Pickup magnets
Guitar pickups are comprised of one or more different magnets, depending on their design. These magnets are inserted into a bobbin and wound with a conductive coil.
Thanks to Alnico, ceramic, and other rare earth magnets, musicians can share their music with a large crowd! Pickup magnets transform mechanical energy (in the form of string vibrations) into electrical energy, which flows into a guitar amp and is converted back into mechanical energy as sound waves.
As one of the top magnet manufacturers in China, you can trust DailyMag to offer a wide selection of quality pickup magnets at a competitive price and fast lead times.
What magnets are used in pickups?
Subtle changes in pickup make and construction will have a huge difference in the pickup sound. The type of magnets used and their position are significant to pickup manufacturing.
The most popular magnets used in pickups are Alnico and ceramic magnets. Other alternatives are rare earth magnets, such as Neodymium, chosen for their strength and sonic properties.
Alnico magnets
This type of magnet is an alloy of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt. Other metals such as iron are also combined.
In the 50s and 60, most classic pickups used Alnico in different compositions, each offering different magnetic strengths to provide a unique sound.
Alnico II: Known to produce softer and sweeter sounds than other magnet strengths. It was widely used for vintage-voiced and classic PAF pickups. Alnico II is described to produce clear singing or vocal tones for complex chords –– providing exceptional string separation and articulation.
Alnico III: With no cobalt in its alloy, this is the weakest type of Alnico magnet. Alnico III pickups are widely used for neck pickups and louder rock music because of their clarity. It also pairs well with Alnico II, providing bolder and richer tones.
Alnico IV: While not typically used, Alnico IV provides defined and articulate sounds even on the high end.
Alnico V: Another popular choice alongside the Alnico II. It provides clear and bold tones and is the most intense out of the Alnico types. It provides great edge, dynamics, and bite, especially for thick chords
Ceramic magnets
These were widely popular in the 70s for high-output pickups and heavier music. Ceramic magnets are more affordable and proportionally stronger than Alnico magnets, making them great for smaller pickups.
Though more aggressive-sounding, ceramics are still versatile and provide strong midrange, compressed highs, and beautiful harmonics.
How strong are pickup magnets?
Pickup magnet strength ranges from very low gauss to beyond 50 gauss.
Older Alnico magnets are between 15-25 gauss, while newer ones have 35-50+ gauss
Remagnetized pickup magnets will produce a brighter and louder sound output and increased string pull.
Weaker magnets have less output and produce warmer and smoother tones.
Where to buy pickup magnets?
Dailymag is a major supplier of magnets for manufacturers, including quality-made pickup magnets made from Alnico, ceramics, and rare earth metals.
You can expect to get the best prices and fast lead times at Dailymag.
We also assure our clients of the best customer service when it comes to custom and wholesale orders.
