Ceramic or alnico

[Raggy]

Does anyone know if there is much difference between ceramic or alnico magnets in pickups. Kent Armstrong seems to have a hot P made with each.

Surely us mere mortals would not be able to tell the difference, or would we?

[Musicman20]

In a Musicman, yes. The Sterling pickups (and Stingray 5 for a certain period) are/were ceramic. Much 'middier' and seem a bit hotter. A little more aggression and sizzle. Series wiring also adds to this difference.

The normal Stingray alnico pups are smoother, less in your face, more traditional. Parallel wiring normally.

I think if we are talking P basses, it would still be a fairly similar difference.

Edited August 8, 2012 by Musicman20

[AttitudeCastle]

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1344463647' post='1765123']
In a Musicman, yes. The Sterling pickups (and Stingray 5 for a certain period) were ceramic. Much 'middier' and seem a bit hotter. A little more aggression and sizzle.

The normal Stingray alnico pups are smoother, less in your face, more traditional.

I think if we are talking P basses, it would still be a fairly similar difference.
[/quote]

+1, Cermanic is "harder" brighter, tighter,

Alnico (assuming you mean V) is warmer, smoother, deeper,

That's a bit vague and obviously it's dependant on pickup, winding and situation etc.

Having A-B'd Alinco and Ceramic pickups I'd say yes it's a notable difference. Like the Seymour SMB A vs The SMB D. Alnico/ Ceramic respectively

[Raggy]

[quote name='AttitudeCastle' timestamp='1344463856' post='1765128']


+1, Cermanic is "harder" brighter, tighter,

Alnico (assuming you mean V) is warmer, smoother, deeper
[/quote]

I had heard that, I just didn't think it could ever be that much a difference.

Interesting.

[Raggy]

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1344463647' post='1765123']
I think if we are talking P basses,
[/quote]

Oh yes