Modification of cheap pickups

[SpareRibs]

Hello,
I am trying to modify some cheap humbucker pickups. So far I have added a  piece of 1/8" bar stock, cut to to fit on the bottom, same size as magnet. To add inductance and tone down the ceramic magnet.
Cut the pole screws to be flush with the bottom of the keeper bar, as they were protruding about 3/8 th's past.
Used a nibbler to remove most of the center of the brass base plate, to cut down on eddy currents.
On most of the guitar forums it was suggested to change pole pieces, screws, base plate, and keeper bar.
I am just trying to improve the sound. To make all of the changes suggested elsewhere, would cost as much as a cheap set of replacement pickups. Which would come with the same problems built in.
 Does anyone have any further suggestions that would make any improvements

[tubenit]

Sure, very very easy to do to change out the awful sounding ceramic pickups for Alnico 2 or Alnico 3 magnets.  And for $10, it is very inexpensive.

http://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=18852.0

With respect, Tubenit

[Platefire]

What about ceramic single coils? Platefire

[SpareRibs]

What about ceramic single coils? Platefire

Hello,
One solution I have found on single coil pickups is removing the ceramic bar magnet and replacing it with 6 neodymium magnets.
While they are still in the package, use a compass to find north and south. using a marker, color one side accordingly.
Install one on the bottom of each pole piece.
It makes each pole piece an individual magnet instead of, the 6 pole pieces disrupting the magnetic field of the bar magnet in 6 different places.
You can buy them at Radio Shack in packets of 2, they are 1/4". Perfect for the bottoms of the pole pieces. A drop of super glue on each one keeps them from pulling themselves back together.

[SpareRibs]

Sure, very very easy to do to change out the awful sounding ceramic pickups for Alnico 2 or Alnico 3 magnets.  And for $10, it is very inexpensive.
http://el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=18852.0
With respect, Tubenit

Hello,
Thank You, I appreciate the information, however I am on a very limited budget and it infuriates me to pay more for shipping than the part cost. That is why I am trying to make do with what I have on hand.

[Platefire]

The nyodydim? magnets sound better than ceramics? I was thinking more of a Alnico fix. Platefire

[SpareRibs]

Hello,
If you want ALNICO, you can go to Addiction FX, or MOJO Tone. They have the ALNICO pole pieces you can install in the pickups. It just requires you to press out the current ones, and press in the new ones. You can only do it to the pickups with the plastic bobbins. If they are they have fiber flatwork you will ruin them trying to press out the magnets. Also be sure to specify you want them magnetized when ordering.