Nordstrand Pic Request

[gtxtom]

I'm looking for pictures of Jazz basses (preferably red) with Nordstrand NJ4s installed. I'm trying to find out how they install into the body.

[mister-o]

Not red, but MIA Fender with NJ4s. Biggest difference is that the NJ4 covers are rounded compared to the (IMHO) rather jagged corners of the Fenders. But they drop right in. Before this bass, I had them installed in an MIM fretless. Same deal.

[gtxtom]

Oh ok. I was just confused about the 4 "bumps" on the top and bottom of each pickup. I didn't see them on the Nordstrands. I'm new to modding and have never taken any part of my bass apart.

[mister-o]

I had never opened my bass up when I first installed the NJ4s either. Had a friend teach me how to solder; it's pretty easy. Good luck!

[LightGroove]

By 4 bumps I'm assuming your referring to the screw ears??

[gtxtom]

Yea that's what I mean.

[LightGroove]

Then yea.. there are 4 screws and generally springs under the "shells" that the screws pass through. This is what adjusts your pickup height. Then there should be a pre routed hole in the body under where the pickup sits that you slide the wires through.

The pickups should be slightly different. I think the bridge will be a little wider the neck. Pay close attention. If your not comfortable with soldering I HIGHLY recommend letting a pro do it and if allowed to watch. It doesn't take much but very easy to screw up.

[gtxtom]

Ok so another question. Would I be able to put these covers on them?

http://www.wdmusic.com/jazz_pickup_c...ont_black.html

[metalmariachi]

The NJ4s will drop right in.
Even though they are different sizes, mine were marked with an N and B for neck and bridge.

The screw ears are in the covers, the photos on Nordstrands sight show them without the covers. Don't worry they come with covers and new screws.

MM

[gtxtom]

I figured they came with covers, it's just that for whatever reason, I don't like the poles on the pickups showing ... Maybe it's just me though.

[LightGroove]

Well they may work. I would get the dimensions of the cover from the website and compare them to the Nordstrand site. Again most jazzes have slightly different pickup dimensions at the bridge and at the neck.

I am not sure about conflicts with the pole pieces no longer being exposed. They are designed to be exposed for a reason.They may push up on the cover or not function right. I think most non exposed models have straight or split coils below them and no pieces.

Another issue that I could possibly see is that MOST pickups are either glued, waxed, or epoxied into their respective shells. So basically you would have to "break" this bond from the pickup and have a potential issue.

Lastly there are a few other pickup manufacturers that make jazz style pickups without exposed pole pieces. If your settled on Nordstrand that's fine they are good...if not research a bit...you may get in the ballpark without the extra work.

You may also call Nordstrand direct. I've had to call 2 or 3 times but eventually reach someone. They are very knowledgeable and may already have the shells/cover you are looking for.

[maurilio]

Call the shop. We have them. The covers come blank. We cut them in house with our laser plotter.

M