Nordstrand Fatstack or Big Split ?

[Bluellew]

Has anyone heard these pickups to tell me the difference?I play mainly hard/soft rock.I am replacing some Bartolini MK series.I also have been told the Delano series are nice.I have an Aguiler preamp in my 5 string.Thanks anyone.Bluellew

[allexcosta]

For rock I'd take the Big Singles for sounding more "raw".

[tubby.twins]

In my experience, the Big Splits have a bit more treble clarity, while the Fat Stacks are a bit thicker in the upper midrange. I think either could work well for you. Both have a great lock on the fundamental and a growly midrange. Personally, I prefer the Big Splits.

The Delano SBC humbuckers are nice sounding as well, but they have a lot of upper midrange thickness and a bit of a "glassy" quality to the treble. They are tonally more similar to the Bartolini "classic bass" humbuckers in the lower frequencies.

[walterw]

as per their website, the stacks are a bit weaker than the splits.

[Jason_A]

I only have experience with the Big Singles, but I'll agree with allexcosta that they are very "raw" sounding and would work great for the kind of music you're doing. I think a lot of people would agree that the Big Singles don't need a preamp (in fact I like them better run passive). Easily my favorite pickup right now. Pricing is pretty decent, too.

[basadam]

Big Splits sound more like a P pickup.

Fat Stacks
-> single-coil mode: monster single-coil tone, like a J bass but more of it.
-> stacked mode: tamed J tone with rounded edges, reminds me of Bartolini J pickups.
There is a volume difference switching from single to stacked. Single-coil mode is louder.

IMHO Big Splits would be better in your case. I'd prefer P-like tone with rock music.

[adhus]

Originally Posted by basadam

Big Splits sound more like a P pickup.

Fat Stacks
-> single-coil mode: monster single-coil tone, like a J bass but more of it.
-> stacked mode: tamed J tone with rounded edges, reminds me of Bartolini J pickups.
There is a volume difference switching from single to stacked. Single-coil mode is louder.

IMHO Big Splits would be better in your case. I'd prefer P-like tone with rock music.

Can I join?
What if I want to have a US MTD kinda sound and single coil jazz bass at the same time?
Which pickup I should get? Dual coil? Fat stack? And what configuration?
Mind you, I'm putting together a jazz bass parts with the front routing.

thanks!

[maurilio]

MTD's tend to be very bright and crispy sounding (custom Bartolini electronics/pups).
IME, I would go with DC parallel wound with a switch for SC... definitely not Fatstacks

[adhus]

Originally Posted by maurilio

MTD's tend to be very bright and crispy sounding (custom Bartolini electronics/pups).
IME, I would go with DC parallel wound with a switch for SC... definitely not Fatstacks

Alrighty! Thanks