Nordstrand BigRig Pickups

[emjazz]

I am in the process of a custom build 5 string bass. Have ordered a Big Rig (N) and Big Split (B). I am trying to determine best location for both pickups. Custom build is 34” scale and 24 frets. On my Fender Elite Jazz V (primary bass) I find my bridge p/u too tight sounding and not full/round enough. I find myself setting my blend usually around 75% neck. For my custom build I am considering moving the Big Split Bridge p/u further from the bridge. Perhaps setting my Big Rig neck pickup closer to the neck as well. Wanting warm and fat lows, articulate, round, and punchy mids and clear, full and tubey highs. Any thoughts/feedback on locations for these pickups is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Have you asked the builder?

 

[Lonnybass]

I am in the process of a custom build 5 string bass. Have ordered a Big Rig (N) and Big Split (B). I am trying to determine best location for both pickups. Custom build is 34” scale and 24 frets. On my Fender Elite Jazz V (primary bass) I find my bridge p/u too tight sounding and not full/round enough. I find myself setting my blend usually around 75% neck. For my custom build I am considering moving the Big Split Bridge p/u further from the bridge. Perhaps setting my Big Rig neck pickup closer to the neck as well. Wanting warm and fat lows, articulate, round, and punchy mids and clear, full and tubey highs. Any thoughts/feedback on locations for these pickups is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

This is the best recorded representation of the BigRigs I have seen, and is what I used as a guide for my BigRig placement:

 

[OxnardRick]

Working with the builder on it, but hoping for ideas on the Big Rig and Big Split specifically. He has traditional pickup placement ideas, but since we are unrestricted I figure the more feedback the better.
The Bridge pickup placement on the Fodera in the video seems like a good distance from the bridge. I think I may like the Neck pickup a bit closer to the fingerboard. Lonnybass, are you happy with your set up? Any changes you would make and if so why?

 

[emjazz]

Working with the builder on it, but hoping for ideas on the Big Rig and Big Split specifically. He has traditional pickup placement ideas, but since we are unrestricted I figure the more feedback the better.
The Bridge pickup placement on the Fodera in the video seems like a good distance from the bridge. I think I may like the Neck pickup a bit closer to the fingerboard. Lonnybass, are you happy with your set up? Any changes you would make and if so why?

The only thing that I'll add is if you end up preferring the BigRig neck pickup in series then the Big Split will be overpowered by it...but if you like a neck heavy sound then tha shouldn't bother you.

 

[Lonnybass]

Working with the builder on it, but hoping for ideas on the Big Rig and Big Split specifically. He has traditional pickup placement ideas, but since we are unrestricted I figure the more feedback the better.
The Bridge pickup placement on the Fodera in the video seems like a good distance from the bridge. I think I may like the Neck pickup a bit closer to the fingerboard. Lonnybass, are you happy with your set up? Any changes you would make and if so why?

I am indeed very happy with my setup. Many of my custom instruments have used Bartolini dual coils with individual series-single-parallel switching options, with J-bass positioning for traditional J-bass sounds available in single coil mode. Similar in concept to the Norm Stockton MTD or the Fender Roscoe Beck.

With my new BigRig-equipped bass, I wanted something different, more modern and unique to the rest of the fleet. The pickups are closer to that of a Sadowsky Modern - the bridge pickup is set closer to the bridge, but not as extreme as what you might see on, say a Ken Smith. The neck pickup is also set a bit closer than you might find on a P bass, while still being far enough apart from the bridge pickup that there is a clear tonal range between the two.

The end result is wonderfully articulate, detailed and defined without being TOO trebly - recognizing that my ears are spoiled snobs from my Alembic F-1x/Crest/Fearful/Genzler rig - these pickups are probably the “richest” sounding (for lack of a better word) that I’ve ever heard. Each note sounds like it is being amplified through a rack of premium studio gear and hi-fi monitors.

Imagine playing a series of whole notes slowly…through the BigRigs, each note seems to have much more presence to it. Not that it has more treble/mid/bass - think of it more as a certain fullness or “expansion” beyond what you might traditionally be used to.

Let me know if you want measurements on my spacing, happy to share.

Lonnybass

 

[OxnardRick]

Lonnybass, Thank you for all that detail! Yes, please share measurements and thank you! Sorry if asking too much, but are you able to share a sound clip? I want the articulate Big Rig sound, but also want fat and warm. I’d be weary to put my neck pickup too much towards the bridge? I was thinking quite a bit forward toward the neck of a P bass set up. I will have an independent volume for each pick up as opposed to a blend, so a bit more control. Also, my understanding is that the Big Split will capture more of the J bass sound than a Big Rig and thinking that would go further from the bridge than a traditional J bass. Just thoughts now in search of the perfect tone . Been playing bass for 44 years, have some beautiful basses, but this is my first custom build. Thanks again!!

