Nordstrand Nordenbocker

[Gizmot]

A few weeks ago, I read a press release for the Nordstrand Audio Nordenbacker pickup designed for Ric basses. The reasons I was interested is that they claim that this pickup will deliver more output than the stock Ric neck pickup AND that it minimizes 60 Hz hum when both pickups are on.

I got the pickup installed - and the claims made for it are 100% true. What really surprised me is that this pickup absolutely sounds like a Ric pickup and it blends perfectly with the bridge pickup. It has a lot more flux density than the stock pickup does and you can really hear the additional low end muscle that it delivers from the neck position because of its higher output.

At one of the places I regularly play, I stand about 3 feet under a large fluorescent display and I simply couldn't use my Ric bass when I played there. This Nordy is reverse-wound to the bridge pickup and it works pretty well at minimizing the noise. It isn't absolutely silent, but it is more than quiet enough for stage use.

So - if you'd like to have a little more low end grunt from your Ric and if noise is a problem in some places you play, the Nordstrand Nordenbocker is the solution.

 

[southpaw723]

A few weeks ago, I read a press release for the Nordstrand Audio Nordenbacker pickup designed for Ric basses. The reasons I was interested is that they claim that this pickup will deliver more output than the stock Ric neck pickup AND that it minimizes 60 Hz hum when both pickups are on.

I got the pickup installed - and the claims made for it are 100% true. What really surprised me is that this pickup absolutely sounds like a Ric pickup and it blends perfectly with the bridge pickup. It has a lot more flux density than the stock pickup does and you can really hear the additional low end muscle that it delivers from the neck position because of its higher output.

At one of the places I regularly play, I stand about 3 feet under a large fluorescent display and I simply couldn't use my Ric bass when I played there. This Nordy is reverse-wound to the bridge pickup and it works pretty well at minimizing the noise. It isn't absolutely silent, but it is more than quiet enough for stage use.

So - if you'd like to have a little more low end grunt from your Ric and if noise is a problem in some places you play, the Nordstrand Nordenbocker is the solution.

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Is it as boomy and low as the hi gains? I'm looking for something more defined and not as bassy.

 

[Gizmot]

Is it as boomy and low as the hi gains? I'm looking for something more defined and not as bassy.

I’ve never heard any Ric pickup that I’d characterize as boomy. Nonetheless, I think ithis Nordy sounds like a Ric pickup with more output thanks to its extra magnetic muscle. Because the higher output, it gives the Ric more low end weight. Thanks to its reverse winding, the bass is dead quiet when both pickups are on and the levels comparable. After playing three gigs with it, all I can say is that I’m very pleased with the pickup and I’m very happy I bought it. I think that Rics are pretty well sonically defined - this pickup won’t change its sound dramatically, but will give you more flexibility with no noise.

 

[southpaw723]

I’ve never heard any Ric pickup that I’d characterize as boomy. Nonetheless, I think ithis Nordy sounds like a Ric pickup with more output thanks to its extra magnetic muscle. Because the higher output, it gives the Ric more low end weight. Thanks to its reverse winding, the bass is dead quiet when both pickups are on and the levels comparable. After playing three gigs with it, all I can say is that I’m very pleased with the pickup and I’m very happy I bought it. I think that Rics are pretty well sonically defined - this pickup won’t change its sound dramatically, but will give you more flexibility with no noise.

Does it push out more highs/treble than the hi gain? Also how does it sound as a stand alone pup? Thanks a ton

 

[Gizmot]

The front pickup that came on my bass has pole pieces, so it’s not the horseshoe design (my bass is a ‘79 and I’ve owned it for 39 years). This Nordstrand pickup sounds very much like stock pickup but with more output. If you want something that sounds different than the stock pickup, you should look elsewhere. I’ve bought other replacement pickups for this bass but always went back to the stock pickup. This time, I’ve got the right one and I’m completely happy with it. If you want more zing to your sound you might be better off with active electronics or taking a closer look at your amp and speakers.

 

[SactoBass]

@Gizmot thank you for the review of the Nordenbocker pickup! I have played Ric basses since 1975 and I currently have a Ric 4003S. When I saw the press release for the Nordy, I wondered how it would sound, so I really appreciate you taking the time to post your impression of it! I just might end up buying one!

 

[Carb_Rock_Doc]

Agreed, thanks for your report. For those of us wanting "more" but not "different", this sounds like a winner.

 

[MDBass]

Is it as boomy and low as the hi gains? I'm looking for something more defined and not as bassy.

You're always going to get "bassy" regardless of what pickup you use simply due to where it's placed: very close to the neck and not on a traditional harmonic node.

That said, you can get a TON of clang from the Nordenbocker if you want:



Or you can go the total opposite direction: