Which Nordstrand pickups?
 

I recently acquired a Lakland 55-01.
I'm thinking about a pickup and preamp change.
I've been recommended Nordstrand pickups. But which ones?

• Big Singles
• Big Splits
• Fat Stacks

:confused:

Then I'll need to decide on a pre. The only preamp I'm familiar with is the Glockenklang.

:help:

I just noticed that the Big Splits are no longer listed on the Nordstrand site.

After some searching and sifting through the forums I've found some threads on singles vs splits ... that helps a bit. Still haven't found sound clips.

I wonder when maurilio will show up...

If I had to go back to Nords, I'd do Big Splits for sure. I had them in my 5501 for a while, but preferred the 'burp' and punch I got from Bartolini MK5's. Nords are like big huge Jazz pickups, and were just too bright and aggressive for me.

I pair my Barts with an Audere Z-Mode Preamp which is extraordinary.

I have big singles as replacements for original soapbars in a Sadowsky Metro 5. I am deeply impressed - punchy, organic, and surprisingly hum-free (probably a function of superior grounding and shielding, per Sadowsky and my very talented local tech). Sadowsky himself has said that he liked the Big Single the best of the three you mention, and he continues to offer the Big Single as an option. Great pickups! But I am a Nordstrand fan, based also on use of their P/J and single J pickups in other contexts over the years.

The Fat Stacks are fantastic...especially with a switch for single coil operation. I'd go for a Nordstrand preamp, either 2 or 3 band depending on your needs.

Why the pickup swap? Please dont buy into the opinions of TB that say to gut your bass. The preamp is the only thing lacking in the 55-01.. The pickups are fine and I dont think you will discover a perceivable difference thats worth the $$.

Im running a Delano in mine but will be installing an Audere Classic next month fwiw