 

[MarkA]

I am in the process of a custom build 5 string bass. Have ordered a Big Rig (N) and Big Split (B). I am trying to determine best location for both pickups. Custom build is 34” scale and 24 frets. On my Fender Elite Jazz V (primary bass) I find my bridge p/u too tight sounding and not full/round enough. I find myself setting my blend usually around 75% neck. For my custom build I am considering moving the Big Split Bridge p/u further from the bridge. Perhaps setting my Big Rig neck pickup closer to the neck as well. Wanting warm and fat lows, articulate, round, and punchy mids and clear, full and tubey highs. Any thoughts/feedback on locations for these pickups is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

The only thing that I'll add is if you end up preferring the BigRig neck pickup in series then the Big Split will be overpowered by it...but if you like a neck heavy sound then tha shouldn't bother you.

I can't help with specifics, but, if using a series Big Rig with a Big Split and the former overpowers the latter and you're looking for a thicker bridge sound, anyway, might it make sense to overwind the Big Split at the bridge?

Perhaps something to consider, along with the other factors you're looking into. You could ask Nordstrand what they think.

 

[devo1]

I am in the process of a custom build 5 string bass. Have ordered a Big Rig (N) and Big Split (B). I am trying to determine best location for both pickups. Custom build is 34” scale and 24 frets. On my Fender Elite Jazz V (primary bass) I find my bridge p/u too tight sounding and not full/round enough. I find myself setting my blend usually around 75% neck. For my custom build I am considering moving the Big Split Bridge p/u further from the bridge. Perhaps setting my Big Rig neck pickup closer to the neck as well. Wanting warm and fat lows, articulate, round, and punchy mids and clear, full and tubey highs. Any thoughts/feedback on locations for these pickups is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Reading what you want, are you sure you want a Big Split? I think two Big Rigs will get you closer to your goal sound. I say this because the Big Splits will be more aggressive.

I am also another vote for two volumes instead of a blend. It does give you more control.

I would advise you to stick to what your builder is comfortable with. These pickups only work well if the pole pieces align well.

Good luck! Nordstrand pickups sound amazing! They have a lot of videos of their pickups in different locations. You can try to watch them all or reach out to their shop. They actually respond and can recommend pickups and placements.

 

[emjazz]

I found the right answer to be to ask Nordstrand to make me narrow aperture BigRig bridge pickups. It's more pointed, still has that BR complexity, and matches the volume of the other pickup perfectly. It's something they can make custom. I went through all of these options during the pandemic and found this option to work best

 

[Hunter34]

I found the right answer to be to ask Nordstrand to make me narrow aperture BigRig bridge pickups. It's more pointed, still has that BR complexity, and matches the volume of the other pickup perfectly. It's something they can make custom. I went through all of these options during the pandemic and found this option to work best

I asked Nordstrand about this and they aren’t doing that for the general public. You’re special, we’re not AS special as you.

 

[Lonnybass]

Lonnybass, Thank you for all that detail! Yes, please share measurements and thank you! Sorry if asking too much, but are you able to share a sound clip? I want the articulate Big Rig sound, but also want fat and warm. I’d be weary to put my neck pickup too much towards the bridge? I was thinking quite a bit forward toward the neck of a P bass set up. I will have an independent volume for each pick up as opposed to a blend, so a bit more control. Also, my understanding is that the Big Split will capture more of the J bass sound than a Big Rig and thinking that would go further from the bridge than a traditional J bass. Just thoughts now in search of the perfect tone . Been playing bass for 44 years, have some beautiful basses, but this is my first custom build. Thanks again!!

Rick,

Happy to help. Measurements are as follows:

Zero fret to front of neck pickup: 28 1/2"

Zero fret to front of bridge pickup: 31 5/16"

My own personal tone goals are identical to yours - articulate, fat, warm. I too was cautious about placing too close to the bridge. I would also strongly suggest taking advantage of the coil switching option. Series mode on the bridge really helps fill out the bottom end while retaining the articulation.

Unfortunately I am not set up to record at the moment. It is on my list to get done once I upgrade my home office computer system in the next couple of months. However, if you are interested in coming down to San Diego some time, I'd be happy to have you come by to check out the bass.

 

[emjazz]

I asked Nordstrand about this and they aren’t doing that for the general public. You’re special, we’re not AS special as you.

We're all special...but yeah...sorry about that! I'll stop mentioning it for sure. I tried to get them to make it the standard BR bridge pickup, but it sounds like it's a more complicated pickup to make. Sorry for the confusion. I've known them for a long time. Super grateful for their support.

