Nordstrand NP4v or NP4 w/Alnico 3

[eeyorebass]

I know it's a long shot to find anyone who's played both of these specific models, but I thought I'd ask anyway.

I'm starting a P-bass build. It will be passive and strung with flats (probably labella). Demos of the NP4 I've heard (granted all with rounds) were a little on the edgy side for me, so I had basically settled on the NP4v. I saw the notes about Alnico 3 magnets on the Nordstrand site, though, and started to wonder. I've seen some threads mention the Alnico 3 Jazz pickups but nothing about the P.

The Nordstrand site describes Alnico 3 magnets as being smoother other descriptions say 'organic,' 'more reactive.' So would an NP4 w/A3 be a little closer to the NP4v? would it be a compromise between the two? best of both?

For a sound reference, I love (of course) Jamerson, and I want to be able to do that sound, but what I'm primarily after is something more like Jimbo Hart with Jason Isbell, mostly old-school with the slightest grind when you dig in.

Many thanks!
Jeremy

 

[Mikeee71]

I have the NP4 And NP4V! I would say they are more similar than different the V is slightly warmer and a bit more polite up top top.
But not a big difference. I don't think in a band mix you could tell the difference.

 

[eeyorebass]

I have the NP4 And NP4V! I would say they are more similar than different the V is slightly warmer and a bit more polite up top top.
But not a big difference. I don't think in a band mix you could tell the difference.

Thanks! Honestly, that's just what I needed to hear. I was leaning NP4v anyway. I'll most likely stick with that.

 

[eeyorebass]

You know, the more I think about it, the more I'm still curious about the A3 NP4. Maybe @Carey can chime in with his opinion of the different versions.

 

[Sands]

You know, the more I think about it, the more I'm still curious about the A3 NP4. Maybe @Carey can chime in with his opinion of the different versions.

I have the NP4 A3 bought specifically for the rareness. Nordstrand is on to something with these. Yet, no one speaks to them. That and the 50s Strats used Alnico 3s and, I thought, well, you can't beat that. So, they are amazing. For reference, I previously preferred the SPB-2 pickups. I've had those on a 2011 P and a 1969 P. Very nice. These Nordstrands are very nice pickups. I wouldn't pull them out for anything else, except a vintage pickup. Sweet lows, mids and highs. Handwound, made in the USA. The bass I have them on is an 63 AVRI with a Warmouth Macassar Ebony neck. Freaking awesome.