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Fender J Pickup v. Norstrand NJ4 tonal qualities

B

BC8705

Mar 25, 2009
60
3
Denton, TX
#1
This is kind of a double thread so bare in mind.

1. I have a 2005 MIA Jazz bass and though I do enjoy the sound of the stock pickups (I know most people don't), I've had my eye on Nordstrand NJ4's for a long time. Can anyone who put NJ4s on their MIA Fender Jazz (ones made before the 2008 changes) tell me how the two pickups compare/contrast in tonal quality (Bass, Treble, Midrange) and other sound qualities?

2. For those who have played real, vintage 1960's Fender Jazz Basses that were stock (pre-CBS preferably) tell me how those stock pickups sound in comparison/contrast to NJ4's?

Any help would be great because I'm having trouble making up my mind :D Thanks

PS I just realized I should have put it in the sticky thread about J pickups. My bad (I spent awhile looking for the answers in there)
 
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#2
NJ4 sounds very even, balanced and has a tight bottom compared to Fender. Highs are smoother. Output is a slightly hotter, just a little bit.

Many people say it has a vintage vibe but in my opinion it has the best of both worlds.

First it's warm, very warm sounding, no artificial highs, no fake lows. It has a very natural signature that is a real pleasure to play and listen.

But it is also "modern" 'cause it's so well balanced, its like you are playing through the best compressor ever. Every note sounds on the same plane or level. But it also responds very beautifully to dynamic changes.

I don't think its fair to compare it to vintage pickups, even because its not only the pickup that made a great instrument.

I made a custom JB and installed Fender PUs on it, then I replaced for NJ4 and what a difference!

In short, these pickups makes my life easier.
 
#3
depalm said:
NJ4 sounds very even, balanced and has a tight bottom compared to Fender. Highs are smoother. Output is a slightly hotter, just a little bit.

Many people say it has a vintage vibe but in my opinion it has the best of both worlds.

First it's warm, very warm sounding, no artificial highs, no fake lows. It has a very natural signature that is a real pleasure to play and listen.

But it is also "modern" 'cause it's so well balanced, its like you are playing through the best compressor ever. Every note sounds on the same plane or level. But it also responds very beautifully to dynamic changes.
Click to expand...

I have to agree with the above +100

Some pickups are just constructed and have superior characteristics then others. I feel this way about Nordstands vs. stock Fender pickups.

When you get into really 'good' pickups its a matter of taste and that for me is Nordstrands hands down.
 

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