Alnico vs Ceramic

[liam894]

What are the tonal differences between pickups with alnico magnets as opposed to pickups with ceramic magnets?


Cheers

[skins345669]

Ceramic magnets are stronger so typically give you a darker sound with accentuated harmonics due to the pickup's higher output. I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure that's the main difference.

[Mustaine-who?]

Alnico is typically more open, more organic, more "natural" sounding. Ceramic tends to compress, and can be harsh in the mids and highs.

Those are general statements. The guitar they're going in, plus the signal train and the amp (set-up) play a huge role in the sound coming out of the speaker (and even that plays a role).

[t1r12003]

Originally Posted by Mustaine-who?

Alnico is typically more open, more organic, more "natural" sounding. Ceramic tends to compress, and can be harsh in the mids and highs.

Those are general statements. The guitar they're going in, plus the signal train and the amp (set-up) play a huge role in the sound coming out of the speaker (and even that plays a role).

I agree. When I plug in with an Evolution in the bridge and compare it to something like a Duncan Custom Custom or Dimarzio FRED, I can really pick up on the compression of the Evo and the more open sound of an Alnico II or Alnico V magnet.