Villex or Nordstrand... put the gloves on for this...

[billoetjen]

Hi Folks,

Awaiting delivery from Warmoth of a neck and p/j body (4 string, passive)... and am sweating the decision on pups. Yeah, I can always change them, but at $250 a whack, it's a pretty dicey roll. Help a guy out.

I've been playing a heavily modded Ibanez with Dimarzio p/j and flats. Style is either fingerstyle near the neck or mute/pick at the bridge. Tone and eq is mostly flat. I emphasize the p for thump, roll in a little j for growl and clarity.
I've been mostly satisfied with the Dimarzio's. Until I heard the clips of Nordstrand and Villex. Whoa.... that's passive?

I like the clarity and dynamic range of both. Frankly, the clips show off the Villex more to my taste - more coloration, more musical (?) and is there really that much fundamental? That suits my style.
So, if you want to help, take a few minutes and share your experience with either of these little gems. Elaborate, so I have more stuff to confound my decision.

Thanks in advance,
Bill Oetjen
billoetjen@fastermac.net

[fullrangebass]

Hi Bill. I vote for the Villex. They are what you are looking for, really. They provide more fundamental and while they allow great sonic manipulation, yet they are PASSIVE!!! they can be combined with any preamp, but trust no need to do so. Please browse at the partial list of my profile as well as at http://www.dingwallguitars.com/forum...er=asc&start=0 to realize what I'm talking about (in terms of gear and head to head comparison)

[fullrangebass]

PS I have used the Passive Villex booster to augment the growl and thump (another 3 levels of sonic manipulation, yet passive still)

[A9X]

Villex. I love mine.

[m.oreilly]

villex!

[Maurice Carr]

I've used both.

Nordstrand gets my vote - I have some Villex pups for sale ( 2 x soapbar HB's + an MM + Jazz ) if you are interested.

Mo

[fullrangebass]

I have Nordstrands on 2 of my basses (Fodera Emperor Elite, R-bass) and tried another pair on another bass and went back to the Aero's that were there before (Ken Lawrence Brase 5). Great pickups but I still insist on my Villex choice.

PM me on the dimensions of the Villex soapbars and the price you're asking

[Maurice Carr]

Originally Posted by fullrangebass

PM me on the dimensions of the Villex soapbars and the price you're asking

Done

[fullrangebass]

Tonight I auditioned for a band that has a record deal with my Villex loaded Dingwall. I got the audition!!! I had 40+ basses to choose from.

I will check the dimensions of the Ken Lawrence Brase I 5 str and I will let you know if they fit (regarding the Villex soapbars)

[Maurice Carr]

Those Villex's were for a BTB 5str with 19mm string spacing.

Mo

[DaveAceofBass]

Villex pickups are great.