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Considering Upgrading Jazz Pickups, NJ4SV possibly

Valerus

Valerus

Aug 4, 2005
11,249
25
37
#1
Okay fellas, I have been loving my Fender Classic 70s Jazz and I think it sounds fantastic.

But, I've become increasingly...conscious of the hum when I start messing with pickup volumes.

So I've been thinking about upgrading to Nordstrand NJ4SV's.

I had these installed in a different jazz bass a year and a half ago and I was really underwhelmed, BUT I think it was due to the bass, not the pickups.

And sound-wise, I'd like to retain the 70's growl and whatnot.

I don't really know what I'm trying to ask.
Maybe...Is this a good, plausible idea?
And for those of you who have these installed, do your NJ4SV's still have that "old school" vibe, the non-modern tone?




Also, I am getting a hiss that doesn't go away unless I touch my control plate. Is that a shielding issue?


Thanks for looking guys.
 
#5
I have the five string NJ5FS, which I believe are voiced similarly to the NJ4SV. To my ears, they're on the modern side of the passive J-bass neighborhood. The noiseless Fralins in my four have a more raw, gritty texture that I associate with vintage tone. The Nords are smoother, but still have lots of punch in a band mix. Both sound great IMO, but I do prefer the Fralins.
 
#8
Valerus said:
Okay fellas, I have been loving my Fender Classic 70s Jazz and I think it sounds fantastic.

But, I've become increasingly...conscious of the hum when I start messing with pickup volumes.

So I've been thinking about upgrading to Nordstrand NJ4SV's.

I had these installed in a different jazz bass a year and a half ago and I was really underwhelmed, BUT I think it was due to the bass, not the pickups.

And sound-wise, I'd like to retain the 70's growl and whatnot.

I don't really know what I'm trying to ask.
Maybe...Is this a good, plausible idea?
And for those of you who have these installed, do your NJ4SV's still have that "old school" vibe, the non-modern tone?
Click to expand...

Valerus said:
any more opinions on the matter? Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

I love the NJ4SVs. I'm just leaning toward something more modern and less "vintage J bass" so at some point in the near future I'll be selling my NJ4SVs to finance buying a couple of Link Removed.

Given what you describe as your tone preferences, I'd say the NJ4SVs would hit the spot!
 
#10
4StringTheorist said:
I love the NJ4SVs. I'm just leaning toward something more modern and less "vintage J bass" so at some point in the near future I'll be selling my NJ4SVs to finance buying a couple of Link Removed.

Given what you describe as your tone preferences, I'd say the NJ4SVs would hit the spot!
Click to expand...

I just need the funding. I like the current pickups but when the time comes when I can't stand the non hum-canceling, i'll pick up a set!
 
#17
I have SV's in my 05 MIM.
The bass is completely silent. I've never heard an electric insturment that quiet, tbh. If that's your major concern for buying them, you will not be disappointed.
As far as tone, I will say this: They are very high quality pickups, and sound like it. I can, however, hear a hollow type of grind from them, usually associated with humbucking pickups. Personally, this is driving me crazy, as no amount of EQ or preamp settings will ever stop it. If that's the kind of sound you're looking for, I say go for it.
 
#18
Anderson81 said:
I have SV's in my 05 MIM.
The bass is completely silent. I've never heard an electric insturment that quiet, tbh. If that's your major concern for buying them, you will not be disappointed.
As far as tone, I will say this: They are very high quality pickups, and sound like it. I can, however, hear a hollow type of grind from them, usually associated with humbucking pickups. Personally, this is driving me crazy, as no amount of EQ or preamp settings will ever stop it. If that's the kind of sound you're looking for, I say go for it.
Click to expand...
thanks for your input!

would you mind describing this hollow type of grind you speak of?
 

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