Today I want to touch on the subject of pickup
magnets and address how they affect tone and what kinds of pickups each magnet
has been used in historically, without getting too controversial in regards to
characteristics. So, let’s just briefly
go over a few kinds of magnets typically used in guitar pickup production:
AlNiCo II, III, IV, and V, as well as ceramic.
AlNiCo
II:
While all manufacturers will produce an alloy
of slightly different composition, as a general rule you can count on AlNiCo II
magnets to be softer and sweeter than other magnet strengths. These magnets have been widely used
throughout history in tons of vintage-voiced pickups. AlNiCo II magnets are associated with classic
PAF style pickups and are actually surprisingly versatile for a lower strength
magnet type. Tones will be clear and
chimey while rolling off some of the more harsh and brittle high end
frequencies, giving their pickups the aforementioned “sweet” flavor when
playing with clean tones, and an equally clear and chimey tone when playing
with overdrive. AlNiCo II pickups are
often described as “vocal” or “singing,” and remain clear when using complex
chord voicings, providing excellent string separation and overall articulation.
AlNiCo
III:
With no cobalt in its alloy, AlNiCo III is
actually considered the weakest of the AlNiCo magnet types we will be
discussing today. These pickups have
been a hot choice for neck pickups over the years and pair well next to an
AlNiCo II pickup in the bridge. One
might notice they still have the same sweet quality as AlNiCo II magnets but
with a bit more of a bold flavor and some extra richness. Being a lower output pickup does not mean
they cannot grit up like some higher output pickups, and many players actually
prefer them even in louder rock music as they remain bold and clear when pushed
and do not have the same frequency spikes that some stronger magnets tend to
display. AlNiCo III pickups can be heard
in all their glory in Fender’s ‘54 Strat pickups.
AlNiCo IV:
One will likely notice a little more punch
here and even a more defined high end than with AlNiCo II or III. These magnets are used much less often than
the typical AlNiCo II and V, as many manufacturers argue than a slightly demagnetized
V will sound the same while others say it’s all about how the pickup is wound
in this case. Those who dare to
experiment with the AlNiCo IV may find that it is beautiful in the neck
position of just about any type of guitar, as it still has that commanding pop
of an AlNiCo V but does a slightly better job of opening up the high end and
not allowing the neck pickup to get too boomy and lose definition. I personally prefer AlNiCo IV magnets in my
PAF style pickups as they are slightly hotter than IIs but still have that
glassy articulation and dynamic sweep when using your volume knob to control
intensity of sound. Currently a number
of manufacturers use AlNiCo IV magnets in some of their pickups including
Mojotone, Tonerider, and Fralin.
AlNiCo V:
The AlNiCo V is likely to be considered as
widely used as the AlNiCo II. Still bold
and clear, it is the most aggressive of the commonly used AlNiCo strengths and
is great when playing thick chords through heavy distortion. Like any AlNiCo magnet, it is going to be
articulate and great for both lead and rhythm players. Expect a bit more bite and edge and even some
exaggerated midrange. Pickups made with
these magnets can help boost a lame amp into a more bright and aggressive
territory and can take an already beautiful amp to the next level. Again, these can be extremely dynamic for
those players who use their volume knob to shape sound.
Ceramic:
Considered to be the most aggressive-sounding
magnet, think of ceramic magnets as a more modern-voiced pickup build. These have often been overlooked by many
players since ceramics are cheaper than AlNiCos, but over the years pickup
design has come a long way and ceramic magnets have really come into their
own. These have a higher output and more
“cut” than AlNiCo magnets. They also
tend to exhibit more low end thump and bold sounding midrange frequencies. Ceramic magnets will often have a higher
output or higher DC resistance rating and are typically used in heavier music;
although, some will find that ceramic magnets do have their place elsewhere and
can be extremely versatile with their compressed highs, strong midrange, and
beautiful harmonics.
I know I say it a lot, but the only way to
really figure out what is best for you is to use the information at hand and
take a leap. Experiment with as many
pickup types as you can so you can figure out what works best for your style,
your attack, your amp, etc. Hopefully
this primer will get you comfortable with making the first move!