USA Jazz vs Nordstrand NJ4SE

[Edgetone]

I recently purchased some Nordstrand NJ4SE pickups for my MIJ Fender Jazz '75 reissue. I wanted hum-Cancelling pickups and these were highly recommended. It was a three month wait to get them in.

Knowing how subjective sound memory is, I decided to record my bass before and after the install. This way I could easily compare them to the USA Fender pickups that came stock. Since I did all this work, I figured I would share.

I've posted 9 clips to SoundCloud. In each clip, you will first hear the original USA Jazz pickups followed by the Nordstrand NJ4SE. I didn't attempt to volume match the recordings, so this is straight after the install without a setup.

 

[Mr_O'B]

I recently purchased some Nordstrand NJ4SE pickups for my MIJ Fender Jazz '75 reissue. I wanted hum-Cancelling pickups and these were highly recommended. It was a three month wait to get them in.

Knowing how subjective sound memory is, I decided to record my bass before and after the install. This way I could easily compare them to the USA Fender pickups that came stock. Since I did all this work, I figured I would share.

I've posted 9 clips to SoundCloud. In each clip, you will first hear the original USA Jazz pickups followed by the Nordstrand NJ4SE. I didn't attempt to volume match the recordings, so this is straight after the install without a setup.

Imo, you could have saved your money? There isn't too much of a difference between stock pickups and Nordstrand pickups.
Great comparison!

 

[Edgetone]

Imo, you could have saved your money? There isn't too much of a difference between stock pickups and Nordstrand pickups.

That's what I thought after I heard the difference. I guess I paid more for the hum cancelling aspect, which can be handy. They are a bit tighter in the bass, so I don't mind that.

 

[SickAura]

I recently purchased some Nordstrand NJ4SE pickups for my MIJ Fender Jazz '75 reissue. I wanted hum-Cancelling pickups and these were highly recommended. It was a three month wait to get them in.

Knowing how subjective sound memory is, I decided to record my bass before and after the install. This way I could easily compare them to the USA Fender pickups that came stock. Since I did all this work, I figured I would share.

I've posted 9 clips to SoundCloud. In each clip, you will first hear the original USA Jazz pickups followed by the Nordstrand NJ4SE. I didn't attempt to volume match the recordings, so this is straight after the install without a setup.

Thanks for posting - I wish more people would
I only listened to the neck samples as that's how I choose to play my jazz
I found the '75 to be a little more aggressive - which I like - but both sound very good to me

 

[Geri O]

Uh

Thanks for posting - I wish more people would
I only listened to the neck samples as that's how I choose to play my jazz
I found the '75 to be a little more aggressive - which I like - but both sound very good to me

If you plan to use the neck pickup only, then you made a good choice with the Nord hum-canceling pickups. Jazz basses are “inherently” quiet with both pups at 100%, or equal output, rather. Go to one or the other and hello, noise.

 

[SickAura]

Uh


If you plan to use the neck pickup only, then you made a good choice with the Nord hum-canceling pickups. Jazz basses are “inherently” quiet with both pups at 100%, or equal output, rather. Go to one or the other and hello, noise.

Sorry not my clips or pickups...was commenting on Edgetone's post...

 

[deepestend]

Thanks @Edgetone this was helpful. The difference is subtle but the Nord def tightens things up in a noticeable way.

 

[deepestend]

@Edgetone are you still using the nordstrands, or did you land on something else?

 

[Zazie Moondust]

The nordstrands definitely seem a bit more mid focused and thicker. Makes sense as they are supposed to be higher output presumably with more coil windings. The difference isn't super big in the mix though it still sounds like a Jazz bass.

I am kind of sold, seems like they'd be a good bridge pickup, especially in 70s position or part of a PJ if I was going for a traditional sort of jazz bass sound.

 

[deepestend]

Yeah, one of those things where the difference isn't going to be super big. You'll notice it, but if you're on the fence about cost, it isn't going to be night and day.

 

[Edgetone]

@Edgetone are you still using the nordstrands, or did you land on something else?

I've completely overhauled my bass collection since I made this post.

The Fender Jazz moved along as several other basses passed through my hands. I landed on a love for G&L L-2000's, and ordered a custom shop 5 string. I already had the Kiloton 5 Fretless. Then when I got diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2022, I decided (perhaps hastily), that 5 string was going to be too difficult and sold it. I bought a Kiloton 4 string to replace it, but kept thinking I should have ordered an L-2000 instead.

So in September last year I pulled the trigger and orderd a custom shop L-2000. Hopefully will have that within two months. I do have another Jazz bass, but it's not what you would expect. Here is my current collection.

The black Kiloton is up for sale locally in anticipation of that L-2000 being ready soon.

 

[deepestend]

Thanks for the update @Edgetone

Totally makes sense the direction that you'd go. I have a lot of love for the G&L's myself.

How is the parkinsons? Has it had any effect on your playing yet?

 

[Edgetone]

How is the parkinsons? Has it had any effect on your playing yet?

Thanks for asking. Parkinson's is a slow progressing bitch. It started affecting my playing soon after first symptoms started. My right arm/hand is most affected, followed by the rest of my right side. It affects my ability to play in time, so I can't do really fast stuff anymore (at least not consistently). The drugs help, but it varies in intensity every day.

I've taken up drumming as a way to combat the progression and rewire my brain. I'm getting to the almost okay level.

 

[deepestend]

Thanks for asking. Parkinson's is a slow progressing bitch. It started affecting my playing soon after first symptoms started. My right arm/hand is most affected, followed by the rest of my right side. It affects my ability to play in time, so I can't do really fast stuff anymore (at least not consistently). The drugs help, but it varies in intensity every day.

I've taken up drumming as a way to combat the progression and rewire my brain. I'm getting to the almost okay level.

Nice! Seems like drumming would be very therapeutic for parkinsons. Nice job sticking in there and looking for new ways to engage with music as things change.

 

[PCR]

I've completely overhauled my bass collection since I made this post.

Of course you have... I wouldn't expect anything less from an long time Talkbasser...

Good luck with your illness. Kick ass and take names. Glad to see you're playing through this.