AXY pickups say 5xy underneath, why?

[wisconsindeadd]

I just purchased AXY pickups. It is the right size for 4 strings (just over 4 inches wide) but it says 5xy on the back/ underside. Anyone know why?

[adriaan]

Nope, an AXY4 is just over 8 cm, so about 3.25" wide.

[mica]

There's 2 different magnets - the earliest ones had a smaller magnet.  If yours says 5XY, it means that it has the newer longer magnet that will accommodate some 5 string basses. But that's a smaller housing (and magnet) than is in the 56 models, which cover 5 string and 6 string basses.

[edwardofhuncote]

Good information there. Any ballpark idea of when these came about Mica?

[mica]

Not really - we just make things better when we do and then move on to the next thing.

[wayne]

Not really - we just make things better when we do and then move on to the next thing.

I LOVE this statement!!