This is a vintage style single coil pickup made with 60s era correct Heavy Formvar wire, alnico V magnets, and wound with a programmable CNC winder that simulates a vintage hand wound pattern. The combination of the HF wire in correspondence with the simulated hand wind produces the pickup's lowered resonant peak, which is the source of the hypnotizing ambrosia that is the NJ4's divine high end. Between its high and low end frequencies, this pickup produces a full-bodied sound that replicates the drive synonymous with 60s vintage tone.
Though the NJ4 does indeed resonate with the vintage 60s-style tone described, the roots of its initial design and ever extrapolating refinement lies in Nordstrand’s prospects of providing the player with a traditional vintage-style versatility that is tailored to taste.
Artists: Rich Brinsfield, Bill Reynolds
Size (Neck):
3.6” [91.44mm] Long
.72” [18.29mm] Wide
Size (Bridge):
3.73” [94.74mm] Long
.72” [18.29mm] Wide
Nordstrand’s NJ4 has been a very popular single coil vintage replacement for many Jazz Bass® players over the years. There is a good even tone with the NJ4, with no peaking frequencies. It is slightly more direct and tight in comparison with the Lindy Fralin J. It has a bit of a punch in the midrange that is quite like-able, and a present top end.
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.