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Recommendation needed: bass for nordstrand big blademan based build.

P

Pleasurewizard

Guest
Jan 17, 2018
84
76
Madison, wi
#1
Hello!

I think the nordstrand big blademan pickup is neat and want to do a rebuild of a cheapish bass with the nordstrand electronics. I don't know what bass to gut for this project and I'm looking for recommendations.

Here are more details:
-no strong preference for 4 or 5 string
-35 inch scale preferred, but 34 is also acceptable.
-not settled on 1 or 2 pickup configuration
-will definitely have a nordstrand 3 band preamp
-im not afraid of using a router to reshape existing pick up holes.
-not too concerned about specific cosmetic features, it's okay of the finished product isn't exactly a looker :)

My total budget goal is 1000-1200, but I'm flexible. My estimate for electronics is ~300 and ~600 dollars. That leaves between 600 and 900 for the guitar itself. If you were attempting this build, what would you use as the 'base' guitar for the project.

Thanks in advance. This forum seemed more appropriate than luthiers or pickups, but feel free to delete if I'm not on topic.
 
#4
Pleasurewizard said:
Hello!

I think the nordstrand big blademan pickup is neat and want to do a rebuild of a cheapish bass with the nordstrand electronics. I don't know what bass to gut for this project and I'm looking for recommendations.

Here are more details:
-no strong preference for 4 or 5 string
-35 inch scale preferred, but 34 is also acceptable.
-not settled on 1 or 2 pickup configuration
-will definitely have a nordstrand 3 band preamp
-im not afraid of using a router to reshape existing pick up holes.
-not too concerned about specific cosmetic features, it's okay of the finished product isn't exactly a looker :)

My total budget goal is 1000-1200, but I'm flexible. My estimate for electronics is ~300 and ~600 dollars. That leaves between 600 and 900 for the guitar itself. If you were attempting this build, what would you use as the 'base' guitar for the project.

Thanks in advance. This forum seemed more appropriate than luthiers or pickups, but feel free to delete if I'm not on topic.
Click to expand...
Reviving this thread. Did you go through with the build?
 
#5
BruceWane said:
Used Lakland Skyline 44-01 or 55-01. $600-700, widely available. Stock electronics are generally regarded as bland, so they go a lot cheaper than the -02 models. Great platform for modifications.
Click to expand...
The only possible issue with the Lakland 44-01 is that the pickups are Bartolini MK1's which are essentially 5-string pickups. The 55-01 and 44-01 have the same pickups. This works just fine with the 55-01 since you can get Nordstrand 5-string pickups in the P2 shape. With the 44-01 you'd end up also having to the P2 size, and that would mean that with the Big Blades you'd have one extra "pole piece" showing. Your strings might end up lining up between the "pole pieces" but that would only be a visual/aesthetic issue since the blade goes the full length. The notches are only there to keep the pickup in the cover.
 

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