Stingray clips on Basstasters - stock vs. Nordstrand MM 4.2

JGR · #1 05-09-2007, 10:14 AM

I was listening to some clips on Basstasters the other day and I was suprised at the audible difference between the stock MM pickup and the Nordstrand MM 4.2. - compared to the stock pickups, the Nordy seemed to have more mids and none of the high-end clank. I kind of like it...

The basses were listed as 4-string MM with a maple fingerboard. Am I correct in assuming it was the same bass with both pickups? Just want to make sure it's an accurate comparision in case I want to try out the Nordy...

Thanks!

JR

JGR · #2 05-09-2007, 08:17 PM

anybody?

markjazzbassist · #3 05-09-2007, 11:40 PM

seems like the same bass to me too. at least that's what it looks like on the sight.

I personally didn't like the Nordstrand pickup. It' sounded to middy to me. I dig the low-end burp of the proprietary MM pickup.

12bass · #4 05-10-2007, 02:07 AM

The Nordstrand wasn't my taste... too middy, and doesn't sound much like a StingRay anymore IMO.

JGR · #5 05-10-2007, 11:09 AM

i hear what you guys are saying... what i like though is the absence of the high end clank.

i play primarily with a pick, so i think i could work with the mids...

cheers,

JR

vanselus · #6 05-10-2007, 11:30 AM

You're right - same bass with different pickups AND strings.

The Nordstrand is definitely darker, but there's treble in there - a little more so in live playing than comes through on the recordings. Make sure you're not just listening to the clips on small computer speakers - that will really accentuate the mids.

The Nordstrand MM4.2 in person sounds so damn good... I can't believe how much I prefer it to the stock p/u. YMMV.

But then again, i'm a huge Nordstrand fanboy.

Coming soon.... MTD 535 with Nordie Dual Coils...

ALSO: listen to the "lawnmower" clip - that's a better example of what happens when you dig in a little...

JLW · #7 05-10-2007, 11:59 AM

With the nordstrand in, it doesn't even sound like a stingray. If you don't like the stingray sound, I guess that's a good thing. But in that case, why own it in the first place?

i_got_a_mohawk · #8 05-10-2007, 12:03 PM

Is the normal MM recording done with steels?

If you dont like the treble ringing through its pretty easy to isolate that and remove it if you have a decent EQ, or you could just turn the treble down on your bass, but that'll have a more detromental effect.

vanselus · #9 05-10-2007, 12:14 PM

MM Stock - unknown steels
MM Nord - Sadowsky bright nickel

So that accounts for some of the difference.

However, I don't agree at all with your sentiment, JLW. I think it sounds more like a 'ray should than the stock. IMHO.

i_got_a_mohawk · #10 05-10-2007, 12:30 PM

I thought that was the case, any chance of re-recorded samples with the Sadowsky nickles for the stock MM ?

vanselus · #11 05-10-2007, 12:38 PM

If I get some extra time, i'll definitely do it. I have a little bit of a backup right now though... sorry.

i_got_a_mohawk · #12 05-10-2007, 12:40 PM

No problem, i just thought it would be able to give a more accurate representation of the differences

JLW · #13 05-10-2007, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vanselus

However, I don't agree at all with your sentiment, JLW. I think it sounds more like a 'ray should than the stock. IMHO.

Could be. Doesn't sound as much like the typical stingray sound though. I guess what you want a bass to sound like is completely up to the player and what you want to get out of it. and I guess what is traditional/typical to me may not be traditional to you. So I guess whatever floats your boat.

pickles · #14 05-11-2007, 09:04 AM

I've tried a sterling with the MM 4.3 and preferred stock. The Nordstrands sound great, but more fender-ish and less of what I want from a sterling ... which is aggressive and a little grainy.

Your lawnmower clip does sound good though. I guess once you scoop out some of the mids that the nord adds you get to a place you like?

john keates · #15 05-12-2007, 04:24 AM

The thing that strikes me is the difference between nickel and steel strings in the stock stingray tests. Also, the pre-amps produce all kinds of different sounds.

How complex this stuff all is...

vanselus · #16 05-12-2007, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john keates

The thing that strikes me is the difference between nickel and steel strings in the stock stingray tests. Also, the pre-amps produce all kinds of different sounds.

How complex this stuff all is...

Its amazing - thats why I always stress that its the COMBINATION of factors, but a lot of people get hung up on ONE piece of gear or another...

People forget how much strings and preamps/pickups can make a difference - we obsess about woods and tubes and foam to put under our cabs... but forget about little things that can make a HUGE difference...

i_got_a_mohawk · #17 05-12-2007, 04:14 PM

Too true, but generally you find people who are tweaking tubes etc, have gotten as close as they can to the tone they want with the other equipment

.

vanselus · #18 05-12-2007, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

Too true, but generally you find people who are tweaking tubes etc, have gotten as close as they can to the tone they want with the other equipment

.

I assumed so as well, but based on the people i've talked to in the last 4 years... most haven't fully explored the simple stuff... it's just not as GAS-inducing

RavCat · #19 05-13-2007, 03:53 AM

The Nordy MM seems to sound a bit muffled in the highs compared to the stock MM (in fact in comparison to pretty much everything else), even when allowing for a difference between steels and nickels.

Is that the case in real life, or is it just something about that set of recordings?

pickles · #20 05-13-2007, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RavCat

The Nordy MM seems to sound a bit muffled in the highs compared to the stock MM (in fact in comparison to pretty much everything else), even when allowing for a difference between steels and nickels.

Is that the case in real life, or is it just something about that set of recordings?

That is consistent with my experience with the pup. Its a much warmer/rounder sounding pickup.