Ceramic Bar Magnets

lyle_from_minneapolis · Tue Jan 23, 2007 1:00 pm

Sergio promises me a bridge high gain Too Hot To Handle. Rather than bypass my treble cap, I'm interested in tweaking the response of my neck toaster.

What are the specs of a ceramic bar magnet I would need to mod it? Where might I find such a thing? How would I attach it?

Thanks! -Lyle

soundmasterg · Post by **soundmasterg** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 2:05 pm

You can order samples from magnet companies if you know what you want. There are various strength ceramic magnets just like there are with alnico, and they can be partially charged or fully charged, which changes the sound. Since Sergio has suggested this mod as a way to boost power you may see if he has any idea where to find one that would work well.

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 2:09 pm

I would attach them with #380 Loctite®. Not sure how to advise you on the magnet. Another option is to install larger diameter pole pieces. I know that you can go as much as a 1/4" (0.205") in dia.

lyle_from_minneapolis · Tue Jan 23, 2007 2:37 pm

The idea of simply glueing on a magnet and getting results...this sings to me.

Changing pole pieces on a 1972 toaster...I no speak Inglish.

The #380 Loctite® is now on my shopping list, and I will await wisdom from Crazy Rick hisself.

Thanks yet again, Rickenpeople!

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 3:14 pm

Here I am, Lyle. I'll ship the treble pickup tomorrow morning together with a suspicious-looking

bar magnet. I'm assuming the neck pickup on your 4001 to have short magnets. Simply take the bar magnet (3/8" wide x 2 3/8" long) and apply it to the row of six slugs on the pickup - it will stick thereto, provided it fits in the opening on the aluminum baseplate and no leads are in the way, that is.
Right, changing the polepieces on a '72 toaster is not exactly a wise move.

lyle_from_minneapolis · Tue Jan 23, 2007 3:35 pm

!!!!!

Let's hear it for Lisboa!!!

A Thousand Thank Yous, Senor da Silva!

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 11:24 pm

Uh... Señor is Spanish, not Portuguese.

Going to the post office now. Cheers.

rickfan60 · Post by **rickfan60** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 9:38 am

I have experimented with helper magnets with mixed results. It is a fun pursuit regardless of the results. If the magnet is strong the pickup will become hotter but loose its tonal subtleties. If it is too strong the strings will tend to be sucked into the poles and rattle against the frets and the sustain will suffer. Polarity and orientation are important too. A "helper" magnet can very easily mute some or all of the strings if it is not oriented correctly. I tried thin NIB magnets on the neck pickups of 4001s a while back. If the magnet was not accurately centered either the G or E strings would be totally muted. Also consider that the sound of a pickup is in part a function of the shape of the magnetic field. Altering the field can significantly change the sound of the pickup. It could be good it could be bad.

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 2:10 pm

When I suggested larger pole pieces I was thinking high gains. I read over "toaster". I still believe 380 is what you will want.

lyle_from_minneapolis · Wed Jan 24, 2007 2:54 pm

All good to know.

This should prove interesting!

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 3:07 pm

Lyle, the pickup is in the mail.

lyle_from_minneapolis · Wed Jan 24, 2007 3:14 pm

Thank you, Sen---uh---sir!

lyle_from_minneapolis · Wed Jan 24, 2007 3:15 pm

If our luck stays the same, I'll see it in March and owe money to the Post Office.

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 3:38 pm

Nah, I don't believe so. You should be receiving the packet in ten days' time tops.
Er... Are you sure you won't need a .0047 capacitor?

lyle_from_minneapolis · Thu Jan 25, 2007 6:41 am

Maybe so! But I can't wait to find out. If you should hear an explosion off to the West, it's probably just me and my '72...