62 Jazz RI upgrade

Slowgypsy · #1 01-06-2009, 05:27 AM

I'd like to "upgrade" the pickups in my MIA 62 RI stack knob jazz. The stock pickups are currently in there.

My reasons for upgrading...
The A & D strings are definitely lower volume than the E & G strings. I'd like a pickup that's more balanced overall. Also... the sound with these pickups seem to lack fullness or balls... 'bout the only way I can describe it.

I'm currently thinking about Nordstrand NJ4 or NJ4SV pickups. How could I expect the sound to change with either of these pickups, and would the balance issue be resolved?

4Mal · #2 01-06-2009, 04:52 PM

Can't help you with the Nord's. I have the stock MIA set in one of my 62 RI's and a split coil set from Vintage Vibe in the other. The split coils are dead quiet and have a throatier tone to them. It isn't a P Bass but it's heading in the direction from the J. The J with the split's is my go to bass for the retro and country rock stuff I do. It just has a fatter vibe to it.

Conversly - I dig the bass withthe MIA's in it for the acoustic folky stuff I do. It has a little lighter, more mid focused J tone that translates there.
...hope that is helpful.

Slowgypsy · #3 01-06-2009, 05:08 PM

Yep... very helpful stuff... thanks! I'd still like to hear from folks about the Nordstrands. I think I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on this one and opinions would really help.

Davo-London · #4 01-07-2009, 09:59 AM

I have NJSEs in my Jazz and Big Singles in my Cliff Bordwell. Love both sets of PUs. I have a Jaco signature Jazz and the SEs work a treat. However, they are only marginally different from the Fenders. I wanted to go as noiseless as poss, which is why I changed them. And I've got more money than sense. Also, the bridge PU is my fav. I could leave out the neck PU for all I use it.

Davo

dmusic148 · #5 01-07-2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slowgypsy

My reasons for upgrading...
The A & D strings are definitely lower volume than the E & G strings. I'd like a pickup that's more balanced overall.

..., and would the balance issue be resolved?

Sorry but no. Only solutions are 1) even out string height or 2) get pickups with raised A and D polepieces.

Slowgypsy · #6 01-07-2009, 08:06 PM

Well, I just pulled the trigger on a set of NJ4's with raised poles for the A and D strings. It's not a stock item, so it'll take a while before I get them but I'll report back here what I think about them...

dmusic148 · #7 01-07-2009, 08:07 PM

Cool. I forgot they'll do custom requests. I have a Big Split like that.

DonovanBankhead · #8 01-07-2009, 09:21 PM

I have Nordstrand nj5f pickups in my Fender 5-string, and they sound good, but different. They are very big and powerful. I like them because it gives me a different tone, but combined with the Audere pre, it doesn't sound exactly like a jazz...

Now, I also have a custom made Jazz with Amalfitano pickups, and those NAIL that classic Jazz tone. If I wanted a great sounding traditional jazz bass, I'd highly recommend those pickups.