 

[DaveAceofBass]

I am in the process of a custom build 5 string bass. Have ordered a Big Rig (N) and Big Split (B). I am trying to determine best location for both pickups. Custom build is 34” scale and 24 frets. On my Fender Elite Jazz V (primary bass) I find my bridge p/u too tight sounding and not full/round enough. I find myself setting my blend usually around 75% neck. For my custom build I am considering moving the Big Split Bridge p/u further from the bridge. Perhaps setting my Big Rig neck pickup closer to the neck as well. Wanting warm and fat lows, articulate, round, and punchy mids and clear, full and tubey highs. Any thoughts/feedback on locations for these pickups is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I had a pair of Big Splits in my Sadowsky NYC 5-24 with modern pickup placement (closer to the bridge). No matter what I did, the bridge pickup was too shrill. Since then, I replaced the bridge pickup in a Dual Coil 5 (series wind). The sound is darker but not too dark, and blends well with the Big Split neck. The moral of the story is don’t put the Big Split too close to the bridge. I’d recommend 60’s jazz placement.

 

[5StringPocket]

I had a pair of Big Splits in my Sadowsky NYC 5-24 with modern pickup placement (closer to the bridge). No matter what I did, the bridge pickup was too shrill. Since then, I replaced the bridge pickup in a Dual Coil 5 (series wind). The sound is darker but not too dark, and blends well with the Big Split neck. The moral of the story is don’t put the Big Split too close to the bridge. I’d recommend 60’s jazz placement.

I have a bass with a bridge pickup that is a bit too trebly and am considering a Nordy DC5 series wind. I’m hoping for something with smoother highs and a bit more low mids. Would the DC5 series wind fit that profile?

 

[Hunter34]

I think the dual coil is what Remco Hendriks is using on his custom for the bridge on a recent Facebook post. Nice tone.

 

[OxnardRick]

Reading what you want, are you sure you want a Big Split? I think two Big Rigs will get you closer to your goal sound. I say this because the Big Splits will be more aggressive.

I am also another vote for two volumes instead of a blend. It does give you more control.

I would advise you to stick to what your builder is comfortable with. These pickups only work well if the pole pieces align well.

Good luck! Nordstrand pickups sound amazing! They have a lot of videos of their pickups in different locations. You can try to watch them all or reach out to their shop. They actually respond and can recommend pickups and placements.

 

[OxnardRick]

Thanks! Was back and forth between 2 Big Rigs and the Big Split at the bridge. I talked with Nordstrand a bit and they recommended the Big Split for the bridge. I am definitely questioning the decision, and actually adding in a second 3 way switch in the build in case I decide to swap out the Big Split for a Big Rig or other Dual Coil p/u that allows for switching between series, parallel and single coil.

 

[OxnardRick]

Rick,

Happy to help. Measurements are as follows:

Zero fret to front of neck pickup: 28 1/2"

Zero fret to front of bridge pickup: 31 5/16"

My own personal tone goals are identical to yours - articulate, fat, warm. I too was cautious about placing too close to the bridge. I would also strongly suggest taking advantage of the coil switching option. Series mode on the bridge really helps fill out the bottom end while retaining the articulation.

Unfortunately I am not set up to record at the moment. It is on my list to get done once I upgrade my home office computer system in the next couple of months. However, if you are interested in coming down to San Diego some time, I'd be happy to have you come by to check out the bass.

Thanks for the measurements!! My understanding is that the Big split that I am putting at the bridge does not have a switching option and lives in single coil, though designed to make it have no hum. I will be adding a 3 way switch for the bridge p/u in case I swap it out for a Big Rig or the like. Will keep you updated on the p/u positions I go with and the final results once I get to plug it in.

 

[OxnardRick]

I

I had a pair of Big Splits in my Sadowsky NYC 5-24 with modern pickup placement (closer to the bridge). No matter what I did, the bridge pickup was too shrill. Since then, I replaced the bridge pickup in a Dual Coil 5 (series wind). The sound is darker but not too dark, and blends well with the Big Split neck. The moral of the story is don’t put the Big Split too close to the bridge. I’d recommend 60’s jazz placement.

I would definitely go with 60s jazz placement over current , but may still move even slightly further from the bridge. I love the sound of my 73’ P bass, so since I will have a neck and bridge p/u in this build I don’t see a huge concern moving the Bridge p/u even further from the bridge than most traditional placements?

 

[Snert]

My understanding is that the Big split that I am putting at the bridge does not have a switching option and lives in single coil

I thought the Split was a linear humbucker like a P with both section in line rather than offset.