Norstrand Big Singles on a Lakland 44-01

[woodsideh]

First, I have searched and read the 01 super thread until my eyes have crossed. The MK-1's in my 4401 are dimensionally larger than the Nordstrand Big Splits for 4 string. The specs say they are 1.27 x 3.99. My MK-1's measure 1.27 x 4.25 more like the size of the 5 string Big Splits. Am I missing something here? I want to do the mod but I thought the Nordstrand Bid Splits were a direct replacement.

[SGD Lutherie]

That's the five string size Barts; 1.27" (32.3mm) X 4.25 (108mm).

You would have to have Big Splits made for 4 strings in the 5 string size case.

The Barts use blades, so it doesn't matter how many strings the bass has. I also make pickups in that size with blades that work for 4 or 5 string basses.

[woodsideh]

But I'm confused about this. Why would Lakland make a 44-01 with 5 string size Barts? Is this normal?

[woodsideh]

I'm not familiar with your products. I am looking for a pickup that will really open up this bass. The MK1's are a little too mid for me.

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by woodsideh

But I'm confused about this. Why would Lakland make a 44-01 with 5 string size Barts? Is this normal?

That I don't know, but it might have been easier from a manufacturing end of things. I was making pickups for a well known builder who used the 4 string Bart size pickups in both his 4 and 5 string basses so he didn't have to rout them differently.

Originally Posted by woodsideh

I'm not familiar with your products. I am looking for a pickup that will really open up this bass. The MK1's are a little too mid for me.

I make several kinds, in two distinct categories. I make neo humbuckers which people have described as more open sounding Barts, and Sidewinders which sound like single coils, and don't hum. They were sort of my version of a Lane Poor pickup, and sound like a cross between a Jazz bass and a Rick.

I have sound clips at the website. I've sold a few of these sets to Lakland owners.

[woodsideh]

Do you have or recommend a preamp?

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by woodsideh

Do you have or recommend a preamp?

I have a 2-band preamp based on the original Music Man Stingray. It works well with my pickups, and they don't sound like a Stingray with it either.

But any preamp would work well with them. Just depends on what you like.

[maurilio]

you can order a set of Nordstrand BSp 4 in a 5 string case.....ask any dealer!

Nordstrand make 2 and 3 band preamps with all kind of prewiring and layout....

M

[woodsideh]

Originally Posted by maurilio

you can order a set of Nordstrand BSp 4 in a 5 string case.....ask any dealer!

Nordstrand make 2 and 3 band preamps with all kind of prewiring and layout....

M

Thanks!! That would make sense. I will contact a dealer tomorrow.

[woodsideh]

I talked to Nordstrand dealer and the 5 string case is not a direct exchange either. It would be great to hear from someone who has done this mod on a 44-01.

I just noticed that my thread title says Big Singles and I should have said Big Splits.

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by woodsideh

I talked to Nordstrand dealer and the 5 string case is not a direct exchange either. It would be great to hear from someone who has done this mod on a 44-01.

I just noticed that my thread title says Big Singles and I should have said Big Splits.

I think the dealer you talked to doesn't know what he's talking about. The 5 string Nord is based on the Bart P2, which is 1.27" X 4.25". It says so right on their web site.

Your pickup is the same size. All you need them to do is stick the 4 string coils in the 5 string case.

[maurilio]

I can guarantee the P2 fit the 4401 (there's a little gap, but very tiny. Nordstrand does all kind of variation/custom jobs...

I don't know who's the dealer, but go on the web page:

nordstrand pickups > guitar pickups

Worse case, call the shop!

M