software

so everybodys always talking about how putting an A5 in a distortion gives you a JB and such, but what about putting an A5 in an invader? would it be like a JB with a kick to the nuts? what differences would there be from a JB (mainly EQ is what i wanna know). cause my invader isnt really what im lookin for, and im trying to look for alternatives to forking over the cash for a new pickup

yes and no

I'm assuming this is the bridge model (16.8k ohms). If so, it's an idea I've been kicking around in my head for a while.

At first glance, it seems it probably wouldn't help much -- ceramic magnets are the brightest magnets and which such a heavy mid and bass response, the bridge Invader needs all the treble it can get, and an Alnico 5 would be a step down in that department.

But you never really know for sure what something will sound like until you try it, so since it's a free and easily reversible mod, there's no harm in trying.

Note that since the Invader doesn't have one but three magnets -- regular size mag between coils/two skinny ones on each side -- one idea I might try is to leave one of the skinny outside ceramic mags (the one facing the bridge) in to emphasize the more trebly harmonic node some.

Another idea I've been considering is a neck invader with Alnico magnet (2, 3, 4, 5 -- don't know which would be best yet) for a good jazz or blues tone. It's only 7.2k and combining that with an Alnico mag would probably sound really good, and the huge pole pieces would give coverage on string bends that the traditional poles and slugs lack.

By the way, anybody here miss the non-shiny pole pieces on the original Invaders? The new ones are cool but the old ones were even cooler...

hmm. i first thought about this when i was way sleep deprived, but now that i think more about it, it seems even less like what i want. new pickup it is, then. haha

How abuot using normal screws with the Invader? How would that affect the sound?