Alnico guitar magnets are a type of permanent magnet used in electric guitar pickups. They are made of an alloy of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt mixed with iron . The name “Alnico” is derived from the first two letters of each of these metals .
Alnico magnets are known for their warm and smooth sound, which is why they are popular among guitarists . They come in different strengths, such as Alnico 2, Alnico 3, Alnico 4, and Alnico 5, Alnico 8, each with its own unique tonal characteristics . For example, Alnico 2 is the weakest of the Alnico magnets and has a more vintage tone with more mids and softer highs. Alnico 5, on the other hand, is the most widely used magnet and gives a traditional Fender tone .
Here’s a quick reference guide:
Alnico 2: Sweet and smooth for vintage blues and rock.
Alnico 3: Balanced and articulate for versatile tones.
Alnico 4: Bright and punchy for hard rock and metal.
Alnico 5: Versatile and dynamic for a wide range of genres.
Alnico 8: Powerful and aggressive for modern rock and metal.
Alnico magnets are used in various types of guitar pickups, such as single-coil and humbucker pickups . They are also used in P90 pickups, which are single-coil pickups with a wider coil and a larger magnet. The size and shape of the magnet can affect the sound of the pickup, as well as the placement of the magnet in relation to the strings .
In summary, Alnico guitar magnets are a type of permanent magnet used in electric guitar pickups. They have unique tonal characteristics. Alnico magnets are known for their warm and smooth sound and are popular among guitarists.