Author Topic: Why Alnico IV? (Read 28950 times)

gripweed · « **on:** May 11, 2005, 06:57:51 PM »

I know that a few of the BK pickups have Alnico IV. What is the advantage of Alnico IV over Alnico V? I know that they are somewhat similar in tone.

PhilKing · « **Reply #1 on:** May 11, 2005, 08:08:47 PM »

I have an alnico IV/V set. The V is stronger and gives more output. But the best part is using them together, they seem to give that magic blues tone that Peter Green used to get. I think the IV is a little sweeter too, not quite as aggressive.

Tim · « **Reply #2 on:** May 11, 2005, 08:16:12 PM »

Alnico IV is totally different to Alnico V and not a weak V as some people make out.It is slightly lower in output with better balance across all frequencies whereas Alnico V tends to push the bass and highs quite aggressively.
Why use it?
Well it was used originally by Gibson, along with AII and AIII, in the early PAF humbuckers and the AIVs are widely regarded as sounding the best.
It's certainly my favourite of the Alnico family PDT_015

All of our Alnico III, IV and V magnets are individually cast and unpolished.

Ratrod · « **Reply #3 on:** May 11, 2005, 08:19:37 PM »

From all the pickups I've heard, I have to come to the conclusion that I like the Alnico II's & V's the most.

Tim · « **Reply #4 on:** May 11, 2005, 08:23:40 PM »

Have you tried Alnico IV?
After playing Alnico IV I found it very hard to go back to using Alnico II as it sounded too mushy and syrupy in comparison.In fact we hardly ever use it at all these days.

Ratrod · « **Reply #5 on:** May 11, 2005, 08:52:11 PM »

It's not that I dislike IV's. I think the Reverend has IV's wich sound great. I like the sound that some players get with the SD Alnico II Pro's.

I also liked the sound of the Crawlers better than the Mules in the soundclips. Maybe 'better' isn't the correct word here, it's a matter of personal taste, we all hear things differently. Also, I have a somewhat midrangy amp, so I feel that V's go better with it.

Kinda hard to explain isn't it. Doesn't Angus use Alnico II's as well? He has an awesome tone but I think that's mostly the amp.

Tim · « **Reply #6 on:** May 11, 2005, 08:59:50 PM »

Angus' genuine tone is Alnico V- Alnico II wouldn't give you that tone at all but you're right about tone, it is a very personal issue and what's right for one person or even one guitar won't be right for another. That's what makes us all different-thank god :lol:

Ratrod · « **Reply #7 on:** May 11, 2005, 09:10:43 PM »

I still have my customized Fender Tele, it has a SD Pearly Gates humbucker (A2's) in the bridge wich sounds quite good. Not too much volume difference with the other two single coils and does a good Angus imitation. If I'm not mistaken Angus uses Rio Grande BBQ's. I dunno what kind of magnets are in those.

Tim · « **Reply #8 on:** May 11, 2005, 10:01:35 PM »

Angus is down as playing BBQs which are Alnico V but he also has a signature Gibson pickup which is also Alnico V-I've been told he plays neither and sticks to his stock vintage patent number humbuckers, also Alnico V.

gripweed · « **Reply #9 on:** May 11, 2005, 11:29:05 PM »

So why no Alnico IV single coils?

Tim · « **Reply #10 on:** May 12, 2005, 07:47:40 AM »

We do offer Alnico IV in singles, particularly for maple board Strats.

PhilKing · « **Reply #11 on:** May 12, 2005, 08:44:45 AM »

Hi Tim,

Which magnets did the Apache's have on the white Strat at LGS? They sounded great. I want to put a set on a 57 Strat. Maple Neck but no lacquer to speak of. Would having an alnico V in the bridge with IV in middle and neck work? I am thinking about the sound I get on the LP with both pickups.

Cheers
Phil

Ratrod · « **Reply #12 on:** May 12, 2005, 11:46:48 AM »

Quote from: Tim

Angus is down as playing BBQs which are Alnico V but he also has a signature Gibson pickup which is also Alnico V-I've been told he plays neither and sticks to his stock vintage patent number humbuckers, also Alnico V.

So basicly, Gibson and Rio Grande spread lies to their (potential) customers?

The Riff Raff is Alnico II, the name suggests an Angus tone, so why II's and not V's?

Tim · « **Reply #13 on:** May 12, 2005, 01:10:41 PM »

They don't lie, they sign these artists up to various agreements and I'm sure they have the pickups in a guitar 'somewhere' :lol:
We used to fit Alnico II in our Riff Raffs but they're Alnico V now and I revoiced them a while ago to be completely accurate to Angus's early patent number humbuckers(apologies, I haven't updated the spec on the site yet!).

jt · « **Reply #14 on:** May 12, 2005, 01:30:19 PM »

Quote from: Tim

They don't lie, they sign these artists up to various agreements and I'm sure they have the pickups in a guitar 'somewhere' :lol:
We used to fit Alnico II in our Riff Raffs but they're Alnico V now and I revoiced them a while ago to be completely accurate to Angus's early patent number humbuckers(apologies, I haven't updated the spec on the site yet!).

:guitar4: Hi Tim do you use the AIV or AV on the VH2`s ?