MIM pickup convert to Alnico

[angelodp]

Hi If anyone is familiar with this style Strat MIM pickup. I am contemplating converting to Alnico rod, but I wonder if this type is wound on the poles already and that would destroy the pup to pull the rods out? Is that what's going on here? 

Best Ange 

[mitch88]

I cant help you with an anwser tho i presume MIM is Made in Mexico, but there are several types of pkups used which one do you have?

[gckelloch]

If they are plastic, they are probably molded and the poles can be pushed out when heated with a blow dryer.

If you aren't sure which grade of AlNiCo poles you want, you should know that AV can cause very strong Stat-itus on the low E and G strings on the higher frets. I found a YT comparison video that shows little difference in sound compared to AII, but you will have more flexibility in pickup heights b4 Strat-itus. Modern AII has about the same permeability as AIII, so I see no real advantage to AIII unless you know you want that.:



You could also use AII on the high strings and AV on the lows if you want that thinner sound on the low strings, but you'll still have to contend with potential Strat-itus on the low E. AV (or AVIII) would have the thinnest/least natural harmonic content compared to the Steel poles. You can get Steel baseplates cheap on Ali Express if you want more punch-- maybe just on the bridge.

You might also consider if you want a modern stagger for better string output balance than a vintage stagger. I was always curious why the high E pole was longer than the B when the coil can be raised more for a fatter resulting high E sound, but whatever works for you is good.

[angelodp]

Yes they appear to be plastic but not the type that have holes alongside the pole pieces. I have replaced pole pieces in that type but these appear to be a different
makeup of bobbin. They are 1996 MIM for sure and sound ok. Neck isn 5.4k, the tow other are 2.6k..... odd. Thyb do have a certain favor. Maybe I'll just pull the whole thing out and swap in my own pups that I'll wind. I want to try the 50/60 idea that Ellis has. I aim o Ellis but I can try the idea of AlV on the bass strings and Al3 on the treble strings.

Thanks All

[gckelloch]

2.6k is odd. It's not 6.2k? The readings will be a tad low if you measured them with the pots connected, and maybe the switch was somehow shorting the M&B pickups together. That might explain 2.6k.

You can get AIV poles here if you think AV might be too thin. It also has higher permeability than AV, and tends to sound warmer for whatever reason:

www.alegree.co.uk/collections/stratocaster-pickup-building-supplies/products/alnico-rod-beveled-set-for-stratocaster-telecaster-and-similar-pickups

You could even order one flat stagger set and three vintage stagger sets to make up modern vintage sort of staggers. FI, use two of the flat stagger 17.5mm for the A & G poles. Use the 17mm for the low E, B & high E, and an 18mm for the D from the vintage stagger sets.