Nordy NJ4SE or Dimarzio Model J's for my MIJ Jazz Fretless?

Rocksolid · #1 03-23-2010, 05:06 AM

Had this bass for a while and love it - but feel it is not at it's full potential.

I recently added a Audere JZ3 and it has improved but it just seems to be missing the sparkle and clarity I get from my other Jazz bass. The single coil hum seems to be a little worse with either Pup solo'd with the Audere - I assume it is just enhancing the noise that is already there.

Going into the studio in a couple of weeks and I really want this bass to be at it's best.

I believe both the Pup's I mention in the title are great for Fretless, I'm just looking for experiences from the combined amount of knowledge that the TB faithful hold between them!

The bass is currently strung with Diadario Half rounds.

Open to any other suggestions, you may think it's worth throwing into the mix.

Thanks in advance!!

Gintaras · #2 03-23-2010, 05:16 AM

I have NJ4SE's with an Audere 4 band on my Corvette Fretless. Highly recommend. I have used half rounds and know have Sunbeams on the bass. Slightly prefer the Sunbeams but both sounded great. I have had a few different sets of Nordstrands and also have NJ4's on my MTD Grendel which also made a huge improvement on the sound of the bass. I have read more than a few posts on this forum about success stories with Nordstrand and Audere.

I had a set of Dimarzio J's on a previous bass and think that they were also very nice and a great deal. Cannot compare the 2 because the Dimarzio's were on a Geddy Clone with a J-Retro.

Rocksolid · #3 03-23-2010, 05:12 PM

Sounds like both will be a significant step up from the standards Pups either way.

The price of the Nordy's is double the Model J's. Even if the Nordy's are a bit better it is still hard to justify double the price. WIthout hearing them both it is hard to say.

MysticMichael · #4 03-27-2010, 02:14 PM

I've also looked into both of these models as an upgrade to the stock pickups on a fretless bass I own. You're right: They both come highly recommended for fretless...

Although I can only share what I've distilled from reading numerous threads on the subject, I think you'd find that the NJ4SE imparts more of a smooth, refined, hi-fidelity tone to your instrument; while the Model J is a little "rougher around the edges" - in a very good way - yielding a powerful tone with lots of snarl and growl.

At length, I've decided to go with the Model Js - because they are such a bargain compared with the Nordstrands, but also because having a fretless with a little more aggressive attitude would for me be a pretty good thing...

MM

Rocksolid · #5 03-28-2010, 04:18 AM

I just put some money down on some NJ4SV's that I found 2nd hand in New Zealand. not ideal but should be a step up from what i have. If for some reason I am not happy with them on a fretless I'm sure I will be able to resell.

Will see how it goes.