software

I noticed the screws on a pickup are magnetic. My question is this - if the screws are more magnetic, does that equal higher output? Or the other way around, if a pickup is higher output, are the screws magnetically stronger?

There's a magnet that lays underneath those screws that induces its magnetism on them. The strength of that magnet definitely affects the sound charateristics of the pup. The screws themselves aren't magnetic per se, but after being in close proximity to the magnet, I'm sure they would have some residual magnetism if you removed them and set them aside.

The material the screws is made of must be able to conduct magnetism, or they wouldn't bring the focus of the magnetic field up to the strings, which would affect output. You can remove those screws temporarily, and probably notice a significant difference in sound. Or, if you used non-magnetic materials, like titanium, you'ld probably hear a difference also.

Hope that helps answer your question.

Artie

Then I guess my question is- is the strength of the magnet related to output?


Originally Posted by peenuts77Then I guess my question is- is the strength of the magnet related to output?

Strength/size/type of magnet, and number of coil windings are what determines output as far as I know.


Originally Posted by peenuts77Then I guess my question is- is the strength of the magnet related to output?

To put it simply - yes. Given the exact same set of coils, an A2 magnet will produce a certain output. Change to an A5, and you'll have a bit more. Go to a ceramic, and you'll increase output yet again.

But, whats important to understand, is that you'll also change the equalization curve of the pup at the same time. You won't just increase the volume of the pups original character.

And, you can actually decrease quot;perceivedquot; output. Lets say that a pup has a strong midrange with an A2. You jump up to a ceramic, and increase the voltage, ie., output of the pup. But you may have upset the balance of mids to highs, creating the perception that you actually lost output. In reality, you just altered the EQ curve to an area that your ears/setup aren't as sensitive to.

I learned all this from reading the Seymour Q amp; A's!

Ehm sorry to interupt you but are we talking about those mounting screws of the pups?

I assumed he was talking about the adjustable pole piece screws.

oh.. ok.. then everything's clear for me

I see. Thanks for the info guys. By the way, is changing pickups a very difficult thing to do? I'm really considering learning how to do it, cuz I hate giving my guitar to a tech for two weeks just to have pickups replaced.

The only real quot;trickquot; in changing pickups is knowing how to solder properly. If you haven't done it before, you should practice on something before you tear in to a nice guitar.

But, there's quite a few first-timers here who have done it without a hitch.
And, you can buy a pretty nice soldering station, and soldering supplies with the money you save from doing it one time yourself.

Hollow bodies, and semi-hollow bodies can be a bit trickier. Then, its more a matter of not scratching up the body while you negotiate the tight confines of the body.

Hey Artie, where can I buy soldering supplies? Also, I'm assuming replacing single coils is different from replacing humbuckers.


Originally Posted by peenuts77Hey Artie, where can I buy soldering supplies? Also, I'm assuming replacing single coils is different from replacing humbuckers.

You can get a soldering iron just about anywhere. Try a local hardware store. Can somebody give specs on what he should get?

The actual method of replacing a single coil is not really different than a humbucker, but there are things, such as pot values, that differ. That road is probably best traveled when you're ready to do it, as opposed to trying to remember it all now

I'm not saying I disagree necessarily, but I've always been under the impression that a magnet didn't change the actual output, just the perceived output. The Custom sounds like it has more output than the Custom Custom, but both pickups are wound exactly the same. There is an EQ difference, but I don't think one would necessarily be higher in output than another. There might be a very small difference that is pretty much negligible, but I always thought output was determined by the way the pickup was wound?

Ryan

The different strength magnets do effect tone and output of a pickup. Stronger magnets make the pickup sound rougher or more harsh. Weaker magnets make the pickup sound warmer, more fluid. The sound of a pickup will be brighter and louder if you put a more powerfull magnet in than the one that is already in there. Replacing the magnet in a pickup with a weaker one than what was already in there will make it sound warmer and smoother. A weaker magnet will reduce the output of a pickup.

Well I have a 57 classic in the neck and a 498t in the bridge. I know the 57 is supposed to have about half the output of the 498. Yet, the 57 actually sounds louder to me than the 498. and the 498 is actually closer to the stings. So that's why I was a little confused. And I checked the screws to see the strength of the magnets on each pickup and the 57 in the neck is actually stronger than the 498t.