Novak Mustang Bass Pickups: V or Fat experiences?

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by bjornist, Feb 22, 2021.

  1. bjornist

    bjornist

    Feb 22, 2021
    Hey everyone,

    First post here. Searched everywhere and couldn't find any anecdotes or audio examples demonstrating the real world difference between the two Novak mustang bass options. Tried reaching out to Novak as well but haven't gotten a response back (I imagine they are wildly busy right now.)

    Wondering if anyone has experience with either option. Does the Fat version get too far away from the "mustang bass sound"?

    Thanks in advance for any help.
     
    postpunkbf and jamersonburton like this.
  2. taosword

    taosword

    Dec 9, 2016
    Its hard for me to compare bass pickups, so I ask our sound people and other bass players in the audience. I have the Novak fat vintage mustang pickup on my Squire 60s vibe bass and the feedback is that it is more full than the original, maybe sounding more like a P bass, which to me is good. Curtis says it is wound for broader frequencies. Other than some lighter tuners, there is not much more to do to a mustang. The neck on mine is so well made for a short scale that I would play it no matter what pickups are on it. The comfort level for me is crucial, and this bass may be as good as the American made one.
     
  3. Bumping this thread. I’m trying to decide between Lollar, SD custom shop, or Novak for a CIJ 2005 reissue
     
  4. iiipopes

    iiipopes Supporting Member

    May 4, 2009
    Add Nordy to your considerations. The Nordy Mustang Pickups have double poles and a little bit more wire, so they sound like a cross between Mustang and a good P-bass pickup. I have one in a short scale and with GHS BPN strings it rocks: big, full, round, while still defined.
     
    birdswthvertigo likes this.
  5. Djadja

    Djadja Supporting Member

    I have a new Mustang coming today and am thinking I may want to swap the pup… adding Aero, Stonewall, and Sentell to the list as well. I’m looking forward to reading folks’ thoughts.
     
    birdswthvertigo likes this.
  6. I ordered the JMJ pickups earlier this week. They should drop right into my new to me CIJ. I’ll know soon enough. Meanwhile it’s NBD for me. Staring at a very mint 2005 CIJ vintage white. Happiness.
     
  7. Djadja

    Djadja Supporting Member

    where did you find the JMJ pickups? I've been searching for a source. I assume the Duncan Custom Shop pup is very similar or the same.
     
  8. Check the Stratosphere. A shop out of New Hampshire. They have a website, a reverb shop, and an eBay shop. But the eBay shop gets updated first. I don’t see any listings for just the pickups and pots currently. If you order direct from Seymour Duncan Custom shop it’s 6-8 weeks.
    They currently have a few fully loaded JMJ bodies. 2022 Fender JMJ Road Worn Mustang Bass LOADED BODY Guitar Parts Black | eBay