Pickups for 5-string with individually adjustable pole pieces?

middlebit · #1 09-13-2010, 12:41 PM

I'm having some problems with my Nordstrand J5 pickups. The pole pieces seem to be staggered to fit a 20" radius but my Warmoth Deluxe J is a 10". There is a noticable difference in volume on the outer strings compared to the middle ones, and it's getting to be a pain. Can anyone guide me towards pickups for a 5-string J-type bass that are still in production (or at least somehow obtainable if not), or else pickups that are staggered closer to a 10" string crescent? String spacing is about 16,5-17mm. I've looked and looked some more but seen nothing - except the Ken Smith soapbars but their recommended string spacing is just a tad too wide for my specs.

mikezimmerman · #2 09-13-2010, 12:53 PM

I'm not sure if they'd have the sound you're going for if you like the Nordies, but Q-Tuners ( http://www.q-tuner.com/bs.shtml ) have adjustable polepieces and work with a wide variety of string spacings. I have no experience with them myself, but many people who like a a fairly flat, uncolored sound seem to be very happy with them here on TB.

Mike

middlebit · #3 09-13-2010, 01:34 PM

Thanks for that - I'll have a closer look at them.
Anyone else?

FunkMetalBass · #4 09-13-2010, 01:48 PM

Contact Nordstrand. If you like the pickups, don't change them, just get some new ones made with pole pieces that are at proper height.

middlebit · #5 09-13-2010, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunkMetalBass

Contact Nordstrand. If you like the pickups, don't change them, just get some new ones made with pole pieces that are at proper height.

I had no idea they made custom variations like that. Actually, I was thinking of changing them to the true 70's style single coils anyway (I have the "hum cancelling"

ones), but I am having second thoughts because of the problems I've been having.
Thanks!