Can you tell what type of magnet in a pickup

[Lightning]

Is there a way to know what type of magnet is in a pickup for example alnico 2-3-4-5-8.

 

[Ben Waylin]

Not all manufacturers follow a common code, but this is usually correct..

A2 = Blue
A3 = Green
A4 = Yellow
A5 = Red
A8 = White

 

[Lightning]

And if there’s no color markings especially on older pickups can you tell?

 

[Ben Waylin]

And if there’s no color markings especially on older pickups can you tell?

Every boutique pickup I have ever bought, the builder wrote the magnet type (and other specs) on the baseplate.

 

[Lightning]

For instance older Gibson paf pickups how would you tell

 

[Ben Waylin]

For instance older Gibson paf pickups how would you tell

Handheld digital gauss meter.

 

[Lightning]

I see, so thats the way Seymour Duncan knew(1977-1978 when he supposedly did the rewind)that the magnet that was in Eddie Van Halen 1961 gibson paf was a alnico 2 magnet, so that’s why he used alnico 2 for the Seymour Duncan 78 pickup

 

[Mr. Chainsaw]

This video might be helpful, gives a visual representation with something the guy made with iron filings.



Early-ish Gibson PAFs could be A2, A3, A4, A5. Magnet length also varied depending on year. Is there a paritcular year/guitar/sound you're trying to go for or just general knowledge?

 

[Lightning]

Mr chainsaw my question is above your reply

 

[Mr. Chainsaw]

Mr chainsaw my question is above your reply

Thanks I didn't see the edit before my post went through. Came across this article too, the site looks pretty good for some EVH-related info:

https://1978guitarsandspecs.wordpress.com/2023/04/05/van-halen-magnet-type-finally-found/

 

[Lightning]

I see so why would Seymour use a alnico 2 for the Seymour Duncan 78 pickup

 

[Mr. Chainsaw]

I see so why would Seymour use a alnico 2 for the Seymour Duncan 78 pickup

I suppose that's a question for him. The press release material for the production pickup doesn't mention anything about magnets either. SD was making them as custom shop pickups for a while beforehand. Maybe the A5s would be too scooped, too much bass, not dynamic enough? I think the bigger winders care about more about the tone/feel at the end of the day, rather than exact specs and construction methods like boutique builders or forum goers do, and they'll do that with whatever materials they want to use.

 

[Lightning]

Seymour Duncan explained that it was the exact same wind,so who knows