What is the magnetic orientation of a magnet?
The magnetic orientation of a magnet is the preferred direction of the South and North polarity. The rod magnets used in Fender style single coil pickups are South on one end and North on the other. The bar magnets used in Gibson style humbucking pickups designed by Seth E. Lover, the magnet measures 2 1/2 long x 1/2 wide and 1/8 thick and is magnetized across the 1/2 dimension. Some believe the magnet is magnetized along the length but this would make the pickup work improperly. Normally the stud side of the humbucker is a North polarity and the adjustable side is the South polarity. Magnets can be reversed as long as you like the sound when two or more pickups are used together. In single coil pickups you need to use the same polarity on all the rod magnets in a row. If one or more are reversed, there will be a phase problem within the pickup and combined with others. with others.
