
Before we dive into the details, let's answer the casual surfer here by answering: what is a magnet
pickup even made of? Basically, pickups consist of magnets and wires. However, the way in which these
components work together is rather complicated. A length of wire is first coiled around the magnet,
which creates a magnetic field. Whenever a string vibrates in that field, the coil detects field
changes and then creates a voltage, thus producing that perfect sound. As far as the resources that go
into making the magnets, that where Adams steps in.
Probably the biggest variables that influence the decision between alnico and ceramic magnets for
guitar pickups are their specific uses or effects sought within the realm of pickups. Let's start
with alnico. They are known to be very strong and durable, which is what many pickup manufacturers
love about them. Because of this, they are also used for things such as loudspeakers and motors. But
any seasoned musician will argue that its best purpose is served planted into the pickup of your
guitar. These durable magnets are known for a smooth, melodic sound when it comes to the tone of the
instrument, and different from the sound of the circuit created with ceramic magnets.