Does anyone offer Firebird sized magnets in Alnico 4 or Al 3?

[Bryan Jeppson]

I know Mojo and FX offer A5 or (blech) ceramic firebird magnets, but I'm far more partial to A4 for any kind of HB pickup. Am I chasing unicorns, or is it possible to get something in that size in A4. Heck, I'd even like to tinker with A3 for that matter.

[big_teee]

I try to keep up with magnet pice lists.
Don't know of any that size in A2, A3 or A4.
For prototypes, I've ground some regular bar magnets off to 2.05".
Let them stick out the bottom of the bobbins, and shim up the bobbins.
Another option is to use a .5x2.5 on the bottom and use steel slug bars in the bobbins.
Both will work.
T

[Bryan Jeppson]

What do you use to cut alnico? I had a woodworking shop up until a year ago, but have no experience in metalworking.

[big_teee]

I'm sure there are proper ways to do it?
I just wanted a couple, and I ground them off.
It took a while, and I tried to not let them get too hot.
If you need lots of them?
Shea at Magnetichold will get you whatever you want.
He has a minimum $40 order.
shea@magneticholdcompany.com
http://music-electronics-forum.com/a...price-list.pdf

[David King]

We've had discussions here about cutting various magnets which you can look up. Tile saws work wonders with ceramic magnets. Alnico might do OK with a wet tile saw but the diamond grit has a tendency to become absorbed into ferrous metals if the temperature is allowed to get much above the boiling point. Best bet is to just order a bunch from whoever is willing to work with you. Figure a month minimum for custom orders from Chinese sources. You may find it cheaper to order in larger quantities from the Chinese foundries than to order a few samples from a reseller like Magnetic hold or Allstar. You have to factor in shipping via air courier which is often as much as the magnets.
It might be worth checking with the US foundries just to get a price. Say you need 20 magnets but end up ordering 250 you can always put them up for sale around here.

[big_teee]

That is why it is more popular to put full length magnet on the bottom, and use slug bars in the bobbins.

[Bryan Jeppson]

Put in an order of 50 from Shea. Thanks for the suggestion Tee.

[big_teee]

Put in an order of 50 from Shea. Thanks for the suggestion Tee.

Which magnet type did you order?
Shea has been good to order special Types and sizes.
GL,
T

[Bryan Jeppson]

A4 Firebird dimensions. (2.05 x.315 x. 125 ) Ran me close to $4 each, so about double the cost of A5, but if the tonal improvement is as pronounced on the FB pups as what A5 to A4 is for me with HBs, a few extra bucks per pickup is fine.