Magnaflux I vs. Magnaflux II

I read the difference between these two pickups on the Westone Info site, but it does not say what the difference is tonally (although it is impossible to accurately describe sound!). Just curious.... for those of you in-the-know... is there really much, if any, difference? For example, to compare a Spectrum LX with a Spectrum DX (the site indicates these two have the different pickups in-question). Thanks.

AFAIK, Magnaflux was just the Westone nomenclature for MMK45s...

I think that's correct John. However, when you toss in the confusion over the UBC's it may be the the I and II are used to differentiate somehow?

The MMK45's are the standard Mats pickup and highly desirable. They typically read around 11.5KΩ. The UBC's were an attempt at something different and they have their supporters and *ahem* detractors. They typically test out in the 6.5KΩ range. In other words, the resistance reading on a split coil MMK45 is roughly equal to a UBC in full humbucker mode!

That doesn't describe the tonal quality though.
I think most would describe the 45's generally as being full ranged, powerful and loud! A terrific all purpose gigging pup. The UBC's definitely cannot compete on this level, but you could argue that they possess more clarity and would be preferable in "quieter" circumstances or perhaps for recording.

Does that help?

Thanks, fellas... interesting info. Wish it could help solve the "do I need another Spectrum?" conundrum... and I certainly DON'T need another black one.

The MMK45s in my Workingman are certainly brighter & louder than the UBC in the Spectrum. Now it just comes down to self-control. (Insert thinking man emotocon).... "lets see, banged-up DX with ALL features intact at a nearly acceptable price"... Hmm....

drsyn67 wrote:..."do I need another Spectrum?"...

Silly boy.
Of course you do!

This one is going to cost me about as much as the last black one... which was a nice price.