• 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.

Nordstrand: Fatstack or Dual Coil???

basse

basse

May 4, 2004
218
15
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
#1
Hi all, I'm finalizing a custom bass design (Marchlewski) and would love any opinions as to any noticeable differences in sound between the Nordstand Fatstack (2 coils on top of each other) and the dual coil (2 coils side-by-side). Which sounds best? Which has more tonal range? Which do you think would better matched with his MM? Thanks, any comments would be appreciated!!!

:hyper:
 
#2
I've never had the pleasure of playing them side by side. But I had to sell my SC5 in December of 2003, and just a couple months ago I had the opportunity to get it back. I originally ordered it with Fat Stacks, and when I got it back one of the in-between owners had gotten Carey to swap the pickups out for dual coils.

I like the dual coils better...at least as far as I can compare them to my memory of what the originals sounded like. These strike me as being a little thicker and deeper sounding. Neither was very bright or brash sounding, but the dual coils seem a bit "meatier".

Mike
 
#6
Including ones that are just "passing through", apparently...
Click to expand...

"Nordstrand basses"...great for your dietary fiber needs. :smug:

As for the question, it would be hard to lose with either choice. However, I really dug the coil tap option on the Fat Stacks that were in the amboyna SC5 that I recently sold. Being able to turn Fat Stacks into Big Singles with one pull of a knob unleased a might fury like I've never heard before!!! :D The Fat Stacks are a very good all'round pickup, though. The dual coils are a more traditional sounding "modern" pickup, but you can also wire then in single-coil mode as well to give youself a bit more tonal flexability.
 
#10
Thanks all! I've put in an order for the dual coils!

Carey himself suggested it and of course I went for it. I also figured that I didn't need a MM in the bridge position because I've got my Stingray and a Franken-Jazz with a MM in that position - so why recreate something I've already got!
 
#11
So I've been doing the instrument research thing spec wise and I was wondering if Carey's fat stacks and big singles fit in a standard EMG 35 rout 1.5" x 3.5" for 4 stringers. The inquiry stems from my intrigue into the "proprietary" nordstrand design versus the more traditional jazz pickup. how to the faties and biggies compare to the NJ4 and NJ4SE, and the much awaited njsv? And I also dig the idea of passive soapbars in a jazz bass (may be just a hangover from my guitar days :hiding: ) I run into a U5 so the gain issue is not a problem. Let me know what you Nordie lovers think. How big are the fat backs

~Mike
 
#14
Carey - I am certainly interested in your designs especially the 45 degree shift on the big singels and Fat stacks - neat innovation. I looked at your site though and I did not spot any dimensions for any of your pickups. I repeatedly saw a window with what looked like a blueprint but it did not link to a full page. I was only wondering about size to see if warmoth or usaCG might have such dimensions in their pickup bank - unfortunately they do not. I fear that the standard EMG soapbar rout of 3.5 inches long is too short for your PU. Is there any chance we could see a 3.5" L x 1.5 " W version of your fat stacks and big singles and humbuckers soon? I think there is definitely a market considering any player that wants to ditch their EMGs or the like for truely passive pickups (however you say that the Fat stacks need a 3bd boost - so is their inductance pretty low - or is there something else at play here?) currently has very limited options (if any at all).

Thank you for your earlier reply. your ideas are definitely appreciated.

~Mike
 
#15
Reviving this thread - Carey's starting on my NX6 fretted pretty soon :hyper: and I've specified Fat Stacks for this bass after consulting Carey. This will be an alder body with redwood top and cocobolo fingerboard, Aggie OBP3 preamp - similar to Scott Pazera's NX7.

I do want this to be an all-purpose bass, though, as I play in church and have to cover a lot of different styles. I know that the dual coils are supposed to be more "slap-friendly" than the Fat Stacks - Will I be still be able to dial up a good slap tone with the Fat Stacks and the Aggie when I need it? Any thoughts from this group along those lines?

Thanks, and I'll sit back and listen. :hiding:
 
#16
You should be VERY happy with the slap tone that you'll be able to get from the 'Stacks and the Aggie pre. The verious slap tones that I was able to get out of the last NSC5 that I had in stock were incredible. Granted...that bass had a swamp ash body, amboyna burl top and birdseye board, the 'Stacks and Aggie pre still did their job.

One other recommendation (if you haven't thought about it yet)....definately have a coil tap placed on your Fat Stacks so that you can run them as "Big Singles".....the raw, snarly power will floor you! :eek:

:smug:
 
#19
My 2 cents on the comparison of the two styles.....
The FatStacks have more midrange growl and
really let the wood talk. Also, with the coil tap
that get even better!

The dual coils have a great slap tone, still letting
the woods speak but they are not as aggressive in
the mids.

There is no funny business with Carey's pup's.
They really let the bass come out.
No muddiness or brittle artificial highs that other
pup's can bring into the mix.
 
#20
Scott Pazera's bass had a killer slap tone, and the irony was, there were so many frets, he had nowhere to slap so he kinda did it over the fingerboard just kind of plucking. That bass had beautiful tone, nice fat punchy low end, very smooth. Of course, Scott would make a broom sound killer.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back