Guitar pickups are essential components of electric guitars, and they rely on magnets to create the sound that we all love. However, over time, these magnets can become demagnetized, which can lead to a loss of volume, sustain, and tone. If you suspect that your guitar pickup magnet is dead, there are a few things you can do to diagnose and fix the problem.
Diagnosing a Dead Guitar Pickup Magnet
The first step is to rule out other potential causes of the problem. Make sure that your guitar cable is properly plugged in and that the volume knob on your guitar and amp are turned up. You should also check to see if the battery in your guitar is new and fully charged. If everything else is in order, then it’s time to start diagnosing the pickup magnet.
One way to do this is to use a metal detector. Hold the metal detector over the pickup and see if it gives a strong signal. If it doesn’t, then the magnet is likely demagnetized.
Another way to diagnose a dead pickup magnet is to compare it to a working pickup. If you have another guitar with a working pickup, try swapping the pickups out. If the problem persists, then it’s definitely the pickup magnet.
Fixing a Dead Guitar Pickup Magnet
There are two ways to fix a dead guitar pickup magnet: re-magnetize it or replace it.
Re-magnetizing a guitar pickup magnet
Re-magnetizing a guitar pickup magnet is a relatively simple process. All you need is a strong magnet, such as a rare earth magnet or a demagnetizer/magnetizer tool.
To re-magnetize the pickup magnet, simply hold the strong magnet against it and move it back and forth in a sweeping motion. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the pickup magnet. Once you’re finished, the pickup magnet should be re-magnetized.
Replacing a guitar pickup magnet
If the pickup magnet is too damaged to be re-magnetized, then you’ll need to replace it. This is a more difficult process, but it’s still possible to do it yourself.
To replace a guitar pickup magnet, you’ll need to remove the pickup from the guitar. Once the pickup is removed, you can use a soldering iron to remove the old magnet. Be sure to heat the magnet evenly to avoid damaging it.
Once the old magnet is removed, you can solder in a new magnet. Be sure to follow the instructions that come with the new magnet to ensure that it’s installed correctly.
Conclusion
If you’re having trouble with your guitar pickups, it’s important to diagnose the problem correctly. If you suspect that the pickup magnet is dead, you can try re-magnetizing it or replacing it. Re-magnetizing a pickup magnet is a relatively simple process, but replacing it is a more difficult task. If you’re not comfortable doing either of these tasks yourself, you can always take your guitar to a qualified technician.