Author Topic: Stormy Mondays - Alnico 2 or 4? (Read 2809 times)

ailean · « **on:** February 08, 2008, 01:39:23 PM »

I'm seriously considering putting a set of SM's in my Tokai 120 (335).

My immeadiate feeling is to go with the Alnico IV's but I'd like to hear some opinions.

I want a good clean sound but it has to do dirt as well. I have Nailbombs in my LP for heavier stuff, so not too bothered if they don't get REALLY dirty.

Thought's and opinions please (or is that too much to ask on a Friday?)...

Jonny · « **Reply #1 on:** February 08, 2008, 01:40:42 PM »

Are you not broke?

ailean · « **Reply #2 on:** February 08, 2008, 01:42:53 PM »

Yeah, but I'm hoping for a bonus :)

PhilKing · « **Reply #3 on:** February 09, 2008, 12:58:51 PM »

It's not so much a power thing as a tone difference. The AII is a little more like the older humbucker tone (think early Fleetwood Mac), whereas the AIV is a little more tight and sparkly, almost Fender like in the neck position. I tend to think of it as more early Free, if you listen to Paul Kossoff he has a very powerful but clean tone on a lot of the early recordings. I actually don't have a bridge AIV SM, mine is a neck with a Riff Raff bridge (which is a great combination for all sorts of music).

The PG Blues are based on an AII Stormy Monday, and they are a great set for all early rock and blues tones. Stormy Mondays will do dirt, but you will need to dig in hard to get the push from them.

Philly Q · « **Reply #4 on:** February 09, 2008, 08:16:40 PM »

What about an AII neck and AIV bridge? Would that work?

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #5 on:** February 09, 2008, 09:37:43 PM »

Quote from: Philly Q

What about an AII neck and AIV bridge? Would that work?

from my own perspective, I'd get A4 for the neck and A2 for the bridge if I was going for SM's - I think A2 in the neck would be too bassy and the low notes would 'blur'

PhilKing · « **Reply #6 on:** February 09, 2008, 10:26:41 PM »

I am pretty certain that Tim said AIV and AII don't work together really well. AV - AIV and AV - AII are the combinations which work best (other than matching the magnets).

Philly Q · « **Reply #7 on:** February 09, 2008, 10:37:10 PM »

I've got an AII SM neck in my V and I don't find it bassy - but I do know what HTH means about the notes "blurring" (I actually quite like that in a neck pickup).

But I've never tried the SM bridge model, whether AII or AIV.

ailean · « **Reply #8 on:** February 09, 2008, 10:39:36 PM »

Thanks for the input guys, it's actually taken me back a step, I was pretty settled on SM's but I'm not so sure now, both the PG's and the Riff Raff's sound interesting.

Damnit, I need to win the lottery so I can dedicate my life to trying every pickup in every combination that Tim makes.