The MM4.4 is for the player who wants the advantage of all the switching options available with spit-able pickups, only without single coil noise. Each row of magnets is divided into two coils, so the pickup can be split and remain hum-canceling in any configuration. Front coil, rear coil, series, or parallel, this pickup has all the basses covered.
Wired in parallel, you can expect classic MusicMan tone—scoop, power, and zing! While with series the midrange is given an extra hand in facilitating scoopy scandalousness. With a tone that is similar to that of the MM4.2—powerful low end, classic scoop, and pleasant high end—combined with the MM4.4's coil switching agility, this pickup provides 70s style tone with a slightly darker, more modern twist.
Click here for the Nordstrand MM wiring diagram.
Size:
4.0” [101.6 mm]
1.895” [48.13 mm] Wide
We hear a traditional tone but with a bit more mids and body. Top end is extended, nice and crisp, and a sweet fullness in the lows. Series and parallel are fairly similar with a bit more mids in the series winding.
Note #1: The pickup used for this video is the MM4.2, a 4 string pickup. The 5 string size/shape will sound similar, but not exact as they will use a longer magnet. Nordstrand is engineering them to sound as close to each other as possible.
Note #2: This pickup was recorded in both parallel and series wirings. This is something that be done with majority of Music Man style bass pickups. A player can choose to hardwire the pickup in parallel or series, or can have a switch to access both. Most commonly, the MM style of pickup is wired in parallel.
Put on a good set of headphones and check out the audio demo below to hear it for yourself.
As always, keep in mind that these are generalizations. Your experience could be different depending on many factors.