• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Fender Mustang bass replacement pickups

scrutinycenter7

scrutinycenter7

Mar 20, 2023
2
0
#1
Hey all,

I have a 2018 Fender Mustang PJ that I bought some years ago because I liked the sound Mustangs have. Thing is, it has a standard P-bass pickup rather than the smaller type most Mustangs have. I've been wanting to replace the pickups for a long time now but I'm a little stuck with what to go with.

Options:

Nordstrand NM4, $90

Lollar, $155

Curtis Novak, $150

Seymour Duncan, $160

Demos are scarce so was hoping maybe someone here might have experience with these replacements. The NM4 is at the top of the list because of its price more than anything. Seems any of these will get close to the sound I want. The sound difference in this video is what I'm hoping for

Examples of this bass sounding its best to my ears mostly have the stock Seymour Duncan pickups that came with the Japanese made reissue. I think any of these will sound better than my current setup but I'm hoping to hear from someone else.
 
#2
Nordy. Period. They have a little more wire on them so they have a little more girth as they look in the direction of a good P-pickup. They have double poles per string instead of single poles, not necessarily per string, so they have a rounder articulation, again, looking in the direction of a P-pickup. I have the Nordy pickup in my short scale PJ bass, and with a set of GHS Balanced Nickel strings I have a bass with a great classic tone. Make sure you know if you have the vintage or modern version of the pickup, as the two have slightly different bobbin geometries, and Nordy makes both. You have to use your own pickup covers, so you might want to email Nordy beforehand to make sure you are getting the correct version of the pickup for your bass. I changed the P-standard bridge out for a narrower bridge with vintage string spacing, so I have the version with the vintage bobbins. The wiring is the same polarity as stock, so it is a drop-in, especially if you have a J-bridge or other added pickup to the bass. I purchased a pair of solid top P-covers and figured out how to mount the Nordy under the covers so I could align the poles to the strings and didn't have any gaps or extra routing of the body.
 
Last edited:
#4
I was planning on changing a few things in addition to the pickups but it doesn't quite make sense at this point. The sound I'm really after is in the 2000s reissue CIJ Mustang with its stock pickups. I don't think it's worth trying to change the PJ Mustang so much at this point. I considered selling the PJ so that I could buy what I actually want but then I'd be missing out on a sound that I actually enjoy (the J pickup). Will have to think some more.
 
#7
HelpImaRock said:
Just going to add to this thread, as it's already on the frontpage. I'm looking to change the pickup in my Squier CV Mustang. Which sized Nordstrand do I need? I think it's the vintage, but I'm not sure. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Measure the pickup covers and email Nordy with the measurements to see which version fits.
 
#12
scrutinycenter7 said:
Hey all,

I have a 2018 Fender Mustang PJ that I bought some years ago because I liked the sound Mustangs have. Thing is, it has a standard P-bass pickup rather than the smaller type most Mustangs have. I've been wanting to replace the pickups for a long time now but I'm a little stuck with what to go with.

Options:

Nordstrand NM4, $90

Lollar, $155

Curtis Novak, $150

Seymour Duncan, $160

Demos are scarce so was hoping maybe someone here might have experience with these replacements. The NM4 is at the top of the list because of its price more than anything. Seems any of these will get close to the sound I want. The sound difference in this video is what I'm hoping for

Examples of this bass sounding its best to my ears mostly have the stock Seymour Duncan pickups that came with the Japanese made reissue. I think any of these will sound better than my current setup but I'm hoping to hear from someone else.
Click to expand...

 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back