3rd Power’s MagFRAG Pickup System: A New Era in Guitar Tone Control
3rd Power has unveiled the innovative MagFRAG pickup system, a groundbreaking advancement that promises to give guitarists unparalleled control over thier gain staging.
this tube amplifier expert, known for crafting amps for renowned artists like Joe Satriani, showcased the latest iteration of its proprietary technology at NAMM last month. Originally introduced in 2017, the revamped MagFRAG humbuckers and single-coils aim to redefine the landscape of modern pickup technology.
A Golden Age for Guitar pickups
We are undoubtedly in a remarkable period for guitar pickups. The last decade has witnessed meaningful advancements in pickup technology, a revolution that began with Fishman’s launch of the Fluence Modern humbuckers in 2014.
at that time, Guitar World praised the Fluence system as “the first truly innovative electric guitar pickup design in over 80 years.” Similarly, the MagFRAG system aspires to make a significant impact in the realm of passive pickups.
Innovative Design for Enhanced Control
The MagFRAG pickups utilize a multi-magnet platform that allows musicians to intentionally control the gain’s origin and intensity. This design incorporates string-specific magnet voicing-such as alnico II and V-to enhance clarity, balance, and dynamic response, setting it apart from traditional pickups that rely on a single magnet bar.
According to 3rd Power, the MagFRAG system is not focused on replicating vintage sounds but rather on expanding the possibilities of modern tone. It emphasizes a player’s touch while maintaining musicality across various gain levels.
Two Distinct Families: PraXIS and Drive
Initially conceived as a high-resolution interface between guitar and amplifier, the MagFRAG system has evolved into two distinct series: PraXIS and Drive.
The PraXIS Series emphasizes transparency and dynamic response. The PraXIS Reveal model, featuring a low-mass coil architecture, prioritizes touch sensitivity and clarity, allowing gain to be shaped at the pedalboard or amplifier level while preserving the nuances of the player’s technique.
On the other hand, PraXIS Reference delivers a broader tonal range, ideal for the modern electric guitar, while Reference+ provides higher output and a more pronounced push.
The MagFRAG Drive Series includes the Drive and Drive Studio pickups. The Drive model is designed to engage the amplifier’s front end with responsive saturation and enhanced mids without excessive compression,while the Drive Studio offers an unpotted configuration for controlled microphonics,improved harmonic bloom,and studio-quality responsiveness.
Intentional Gain Shaping
The concept of a pickup system that allows musicians to deliberately select their gain staging is intriguing, and the multi-magnet design offers a refreshing perspective on traditional passive pickups.
For instance, the diagrams illustrate three distinct magnets utilized within a single pickup, which will undoubtedly influence the overall tone and performance.
These advancements represent a significant shift from conventional passive pickup designs.In fact, the latest versions of the MagFRAG pickups have yet to be released online, with the 3rd Power website currently displaying a “Coming Soon” message.
“MagFRAG is about intent,” stated Dylana Nova Scott, Founder and Chief Designer of 3rd Power Amplification. “The choice of where to shape gain should be a musical decision.The MagFRAG Pickup System equips players with clear, purpose-driven tools to determine whether that shaping occurs at the guitar, pedalboard, or amplifier.”
As with any new technology, it will be interesting to observe how transformative the magfrag pickups prove to be once they hit the market. The effectiveness of the MagFRAGs in distinguishing gain stages-whether sourced from a pedalboard or amplifier-remains to be seen.
Expect to see a plethora of demo videos in the near future, so stay tuned to 3rd Power for the latest updates.
