Nordstrand Zen Blade

[sikamikanico]

So the guys at Nordstrand have finally released the sidewinder blade pickup, called Zen Blade. I’m very excited about this, I was looking forward to it, but it will be a while until I can try one (or a set).

In the meantime, I thought I’d open it for discussion. I hope someone can soon contribute reviews and clips

Zen Blade 4

 

[4StringTheorist]

If the 4 string BC version can cover my narrow spaced Ibanez fretless 5, I see these in my future!

 

[Bassworship1]

These pickups sound great.

 

[maurilio]

A little idea of these pickups wired in parallel:

(and some sloppy bassplaying)

 

[Toptube]

If the 4 string BC version can cover my narrow spaced Ibanez fretless 5, I see these in my future!

Double check the sizing. P2 size should fit in Ibanez 5ers with MK or Nordstrand pickups.

 

[5StringPocket]

It’s good to see these finally out. Looking forward to loading a pair of these in my Ibanez SRSC805. I’m not a fan of the MK1 preamp and tempted to try them with my Darkglass Tone Capsule.

 

[4StringTheorist]

Double check the sizing. P2 size should fit in Ibanez 5ers with MK or Nordstrand pickups.

It's the Gary Willis GWB35. The pickup is definitely a BC size, and the ramp matches up with the pickup route, so routing for a P2 is both aesthetically and functionally a bad idea.

 

[Toptube]

It's the Gary Willis GWB35. The pickup is definitely a BC size, and the ramp matches up with the pickup route, so routing for a P2 is both aesthetically and functionally a bad idea.

Ah ha.

 

[Bassworship1]

A little idea of these pickups wired in parallel:

(and some sloppy bassplaying)

You can’t hear the best for the guitar being so loud lol...but it does sound good. I think I would like these best in series mode. Seriously thinking of getting a set in my Devin Build.

 

[maurilio]

You can’t hear the best for the guitar being so loud lol...but it does sound good. I think I would like these best in series mode. Seriously thinking of getting a set in my Devin Build.

did you listen with a good set of headphone or speakers? It does need a tiny bit of lowend boost...

 

[Bassworship1]

did you listen with a good set of headphone or speakers? It does need a tiny bit of lowend boost...

Yeah I had earbuds...sounded good, just jabbing all guitar players lol.

 

[maurilio]

Yeah I had earbuds...sounded good, just jabbing all guitar players lol.

... indeed!

 

[Joshua]

A little idea of these pickups wired in parallel:

(and some sloppy bassplaying)

Great playing and choice of tunes! A lot of little known Pat Metheny in there; very nice!

 

[Todd GT5]

Well I ordered a set for my Brice 63437(6 string Fanned Fret)! I'm going to set it up Series with Passive VVT. I have Big Splits in my two Graphite Guitar Systems basses and think these will be awesome in my fanned fret sixer! I can't wait.

Todd

 

[sikamikanico]

Well I ordered a set for my Brice 63437(6 string Fanned Fret)! I'm going to set it up Series with Passive VVT. I have Big Splits in my two Graphite Guitar Systems basses and think these will be awesome in my fanned fret sixer! I can't wait.

Todd

Great, please report back and also compare with Big Splits - I’m curious about any differences and similarities!

 

[Todd GT5]

Well I got them last night! I had taken out the original pickups and wiring over the weekend so I was able to drop them in and wire them up quickly. I used a prewired passive VVT from BBG and wired the pickups in series.

It's early in the process, but so far I am very pleased! They are very open and they do maintain a transparent "flat" response. It will be difficult to judge detailed differences with my Big Splits and Big Singles I had before due to the bass being so different. There is definitely a similarity to the Big Splits. Probably slightly smoother and flatter. The evenness across the fret board is remarkable!

Todd

 

[nismaniac]

A little idea of these pickups wired in parallel:

(and some sloppy bassplaying)

You sound great Mo!!!

Mo is installing some Zen Blades in an old fretless Ibanez 6 string i sent him, I'm excited to hear them and I'll post my thoughts after I get it back!

 

[Todd GT5]

A quick update! After some time to bond and fine tune, I'm loving these pickups! I switched out the strings from Payson SS Rounds to Payson Flat wounds. I'm getting my ideal tone. Full range, growl when desired, smooth when desired! The pickups take tweaking of the passive VVT controls and hand placement and give me what I'm looking for!

Todd

 

[Daniele Camarda]

Anybody has anything new recorded with the Zen Blades? Can't really tell how these pickup sound yet. Anybody can give us some extra feedback?

 

[Daniele Camarda]

A quick update! After some time to bond and fine tune, I'm loving these pickups! I switched out the strings from Payson SS Rounds to Payson Flat wounds. I'm getting my ideal tone. Full range, growl when desired, smooth when desired! The pickups take tweaking of the passive VVT controls and hand placement and give me what I'm looking for!

Todd

Hi Todd, are they punchy if needed?