Is the Nordstrand 4.3 worth it on a Sterling?

[Agost]

Hi, i'm new on Talkbass, even if i read some threads during these 3 years that i'm playing bass.

I bought a Sterling last year, i love it but i'd like to know if it can sound like a SR only by replacing the pickup.After a while i also started to notice that the E string is a bit louder than the others,even if i switched to 45-100 (from 45-105) and i lowered the pickup on the bass side.

For example, i would like to know if it's the alnico pickup that gives the "punch" on the midrange or if it's something else.
video:

Musicman Stingray - Rounds vs Flats - YouTube

starting from 0:25 (he wrote " no eq,stingray flat" on the vid)

Is that "growly" sound given,even in part,by the alnico pickup?Until now i lowered the action (now it's about 1,5-2,0 mm) and i tried to boost the gain on my amp but sound like something misses.Time to change strings? (D'addario EXL,nickel).Just an impression actually caused by reading these topics? ._.

So, is it worth it? About 120 € for the Nordy? What would i get in terms of sound? Has anyone some samples to post?

Maybe (perhaps surely) someone else has already had these questions but i've been searching for a while on the internet,reading always the same threads.I'm sorry about it,hope i'll get some answers.





P.S.: sorry if i can't totally explain myself in english (i'm from the most beautiful but worst governed country of Europe)

P.P.S: Merry Christmas to all!

[pedroims]

I think the preamp is voiced different too so change the pickup it may not be enough, why just dont trade your sterling for a stingray?

[Agost]

I like the possibility of switching the coils for more versatility and Sterling's neck is way more comfortable than the SR one (and the access to the higher frets it's much easier:i don't have big hands)

[i_got_a_mohawk]

The difference in pickups will have an effect.

But as has been said, pretty sure the preamps are quite different too.

You could make your own 2-band EQ fairly easily if you have some soldering skill. There is probably schematics out there for the 3-band EQ if you prefer the slightly more modern voicing. If not, John East make replacement preamps for Stingrays, but they'll cost you too.

Also, as you say, strings are an important fact too (not to mention the amp & cab!)

[Agost]

The "problem" (if it can defined a problem) doesn't come from the amp,i notice it even on the PC (when i tried to read the frequency spectrum of the signal coming from the bass, lol)

I would prefer keeping the preamp for the switching and because i use the mid pot in some occasions (moreover i don't want to spend hundreds of euros to completely change my bass).
The only hardware change i have in mind is the pickup (and the strings, i've ordered lo-riders from usa 3 weeks ago)

[i_got_a_mohawk]

You could keep the coil tap regardless of the preamp in there.

Again, it was simply a suggestion. You are asking about the SR sound, multiple components are responsible for such a sound. It's going to be hard to nail that by only changing out the pickup. It may be enough for you, it may not be.

Just need to speculate.

[DougD]

Have you tried lowering the pickup on the bass side? That will solve the problem of the E string being louder than the others. Just a thought

[Agost]

@DougD :

Originally Posted by Agost

After a while i also started to notice that the E string is a bit louder than the others,even if i switched to 45-100 (from 45-105) and i lowered the pickup on the bass side.

...yes

I knew ceramic magnets were more present on bass and treble, in fact even if the A and D poles are higher than the E poles ( and only one of the G poles, in fact for the G string there is a higher pole to the bridge and a normal height pole to the neck) they sound a bit less loud...

[DougD]

Originally Posted by Agost

@DougD :


...yes

I knew ceramic magnets were more present on bass and treble, in fact even if the A and D poles are higher than the E poles ( and only one of the G poles, in fact for the G string there is a higher pole to the bridge and a normal height pole to the neck) they sound a bit less loud...

Ok then

[Agost]

Does the Nordy have a balanced output on different strings?

[Agost]

Can anyone help me?

Can it be strings' fault?

[joelb79]

It could be your setup as well. Everything matters, however as I mentioned in PM I think the nordstrand pickup is worlds better than the stock pickup as far as output balance and tone goes. My sterling from 93, the pickup failed on it due to the magnet coming unglued from the pickup. I strongly feel that the ceramic/steel/epoxy design of Ernie Ball's pickup is far inferior to the alnico design that nordstrand has.

However, strings can make a big difference. My favorite strings on a sterling were always DR high beams in 105-45. The lack of mids on them tended to balance the mid-forward stingray sound without loosing sizzle.

If you like to use a lot of low boost, I have found that raising the E string a little more and lowering the pickup some on the bass side will help balance the sound. Try 5mm from the E string (measured from pole piece to bottom of string) and 4mm from the G string. Then raise your E-string a few turns until it sounds quieter. Make sure the E string is high enough off the fretboard to not get too much closer to the pickup than 5mm when you fret at the 17th fret. If you set it up like that, that should get you some more low boost from the bass without making the E string jump out at you in volume.

also, compressor pedal?

[Agost]

I have no comp but i think i'll buy a custom one from a local guy

[Agost]

I'm going to get one from a local guy who makes pedals