Is there a distinct difference between the Nordstrand NJ4SV and NJ4SE pickups..???

[LightGroove]

Ok Ok...before you begin to flame me or send me to the Smash sticky I can say I've been reading up as much as possible (ask my wife ) I've also checked the Nordie and blueberry hill sites and a few you tube clips.

I do realize that tone is very subjective and dependent on other variables.

So Are these pickups vastly different in the tone dept? If one is perceived as dull or lifeless would the other breathe new life? Have any of you swapped one for the other..if so why? Did you like the change.

Looking for some real user feedback outside of you can't go wrong and one is more vintage than the other.

Thanks

 

[Marlat]

One has a "V" on the end and of its name the other has a "E" on the end of its name.

Problem solved.

 

[Stealth]

One has a "V" on the end and of its name the other has a "E" on the end of its name.

Problem solved.

Also: the E one buzzes if only one is active, the V one is dead silent anytime, anyplace.

Still: problem solved.

 

[Rocky McDougall]

Call Carey Nordstrand and ask him directly. If anyone knows, he will.

 

[joeyl]

I use the NJ4SV because to me they sound pretty close to the regular single coil sound. SV has an edge that SE does not have.

 

[joeyl]

Also: the E one buzzes if only one is active, the V one is dead silent anytime, anyplace.

wrong, the E is also a humbucking coil

 

[LightGroove]

Appears that some of you have a touch more time on your hands...while your at it I've got 2 acres that could use mowing.

 

[Stealth]

wrong, the E is also a humbucking coil

Whoops, you're right, my bad.

 

[was3funk]

I think it would be great to get more descriptive opinions on this also.

I've also spent time on the Nordstrand website and elsewhere and I'm trying to make a decision on the SE or SV.

I'm having them put into a custom built bass with wood covers, so it wouldn't be as easy to swap them out if I didn't like one or the other.

For those who have a preference one way or another, is there also a particular preamp that you choose to go with?

Thanks!

 

[stflbn]

I've asked for specifics before on pickups and generally people are unhelpful when it comes to specifics or examples. They'll point you to Cary or the website.


Which I know is very un-helpful when you're looking for others experiences and thoughts about them rather than the person who's making the buck by selling them.


.

 

[maurilio]

If you know how a single coil sounds, the SV is the closest thing: sharp, open and "flat".
The SE are meatier, a little less crispy in the highs. The bridge pup has that fat burpy sound.

About wood covers. Both models are exactly the same shape/size. So, if you don't like one you can simply swap them around.

M

 

[LightGroove]

Thanks maurilio for the input..that has been the typical description..As much hype and excitement over these pickups I figured there would be more out there.

I'm more curious if they are more different then they are the same?? Some say its very subtle other than the SE is hotter. If I spent $200 for the SE's would it be noticeable or something that can be achieved via preamp setting.

 

[Nedmundo]

Have you read the Bass Player review of these? I'm not sure if it's on line, but if so you should check it out. As I recall, they provided thorough descriptions.

 

[was3funk]

Thanks for the info about the Bass Player review, wasn't able to find it online...too bad.

As far as the wood covers go - the builder said that he orders the pickups different if they are going to have wood covers.

 

[LightGroove]

No luck with Bass Player review here either..Rereading Smash's review was helpful.

Well I decided to go with the NJ4SV's..The bass will be here tom. I hope to lay down a few tracks sometime this week and have some feedback. I haven't had a TON of experience with Jazz pickups but def. familiar with the tone in my head...We'll see how these match up.,

 

[Jamie_Funk]

Gotta love Google - fourth result returned from Nordstrand SV vs SE search:

http://blueberryhillbass.blogspot.com/2006/08/nordstrand-jazz-pickup-review-nj4-vs.html

Enjoy,

J

 

[was3funk]

Thanks for the link!

Best blog review of the NJ4, NJ4SV & NJ4SE together that I've found so far.

 

[LightGroove]

Hey Jamie,

I'm familiar with Blueberry hill and noted it in my original post. I guess I was hoping for more user feedback but such is life. Pretty much the same response when trying to track down sound clips. Only a chosen few have the want or ability to share but there are 100's of us on here.

Anyways thanks for those who have chimed in.. As I said I'll have my own thoughts shortly.

 

[MisterV619]

So going by the Blueberry Hill review, the SE just has more mids? Will an active preamp with a 3-band EQ be enough to cut some of that mid range? Still kind of confused which way to go since some folks describe one as being more vintage while some describe the other as being a better slap sound. I consider the slap tone and vintage tone to go hand in hand.

 

[LightGroove]

MisterV you are exactly where I'm at my friend ...

I'm actually going back to passive for the first time in awhile. From my understanding this may be where the true difference lies ...in passive mode. When you add a preamp I think both can be modeled or dialed in to copy each other...but I'm uncertain...hence the thread

You may be able to crank the treble on the Se's or crank the low mids on Sv's and get the same thing.

Smash stated the Se's are more preamp ready..whereas the NJ4's are sweeter passive...so

The builder swapped out some Bart Splits in favor of the SV's (my choice) and said these had more punch and later stated the were truly rockin in a live setting.So FWIW...

The bass lands tom. I plan on doing a comparison passive and active (aguilar tone hammer) straight to my computer.