Magnets Have No Sound

• The effect a magnet produces on a pickup's tone rests in circuit design and strength rather than chemical composition. Magnets of equal strength bear no effect on tonal characteristics, regardless of their makeup. Bill Lawrence, former pickup designer for Gibson, states, "A magnet by itself has no sound, and as a part of a pickup, the magnet is simply the source to provide the magnetic field for the strings. The important factor is the design of a magnetic circuit, which establishes what magnet to use." The stronger the magnet, the brighter and louder the output tends to be.
  
  

Alnico 2 Magnets in Pickups

• Pickups containing Alnico 2 magnets generally emit a round, mellow tone. The lower magnetic strength of most Alnico 2 pickups generates a lower output than its counterparts, and often provides a warmer tone. Neck pickups in Fender Telecasters often contain Alnico 2 magnets.
  
  

Alnico 5 Magnets in Pickups

• Alnico 5 contains more cobalt and less aluminum and nickel than Alnico 2, with increased magnetic properties. This strength often gives Alnico 5 pickups a brighter tone than Alnico 2 pickups, and a stiffer low end. Quality humbucking pickups often include Alnico 5 magnets in their design.
  
  

Ceramic Magnets in Pickups

• Ceramic magnets often create a stronger magnetic field than Alnico magnets, generally giving a higher output. Ceramic pickups vary greatly in tonal quality. Cheaper pickups may provide too harsh of a sound, while superior pickups grant a greater dynamic range than most Alnico pickups. Rock players often favor ceramic pickups for their stronger attack vs. Alnicos.
  
  

Variables

• Many factors influence a pickup's tone. These include: the size of the wire, number of windings, direct current resistance, and the sizes of the magnet and bobbin. Increasing and reducing the space between the strings and pickups will also affect tone. The summaries above list tonal differences as a rule of thumb; some Alnico 2 pickups may sound brighter than particular ceramic pickups, which may sound warmer than certain Alnico 5 pickups depending on their quality, design and intended use.