Nordstrand NPJ4SV set wiring and orientation questions.

[ustabawannab]

I purchased the Nordstrand NP4 & NJ4SV set for my new-to-me, reverse P, Jon Hill PJ. Bestbassgear did not provide diagrams or instructions but I used a Semour Duncan diagram I found on the web. I desoldered the Jackson sealed pickups which were nice and punchy, but a little too modern sounding for me (ala EMG'ish). The Jacksons had a single lead containing a white wire surrounded by wire shielding. The VVT setup had the shields going to the back of the pots and the white to the center posts.

The NP4s were labeled "N" and "S" with a white lead connecting the two, a white lead from one and a black lead from the other. I soldered the white lead to the neck volume control post and the black to the back, just like the Jacksons. The NJ4SV had a gray (I think... I'm colorblind), white and black lead. I twisted the grey and black together, soldered it to the back of the bridge volume pot and the white to the post.

I buttoned everything back up and did my first test. When I solo the NP4s I get a slight 60hz buzz when close to a CRT, but it's "normal" 3 to 5 feet away. Also, the poles are touch sensitive which isn't as big of a deal due to my playing style. The the NJ4SV is as quiet as a church mouse when solo'd as expected. I have to say that the bass is waaay quieter than my Rick's single coils, but I thought P pups wound in reverse polarity would be quieter.

This may sound dumb, but is there a specific orientation of the two the P-Pups in relation to each other or is it just the fact that they are wound in different directions enough? Kinda like the NJ4SVs.

Good news is, it sounds great. The P pup sounds much more like the one on my 08 Fender P and the J pup is growly and balances well with the P! If it turns out I wired everything correctly, my next step is to copper shield the cavities like I did my Rick.