Nordstrand pickups

[5StringPocket]

do you know the Zen blades yourself ?
The Nords own tonal rating would be within what i´m looking for i´d say.

Just, bestbassgear does not have the nords in stock. i´d still better order at Nordstrand anyway.
also giving them so a higher margin

Ibanez uses the same Bart BH2 pickups in the SRMS805 and EHB1005MS models. I replaced the Barts in my SRMS805 with Zen Blades so I’m familiar with them and much prefer them to the Barts. The Zen Blades are humbucking sidewinder pickups which use horizontally oriented coils on either side of a rail. This is an unusual configuration but is clear, well balanced, has some warmth, and responsive to EQ changes. Mine has series/parallel switches but I always use them in series. The sound is full and more to my liking. Parallel output is weak and sounds too thin. I’ve also had Big Split and Bigman pickups which are a bit more aggressive but you have to get accurate string spacing for the poles to line up. There are a number of posts in this forum from other users which would be helpful if you seek further information. You can dig up quite a bit to sift through with the search function.

 

[Funky40]

This is an unusual configuration but is clear, well balanced, has some warmth, and responsive to EQ changes.

this sounds good.

You can dig up quite a bit to sift through with the search function.

i read thru the Ibanez EHB threads, and what i found based on my "Nordstrand" surch.

I want to change the position angle of the pickups on my EHB1005sms too.
The Zen blades would be cool in that sense that i could change my mind respectivly keeping it as is, first.
But they are P2 and not P4. so i end up with a custom order anyway imo.

thanks for your input

 

[5StringPocket]

You’re welcome. Zen blades come in both P2 and P4 size which is not a custom size but supply is backed up so there is still probably a wait.

 

[Funky40]

some feeback vs. my problem to get in touch with Nordstrand:
there was a fail by me.
i was not aware that the eMail form on the Nordstrang page has to be confirmed.
That ...."i´m not a robot"....dialog was for example not visible on my screen, without some scrolling.
in case somebody else would stumble over this little detail.
now that i managed to finally send my mail, have i gotten quite rapidly in touch with Adrian.

and measuring my pickups on my Ibanez EHB1005sms, are these even not exactly same as the P4.

Adrian also mentioned upfront the two blade type pickups.
Great ! i´m in touch..........looking forward to complete my new Bass.
and, thanks for the hand here @TB !

 

[Mattarays]

some feeback vs. my problem to get in touch with Nordstrand:
there was a fail by me.
i was not aware that the eMail form on the Nordstrang page has to be confirmed.
That ...."i´m not a robot"....dialog was for example not visible on my screen, without some scrolling.
in case somebody else would stumble over this little detail.
now that i managed to finally send my mail, have i gotten quite rapidly in touch with Adrian.

and measuring my pickups on my Ibanez EHB1005sms, are these even not exactly same as the P4.

Adrian also mentioned upfront the two blade type pickups.
Great ! i´m in touch..........looking forward to complete my new Bass.
and, thanks for the hand here @TB !

If you wouldn't mind, would you please share the dimensions of the original pickups (millimeter would be preferred instead of those dirty imperial inches!)? It would be very nice to have this information so it's easier for folks in the future to know what options they have for replacement pickups.

 

[Funky40]

If you wouldn't mind, would you please share the dimensions of the original pickups

Ok, i get your point ......in case there was any

i get with my measuring:
117.5 x 33.5mm

Bartolinie says for the P4 formfactor:
117 x 32mm
P4 Soapbars - Bartolini Pickups & Electronics

OK, they would fit in, ofcourse.
I was not thinking so far, ......sorry for that !
but you much likely could not exchange the other way around.
( i just saw plain numbers in my computer tired brain )

 

[Funky40]

heya, i´m back modding another Bass.

i´m planning a setup with 3 pickups ( well, several plans/ideas on the table, but thats the simpliest way to look at it)
Neck and bridge will be the single blade type of thing, ( big singles or J-singles)
but adding in the middle a Zen blade, as a => noise compensated alternative vs. Studio hum.


my main Query, Q1: can i take whatever Zen -Neck vs. Bridge- i´d like ?
i´d take the Neck unit, if it was just me in all my un-knowledge . even with the risk, that if i´d want to blend, it would be with another neck unit as the partner (a J-single).
Then, not putting any weight vs. any cancellation effect. just the "sound-blend" should work. So, can i take my Zen Blade as a Neck unit ?

for better understandings:
Q2: as far as i understand is the Neck-Bridge thing just a thing of reversed polarity, right? or is there more to it ?

Q3: A) as far i understand, is the noise-cancelling effect also dependend on the distance between two PUs, when mixing neck and bridge ?
so, if i would mount two PUs directly side by side, is the noise cancelling effect off anyway, while blending ?

4) are there any no-Go´s when it comes to blend two PUs ?

I can only make one order from one house, nordstrand. (vs. high ship&import costs)
so, i have to make decissions upfront.