Nordstrand BigRig Pickups

[PhatBottomBass1]

Yeah, whether you're talking about edge or noise or whatever the quality in question is, "the proof of the pudding is in the eating" (and might be different for every eater). Ultimately, you've got to try it and see how it works for you.

The same tradeoffs might lead to different conclusions for different people (You see people losing sight of this a fair bit in the amps forum.) and, beyond a certain (and perfectly valid) point, arguments of degree (how much this vs. how much that and how much it matters) have to be settled by practical, individual application.

I totally get the appeal of single coils -- might even use some myself, someday -- and hope the setup rocks your socks off.

Definitely keep us posted!

From the for what it's worth department...

This is the first P/J Bass, with the MXR Script Phase 90, Rob Grange modified and used on "STRANGLEHOLD" with Ted Nugent. I believe this came together in '73.

It has a Master Volume, 3-way Switch and a Phase Switch, with the V-V-T controls.

(I sent him a message to ask how he was able to use pre-CBS Fender P & J pickups in a workable arrangement. I hope he will send a very informative answer...)

Now back to our really, really BIG RIG show...

 

[BunchyMutt]

Is it possible to order a BigRig neck and Big Split bridge and still get the 'set' deal of buying each pickup as a set? Buying them individually raises the cost a bit. Just wondering.

 

[5StringPocket]

I’m thinking of picking up a G&L Kiloton 5 and adding a BigRig neck pickup at the P-bass sweet spot. The MFD pickup is pretty hot and has a good bite so perhaps the BigRig in series would be a better match to expand the tonal options. Thoughts on this?

 

[emjazz]

I’m thinking of picking up a G&L Kiloton 5 and adding a BigRig neck pickup at the P-bass sweet spot. The MFD pickup is pretty hot and has a good bite so perhaps the BigRig in series would be a better match to expand the tonal options. Thoughts on this?

The G&L pickup is LOUD...but the BigRig is also quite loud in series. It won't be as aggressive as the G&L, that's for sure.

 

[5StringPocket]

Rounder and more harmonically rich is what I’m looking for. I’ve seen several players who like the Kiloton 5 comment that they’d like to see a neck pickup to provide a full, round tone. I’m thinking the BigRig might be a good choice for this.

 

[J.Wolf]

Rounder and more harmonically rich is what I’m looking for...I’m thinking the BigRig might be a good choice for this.

You're definitely barking up the right tree.

 

[emjazz]

Does anyone here use the BigRig with A3 magnets? Could someone make a recording for me to hear? I'm thinking of switching to the A3 magnet version, but would like to hear them.

 

[mikezimmerman]

Looking forward to putting these through their paces, but so far I’m liking series mode a little more.

The bass has a Nordy 2-band with controls on trim pots in the cavity, and an active/passive switch.

 

[emjazz]

I always have my BR's in series. Just ordered two BR's for my upcoming Martin Keith semi acoustic fretless. Ended up going with the v5 magnets again....BUT one will be a custom version. Stay tuned!

 

[Toptube]

Does anyone here use the BigRig with A3 magnets? Could someone make a recording for me to hear? I'm thinking of switching to the A3 magnet version, but would like to hear them.

I have them with A3. I dunno how soon I could record and I don't have a really nice I interface. It's a Scarlett Solo.

What are you hoping to get from the A3 version?

 

[emjazz]

I have them with A3. I dunno how soon I could record and I don't have a really nice I interface. It's a Scarlett Solo.

What are you hoping to get from the A3 version?

I was looking for less high end and maybe a looser low end. Stew mentioned it sounded sweeter, slightly darker, and it sounds like more polite. I completely forgot that the P pickup that I recently put in my bass has A3 magnets. After some time with my BigRigs and that P bass I decided to order A5 magnets for a new bass. Would still like to try an A3 BigRig at some point, but I'll try a couple of different passive tone caps before that.

 

[Toptube]

I wouldn't say the A3 BigRig is darker. But it is sweeter and more balanced. The A5 version has a more focused tone with emphasis on the high mid and a bigger low mid. Its also higher output and barks a bit more.

The A3 de-emphasizes the high mid focus, right around where you tend to get fret noise and fret ping. So you are left with sweeter, more musical highs. The midrange is still full. The lows are broader. Output is lower. Series mode is more like a normal pickup output. Parallel is a little low output for my taste. However, sounds even sweeter and has more of a purr to it.

 

[emjazz]

I wouldn't say the A3 BigRig is darker. But it is sweeter and more balanced. The A5 version has a more focused tone with emphasis on the high mid and a bigger low mid. Its also higher output and barks a bit more.

The A3 de-emphasizes the high mid focus, right around where you tend to get fret noise and fret ping. So you are left with sweeter, more musical highs. The midrange is still full. The lows are broader. Output is lower. Series mode is more like a normal pickup output. Parallel is a little low output for my taste. However, sounds even sweeter and has more of a purr to it.

I definitely would be happier with less high mids. That's what I'm usually trying to dial out.

 

[emjazz]

Nordstrand was kind enough to make me up a couple of narrow aperture BigRig bridge pickups. First time I've loved a bridge pickup in quite some time. Here's a vid from today...I was favoring the new pickup. I freaking love these BigRigs!
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[Toptube]

Pics plz

 

[emjazz]

Pics plz

The pickup doesn't look any different. Apparently the difference is internal. Because of the design of the pickup there was only so much that they could do to squeeze the coils together. I have to admit that I was skeptical when the pickup arrived and I saw it....but the sound is exactly what I had hoped to get from the original BigRig bridge pickup. It has more focus for sure.

 

[Campo007]

I have an ESP Stream 1004 with EMG 35P4 & 35J, volume, blend and tone. I'm not really happy with the tone i'm getting at the moment.
Has anyone had experience going from EMG 35's to the Bigrig's? What's been the main difference in sound?

 

[fruitlabor]

Just put a set of BigRig 5's in an old Heartfield 5 I've had for years. Its a really fun bass to play. 2 octave neck, easy access to every note, well balanced, plays like a (cheap) dream, etc, etc. The problem is its always sounded like dog poop. I've tried everything in this bass to make it come alive. Spent much more than the bass is worth on pickups. A learned friend of my recommended The BigRigs and a 2 band Nordy preamp. WOW! What a freakin difference! Many tonal options with a series/parallel switch, and all usable.
I couldn't be happier. I would never have sold my Tyler 5 if these pickups had been available then. A great compliment to my other "Fender" type basses. I've used it for about a month. It killed in every situation.

Did you have to modify your bass to get the pickups to fit

 

[B String]

I had the bass modified years ago to fit some EMG pickups and electronics. Not my thing. The BigRigs were great but not what I was after, so I ended up with Nordstrand NJ5 vintage Jazz pickups with Nordstrand preamp. LOVE this! This bass is a real killer now. Usable for many situations and quiet. The preamp gives me anywhere from vintage to big and modern.

 

[emjazz]

I had the bass modified years ago to fit some EMG pickups and electronics. Not my thing. The BigRigs were great but not what I was after, so I ended up with Nordstrand NJ5 vintage Jazz pickups with Nordstrand preamp. LOVE this! This bass is a real killer now. Usable for many situations and quiet. The preamp gives me anywhere from vintage to big and modern.

All I read was the part where you sold your Tyler! (Hello sir!)