Nordstrand MM4.2 vs MM4.3

[humpdebump]

Hey all,

I am looking to get a warmer, 'sweeter' sound out of my MusicMan Sterling. I am wondering if there are any differences in sound between the Nordstrand MM4.2 and MM4.3 in parallel mode. I am going for a Stingray-ish sound, and if there is no noticeable difference I would like to preserve that single coil option.

Thanks

[depalm]

I installed a 4.3 on my Sterling many years ago and still loving it!

The original ceramic PU sounded nice, but Nords made the bass much more warm and versatile.
Actually my Sterling now sounds like a real MM!

MM4.3 sounds slightly different from StingRay due its 3 coils (one dummy) design, in my opinion a bit more polite and balanced without that typical hi-mids boost.

In series mode it sounds more like a PBass, low mid boost, very nice with flats and perfect for Motown songs.

In singlecoil it looses a little low end but I found it very Jaco(ish) and great to play with a pick and overdrive for an icepick sound.

MM4.2 is also a very warm and sweet PU, just like a MM but more even (Nordstrand signature I guess). It can be as versatile as 4.3, if you don't mind a little hum in SC mode.

Nords are also very "comfortable" to play, as the pole-pieces edges are very smooth, not sharp like MM use to be.

[humpdebump]

cool thanks for the insight. does the MM4.3 require any routing? mine is a 2009 model with the new compensated nut.

[depalm]

No, no routing is required.

[chuck3]

Was this a single-pickup Sterling?

I've been reading/writing threads about pickups on Sterlings and it looks like it would be difficult to add a neck pickup onto a Sterling with one H because of wiring issues. Other threads seem to suggest you can get more warmth/low end (my goal) just by swapping out the original Sterling pickup for a Nordstrand.

Any thoughts about this would be appreciated.

[depalm]

Yeah, it was a single H, but newer MM pickups have different covers than the traditional "Dog Ear" that MusicMan used to use.

Don't know if Nordstrand has similar covers. Maybe it is a good idea talk to the guys at Nordstrand to see what can be done.

That said, MM4.3 is a great sounding PU.

[chuck3]

Thanks for the info. Rudy's here in NYC is a Nordstrand dealer (only one in the area) and they have a 4.3 in stock so I've put my name on it. From the Nordstrand website, it seems like this should work but I will follow your suggestion and get in touch with them anyway:

"The MM4.3 will drop into a Music Man® Sterling® or other 3-way switched installation, and features a dummy coil on the bottom for silent single coil mode. Like the MM4.2, the MM4.3 features Alnico V magnets and Heavy Formvar wire for an authentic early pre-Ernie Ball® tone—punchy, growly, and fat. Includes black cover (exposed pole pieces)."



Any further thoughts on this from TBers would be appreciated as I'm not locked into doing it yet.

[chuck3]

and here is the Sterling that would be the subject of this modification (it looks more beautiful in person, and it now has La Bella black nylon tapewound flats on it):

[depalm]

Nice bass Chuck! This one sports the old cover design just like Nordstrand uses. There will be no problem replacing the original pickup. I'd say go for it.
best