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Topic: Magnetize JB “Fuzzy†horseshoes? |
Kevin Glandon
From:
New York, USA
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Posted 10 Nov 2020 6:37 am |
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The Jerry Byrd model lap steel by Excel comes with fake horseshoe mags if I’m not mistaken. I’ve heard of them being magnetized. Anyone out there that can tell me about this and what the results are with regards to tone and function. I’m considering buying a used JB lap steel as it’s the only aluminum lap I could afford. They come up a decent prices now and then.
Thank you |
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Joe Cook
From:
Lake Osoyoos, WA
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Posted 11 Nov 2020 9:18 am
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| Hi Kevin, I'd be interested in that as well. I love the tone of mine as is but would like to hear one that's been magnetized. The stock pickups sound pretty good to me. I've really been enjoying my JB! |
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Kevin Glandon
From:
New York, USA
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Posted 11 Nov 2020 9:31 am JB Magnetize
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| Hi, I've heard that it is doable, I just don't remember where I heard it.. It' may have been Rick Aiello that I heard it from. I just don't remember. I'm thinking of getting a JB Fuzzy but I'd like to hear something about the mags first. I crave the Rickenbacher sound but there isn't any way I can pay for a A22 or A25. Same goes for Clinsmith. The Fuzzy JB on the used market looks to be the way. |
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Rick Aiello
From:
Berryville, VA USA
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Posted 11 Nov 2020 1:44 pm
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Those faux magnets are "mild steel" ... not enough carbon present to heat treat. Magnet steel has to be heat treated to retain any magnetism.
They would charge up ... then be dead the next morning.
They do serve a purpose though ... steel backed magnets (even mild steel) kicks up the "juice"... so those oversized alnico pole pieces in any JB frypan ... are stronger with them on than without them.
Sorry for the bad news ... but on the bright side ... the JBs are fine guitars ... and the newer ones are much nicer than the older Excels and Shobuds.
The main difference really isn't the faux magnets ... it's the magnet wire size ... Rickys, Bigsbys and Charlie Christians use 38 AWG ... a thicker wire than the 42 AWG that the JBs are wound with.
I've wound many JBs with 38 ... makes them more Ricky sounding ... 🤠 |
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Kevin Glandon
From:
New York, USA
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Posted 11 Nov 2020 1:53 pm JB Magnetize
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| Thank you for sharing that info Rick. Very much appreciated. Should I end up getting hold of one of these JB frypans, I'll see about having the pickup rewound to achieve that Ric sound. Least as close as they can come. How many turns of 38 AWG will get the job done? |
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Rick Aiello
From:
Berryville, VA USA
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Posted 11 Nov 2020 2:02 pm
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| 5000 turns of 38 AWG ... |
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Kevin Glandon
From:
New York, USA
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Posted 11 Nov 2020 2:10 pm JB Magnetize
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| Thank you Rick. |
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Keith Aiken
From:
North Carolina, USA
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Posted 12 Nov 2020 4:38 am Magnetize JB “Fuzzy†horseshoes?
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rick can you elaborate?
the JBs are fine guitars ... and the newer ones are much nicer than the older Excels and Shobuds |
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Rick Aiello
From:
Berryville, VA USA
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Posted 12 Nov 2020 5:55 am
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I have a Shobud signed by JB and an early Excel ... I've seen a few of the newer ones coming from Excel and the body and finish is excellent. Almost a textured appearance ... it looks wonderful ... Mark Prucha plays a new one ... here is a video ... it zooms in a couple times ...
https://youtu.be/R3BSET7ASG0 |
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Joe Cook
From:
Lake Osoyoos, WA
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Posted 12 Nov 2020 7:03 am
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Thank you Rick for the info. I will leave mine as is. I like the tone of the stock configuration just fine.  |
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