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Which Jazz Bridge Pup?

Which bridge pickup for PJ?

  • Nordstrand NJ4SE

    Votes: 20 16.1%

  • Nordstrand NJ4SV

    Votes: 13 10.5%

  • DiMarzio Model J

    Votes: 16 12.9%

  • DiMarzio Ultra Jazz

    Votes: 24 19.4%

  • Seymour Duncan Classic Stack

    Votes: 12 9.7%

  • Seymour Duncan Hot Stack

    Votes: 17 13.7%

  • Other (Please Specify)

    Votes: 22 17.7%
  • Total voters
    124
  • Poll closed .
Stranger Danger

Stranger Danger

Feel Like A Stranger
Jan 3, 2010
14,549
14,118
Denver, CO
#1
Which Jazz bridge split coil pup sounds best in a PJ setup where I may want to solo the bridge pup at times and hear that good old bark.

This would be for a Rock band that plays a mix of classic (Cream, CCR), 90's (Weezer, STP) and modern (Black Keys, KOL). I play fingerstyle.

Thanks in advance!
 
#2
I voted for the Ultra Jazz cos it works great for me. Real clear and full and natural sounding. Its a great all around pickup.. BUT Im sure I wont be the only person to point out that SOOOOOOOOO many other variables will come into play for getting THE sound that you want. Any of the ones you listed could be a could start cos they are all quality pups...But, that said, the Ultra Jazz is a great foundational cornerstone. Did you read the pickup reviews sticky? That is what helped me decide on Ultra jazzes.. but they may be a little off from what you are looking for in particular. good luck
 
#5
After trying several, I use an UltraJazz. It just has the best match all the way around for a P or other small humbucking style pickup (on my custom fanned fret P-style bass I currently have a Rickenbacker HB-1).
 
#6
Though I've never tried one, Nordstrand's NJ4SE seems like a good choice. It's wound for a fatter tone than a typical Jazz pickup, and Nordstrand recommends it for a good bridge pickup tone. I love the Lindy Fralin Split-Jazz in my 2003 MIA J, but don't solo the bridge pickup. If I did, I'd probably want an overwind for more fatness like the NJ4SE.
 
#8
I used a few configurations of PJ pickup setup and found the tone "I" liked the best was an SPB-3 and STK-J2b together sounded great and soloed sounded very good. I raised the Jazz pickup a tad bit higher than the split p and it really made a nice difference. Just my 1-1/2 cents. Good Luck with your choice.
 
#9
StrangerDanger said:
Which Jazz bridge split coil pup sounds best in a PJ setup where I may want to solo the bridge pup at times and hear that good old bark.

This would be for a Rock band that plays a mix of classic (Cream, CCR), 90's (Weezer, STP) and modern (Black Keys, KOL). I play fingerstyle.

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

I'm doing exactly what you're doing and I'm using the Nordstrand nj4se; however, I'm using a pick most of the time. I used to play fingerstyle all the time until I joined a rock cover band.

I have a blend knob installed and I usually keep it in the center. On Plush & Insterstate Love Song I favor the bridge pickup.

JQ
 
#10
Bassist4Life said:
I'm doing exactly what you're doing and I'm using the Nordstrand nj4se; however, I'm using a pick most of the time. I used to play fingerstyle all the time until I joined a rock cover band.

I have a blend knob installed and I usually keep it in the center. On Plush & Insterstate Love Song I favor the bridge pickup.

JQ
Click to expand...

Thanks, this is a new band for me. (Strangely enough, this idea occured to me while playing Plush.) I have been playing in a country rock-americana band for the last year and havent used a pick. I recognize that I may have to "go pick" at some point but Im resisting that impulse right now while Im learning the tunes. Some of the music requires a lot of 16th notes which I find easier to do with my fingers than a pick.

If you dont mind me asking, which P pup are you using with the NJ4SE?
 
#17
I have a P/J bass with a SeymourDuncan Quarter Pound P and a D'marzio 'J' model in the bridge position. I play them both full in live situations and it cuts through nicely with great tone. I don't like a whole lot of Jazz tone, just enough for clarity and cut. Tried the Ultra too, but found the 'J' had more "oomph".
 
#18
I voted for the Model J because I love the fat and midrangey "burp" it gives me when soloed.
It also blends quite well with the P-Pup and keeps up volume-wise...

But have have to like mids in your Sound if you choose the Model J!
 
#20
I voted other..I've never tried the Nordys,but I've played the rest,and for my money,Fralins were the best "all-around'rs". I can dial in classic Mowtown thump/super jazz-growl/modern Claypool/Flea tones/warm yet clear bluesy-ness...you name it. I'm currently swapping all my pups to Fralin.
 

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