.png
 
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I didnt listen yet, but, I can tell between Ceramic and Alnico usually.
I am relieved to hear I am not the only one who does not hear the emperor's new tones.

the way it is written about in several articles lead me to believe it is fairly obvious.
Ok, one less thing to make me wonder if I am an idiot or not.
But there are still plenty of others......
 
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