Considering Upgrading Jazz Pickups, NJ4SV possibly

[Valerus]

Okay fellas, I have been loving my Fender Classic 70s Jazz and I think it sounds fantastic.

But, I've become increasingly...conscious of the hum when I start messing with pickup volumes.

So I've been thinking about upgrading to Nordstrand NJ4SV's.

I had these installed in a different jazz bass a year and a half ago and I was really underwhelmed, BUT I think it was due to the bass, not the pickups.

And sound-wise, I'd like to retain the 70's growl and whatnot.

I don't really know what I'm trying to ask.
Maybe...Is this a good, plausible idea?
And for those of you who have these installed, do your NJ4SV's still have that "old school" vibe, the non-modern tone?




Also, I am getting a hiss that doesn't go away unless I touch my control plate. Is that a shielding issue?


Thanks for looking guys.

[Valerus]

Billie Jean is not my lover.

[line6man]

Originally Posted by Valerus

Billie Jean is not my lover.

She's just a girl who claims that I am the one. But the kid is not my son.

[warnan]

delano jc4al will be another option.

[Nedmundo]

I have the five string NJ5FS, which I believe are voiced similarly to the NJ4SV. To my ears, they're on the modern side of the passive J-bass neighborhood. The noiseless Fralins in my four have a more raw, gritty texture that I associate with vintage tone. The Nords are smoother, but still have lots of punch in a band mix. Both sound great IMO, but I do prefer the Fralins.

[Valerus]

Thanks Ned. I will research the Fralins!

Edit:

Hmm. $240 for a pair of Fralin Noise-cancelling pickups
or $150 for a pair of used NJ4SV's.

Tough decision.

[Valerus]

any more opinions on the matter? Thanks guys.

[4StringTheorist]

Originally Posted by Valerus

Okay fellas, I have been loving my Fender Classic 70s Jazz and I think it sounds fantastic.

But, I've become increasingly...conscious of the hum when I start messing with pickup volumes.

So I've been thinking about upgrading to Nordstrand NJ4SV's.

I had these installed in a different jazz bass a year and a half ago and I was really underwhelmed, BUT I think it was due to the bass, not the pickups.

And sound-wise, I'd like to retain the 70's growl and whatnot.

I don't really know what I'm trying to ask.
Maybe...Is this a good, plausible idea?
And for those of you who have these installed, do your NJ4SV's still have that "old school" vibe, the non-modern tone?

Originally Posted by Valerus

any more opinions on the matter? Thanks guys.

I love the NJ4SVs. I'm just leaning toward something more modern and less "vintage J bass" so at some point in the near future I'll be selling my NJ4SVs to finance buying a couple of these.

Given what you describe as your tone preferences, I'd say the NJ4SVs would hit the spot!

[poorbassist15]

I want to replace the pups in my 60s, I thought I would check out the Fender CS 60s pups. But until such time as I can finance it, I'll be watching this thread with great interest.

[Valerus]

Originally Posted by 4StringTheorist

I love the NJ4SVs. I'm just leaning toward something more modern and less "vintage J bass" so at some point in the near future I'll be selling my NJ4SVs to finance buying a couple of these.

Given what you describe as your tone preferences, I'd say the NJ4SVs would hit the spot!

I just need the funding. I like the current pickups but when the time comes when I can't stand the non hum-canceling, i'll pick up a set!

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by Valerus

any more opinions on the matter? Thanks guys.

Sure, there are more choices... I make hum canceling Jazz pickups. They aren't exactly vintage sounding, but you can get those tones and more.

Some people also seem to like the DiMarzio Area Js for a vintage tone.

[Valerus]

I'll check them out, thanks!

[eyeballkid]

i put the Dimarz Ultra jazzes in a us jazz and couldnt be happier!

[duff84]

im debating this right now, i think im putting in a set of seymour duncan sjb-2 hot jazz pickups into my 70s reissue jazz bass, it sounds good but the output isn't there. hopefully the duncans will fix it.

[garmenteros]

If you can find them, vintage HI-A Bartolini pickups. I had them in a vintage 77 jazz I had and they were noise free and played the vintage part well... Compared with a 78 jazz I also owned they had more bark and less treble...

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by 4StringTheorist

I love the NJ4SVs. I'm just leaning toward something more modern and less "vintage J bass" so at some point in the near future I'll be selling my NJ4SVs to finance buying a couple of these.

They do vintage type tones as well!

[Anderson81]

I have SV's in my 05 MIM.
The bass is completely silent. I've never heard an electric insturment that quiet, tbh. If that's your major concern for buying them, you will not be disappointed.
As far as tone, I will say this: They are very high quality pickups, and sound like it. I can, however, hear a hollow type of grind from them, usually associated with humbucking pickups. Personally, this is driving me crazy, as no amount of EQ or preamp settings will ever stop it. If that's the kind of sound you're looking for, I say go for it.

[Valerus]

Originally Posted by Anderson81

I have SV's in my 05 MIM.
The bass is completely silent. I've never heard an electric insturment that quiet, tbh. If that's your major concern for buying them, you will not be disappointed.
As far as tone, I will say this: They are very high quality pickups, and sound like it. I can, however, hear a hollow type of grind from them, usually associated with humbucking pickups. Personally, this is driving me crazy, as no amount of EQ or preamp settings will ever stop it. If that's the kind of sound you're looking for, I say go for it.

thanks for your input!

would you mind describing this hollow type of grind you speak of?

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by Valerus

thanks for your input!

would you mind describing this hollow type of grind you speak of?

Check out this thread.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f38/nj4-vs-nj4sv-humcanceling-question-688644/#post9636716

Not everyone thought they sounded like "humbuckers."

[Valerus]

thanks for the link!