What are the differences of the magnets you use in the various types of pickups and how do they best match the guitar wood and desired tone?

Magnet Type

 

Alnico II

Alnico V

Ceramic

Good for

Warming up a bright-sounding guitar

Adding punch to a warm guitar

Adding punch and output to a warm guitar

General Tone

Warm, smooth, round, enhanced mids, soft and spongy bass, soft attack

Bright and glassy, exceptional dynamics and tight bass end, sharp attack

Bright with enhanced upper mids, hard, aggressive harmonics, compressed dynamics and punchy bass

Neck & Body Woods

Maple, Ash, Walnut, Pao Ferro, Alder, Graphite Composites

Mahogany, Korina, Koa, Bass, Alder, Poplar, Ash

Mahogany, Korina, Koa, Bass, Alder, Poplar, Ash

Fingerboard Woods

Maple, Ebony, Carbon Graphite Composites

Rosewood, Walnut

Rosewood, Walnut

WRITTEN ON JUNE 15, 2015, BY sltwtr

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