What magnets were used in PAFs?

[snaredrum]

don't forget to do the '50s wiring mod as well!

[paulygates]

Already done that. Best mod you can do. RS Vintage kit.

[korus]

Originally Posted by paulygates

Yeah. I tried poking it with a screwdriver. I used as much force as I dared but no luck.

If the magnet is glued to the baseplate pushing gently a sharp thin pointy knife underneath it, slowly bit by bit, should loosen it from the base.

Originally Posted by paulygates

Thanks. I have a set of BK Mules with AIV magnets and I would love to hear them with AIIs. I wonder if its an easy/cheap option to just replace the magnets. I can't really afford to splash out on some new PUPs. If its cheap and easy I can always change the magnets back without too much fuss if I don't like them.

The tone of the magnet can vary vastly depending on how strong it is magnetized. But if you're replacing eg fully charged A4 with fully charged A2 expect - a bit less highs and lows and a bit less punch, and a tiny bit higher signal level. Sweeter highs and spongier lows are the terms also used. And greater punch is the most obvious and most relevant reason for using A4 instead of A2, but really good pieces of wood already have enough punch, so they do not need it.

(This comparison is valid only for these magnets in the same pickup AND the SAME GUITAR. 'Cause tone of 2 guitars can differ so much that if you use A4 in one guitar and A2 in the other, you might have exactly the opposite results/effect even with the same pickup.)

YMMV, but HTH.