Bartolini 9J1 vs Nordstrand NJ4SE

[Queg]

Do these (differently priced) split coil J's really sound much different?

[Queg]

Hm.
Either the question is boring and overdone, or very touchy.

I'll answer it:

They sound exactly the same.

It's just that Bartolini's are old hat and no longer in favor. Everyone knows that the hot new, trendy brand is Nordstrand.

[Rano Bass]

Both are good but Nordstrands are more expensive.

[Kael]

Originally Posted by Queg

Hm.
Either the question is boring and overdone, or very touchy.

I'll answer it:

They sound exactly the same.

It's just that Bartolini's are old hat and no longer in favor. Everyone knows that the hot new, trendy brand is Nordstrand.

I find a little more J style "grind" from the Nordies. The Barts are a little smoother IME.

[Queg]

Originally Posted by Kael

I find a little more J style "grind" from the Nordies. The Barts are a little smoother IME.

Thanks for the informative response.

And yes, I did troll my own thread with a completely fabricated, obnoxious statement. I was being facetious.

[ghoulbug]

Strange, because the NJ4SE's happen to be one of the brightest pickups I know of.

[Kael]

Originally Posted by ghoulbug

Strange, because the NJ4SE's happen to be one of the brightest pickups I know of.

Really. I know that the nj4sv's are reported to be brighter and the single coil nordies are brighter yet. I know that the nj4se's I put in my fretless J have more low mid range going on and less top end than the stock fender single coils they replaced. Of course, I am comparing single coil to humbucking here which isn't a direct/fair comparison.

[Kwesi]

Originally Posted by Queg

Hm.
Either the question is boring and overdone, or very touchy.

I'll answer it:

They sound exactly the same.

It's just that Bartolini's are old hat and no longer in favor. Everyone knows that the hot new, trendy brand is Nordstrand.

Yo, ears is broke, son. You might've gotten a pass if you were talking about the Bartolini CBJD1s

I can't comment specifically on the nj4se's but I've used the 9j1's and the nj5s's.

9J1:

-Smoother somewhat more compressed (though not very) sound overall

-Slightly muted top end

-Much more growl at the bridge (think Jaco)

-Not as aggressive

NJ5S:

-Brighter more open sound. Very "full range."

-Not particularly aggressive but can grind if you want them to

-Maybe a teensy bit more articulate

-Not as much growl at the bridge