Nordstrand MM4.2 pickup (Watch this before you upgrade)

This video was long waited and requested by many people and It was very fun to make.
Very special thanks to Carey Nordstrand for the best support.
Taking care of the customer on the weekend is not every company will do, so it was much appreciated.
Please watch the video and feel free to ask your questions in the comments, we'll be happy to answer.
Follow us on social media platforms 👇🏼
Ellen:
Instagram: / ellenplaysbass
Facebook: / ellenplaysbass
Twitter: / ellenplaysbass
Hovak:
KZbin: / hovakalaverdyanmusic
Facebook: / hovakalaverdyan
Instagram: / hovakalaverdyan
#RecordingStudio #EllenPlaysBass #BassPlayer

[@garym2213]

You modestly say you're not tech savvy but almost every video you do something with equipment that I cannot do. You are teaching your daughter while also giving her the lifelong gift of music. She amazes us all.

[@stevengorum2727]

Yeppers ❤️❤️..!!

[@Ypsiroselee]

He’s “Ellen” savvy. ❤️

[@warrenskelton4940]

Thank you Both! I'm learning so much

[@oleran4569]

Ellen could easily mature along the lines of Ricky Skaggs, or Chris Thile and I so hope she does so in safety and health!

[@markkyle4056]

When I'm having a rough day I check in with Ellen! Her sweet smile and the joy that exudes from her when she plays is amazing ! It's a privilege to watch her develop as a musician.

[@musicdanceartschoolofdougl3276]

Beautiful to see such genuine joy and appreciation of the arts between father and daughter! Good job!

[@dirkmoolman]

Agreed !!

[@archangelo536]

Props to the Mother the unsung hero for color coordinating Ellen's fit with them fluorescent green strings. It's the little things💚

[@stevengorum2727]

Yep !¡!!!

[@lukebuchwald9252]

Why is Ellen's mother never in her videos?

[@vincegotera]

@@lukebuchwald9252 she's doing the filming, some of the time. You can see her in the video where Steve Vai invites Ellen and family to his place. In the beginning of the video you can see her carrying the camera. Her name is Mari.

[@vedodesantis4414]

You know that's such a beautiful thing what you're doing with your daughter giving her career and music and document it and then have it on KZbin I wish

[@probassguitarsound]

Great video just discovered you guys I'm a 65 year old experience bass player and see the joy and happiness of younger players is awesome, you guys inspire me, and being a beetle fan kudos to the father for teaching their great awesome music

[@scrubbingmonkeys2488]

The primary reasons the Pbass is louder and fuller is its a full size bass with the pickup closer to the neck. For fun try to get the Pbass to bark and growl like the sterling. Great video and glad youre happy. Cheers guys

[@marksayers96]

I work from home as a front & backend web developer. When I'm feeling stressed I turn to watch your KZbin videos. Always puts a smile on my face to see Ellen jam out with that big smile. Keep it up Ellen, I know I will be hearing your name a lot more in the future. Love watching you do your thing as well Hovak. Edited: to throw a thank you out to Ellen's mom for the awesome content. You all are an awesome team/family! Thank you for the smiles and awesome content!

[@Dave-jo1hf]

One thing that stands out is that you allow Ellen to have her time. This is great! Childhood and school come first! There are a lot of great dads out there who take the time with their children. Teaching them how to be responsible citizens.and how to enjoy life. You Hovak are right up there with the best! Thank you for being a great dad!

[@Racerman27410]

Great back to back comparison. The Nordstrand definitely has a nicer tone and fuller sound in the lower frequencies as a bass should have. It also sounded a bit less buzzy (like you said the old pickup sounded more like a single coil ). A worthy investment for sure!

[@brads.8908]

I’m addicted to to this father and daughter team, I want to see Ellen’s playing in 10 years

[@timothyalan7731]

I want to see everyday .

[@Funkybassuk]

I have that Nordstrand pickup. Sounds stupendously good in your video! Great playing from Ellen, great determination from Dad to solve the problem, and great outfit coordination by Mum. Good work, team!

[@monolabmusicstudio2373]

When comparing sounds it is important to make the two sounds of equal loudness, because the louder sound will always sound better. It's a psychoacoustic effect that you need to take into account. It is good to note that the Nordstrand's have more output, but equal loudness will negate the psychoacoustic effect. It's something that mastering engineers have to be critically aware of(although some are not). Love you show. Ellen you are awesome!!(dad too).

[@lloydzarathoustra]

Ellen is so beautiful and radiant, a Human Sun!!!

[@jimandsunshinethesherwoods8827]

SUPER DAD! What a fantastic music education! Ellen is so very talented! Her blessings are huge! BEST DADDY'S GIRL TEAM EVER! Dad is well educated and experienced. His ability to teach cognitive understanding, encouragement, and be a great Dad❤ is amazing! I played Bass for over 40 years. Nothing but LOVE❤ and RESPECT🫡 here! MUCH RESPECT! ♥️👍👏

[@allanpierce9700]

She can play. Even neater on a bass guitar .. so well it humbles most guitarists I bet.. I liked the new one for her pressure she put to the strings .. just had a smoother more pleasant vibe that picked up faster...I like more punch. I usually can't stand listening to bass but she has grabbed my ear for it .. it doesn't hurt to listen finally. thank you Ellen.. you are such the inspiration.

[@michaelobrien6412]

As an amateur dabbler in electronics, I found the video on the Norstrand pickup installation very interesting. Those challenges do pop up but your patience and tenacity payed off. Kudos, sir!....much admiration. And of course, the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree. Ellen is gifted with loving and inspiring parents. Best to you!

[@feliscatos4435]

Who in the world could possibly not like this video, and the two of you. She takes away all the pessimism and BS of the music biz, and reminds me what it felt like when I was about her age.

[@teolidio]

You two are an amazing duo!

[@Exercise-01]

I will never again complain about how thick this or that neck is and how it makes my hand/wrist hurt. What an adorable little girl and amazing musician.

[@billycozzie7331]

You guys make me smile.

[@gavinjones3637]

The Nordstrand had a far richer tone, though, listening on a phone speaker, it was really helpful to see the Protools signal. From there, the difference in signal level is so clear!

[@stevengorum2727]

Yeppers ❤️❤️

[@jsnichols1]

I'm a Nordstrand endorser and I highly approve! Carey and company are the real deal! I have this pickup in a Stingray fretless and it KILLS! Thanks for the great video - keep rockin'!

[@rockygloriamcdougall1995]

Great Video, Ive been making custom Bases for many years and have used Nordstrand on all with wonderful results. Ellen has won my heart with her great energy and smile. Keep the videos coming.

[@bluegirlproductions6303]

Nordy is a friend of mine, he makes some incredible pickups. Great video, thank you for sharing!

[@kenstone5479]

The new pickup has a very mellow sound, much less twang, I love it.

[@leahwatson7112]

I'm always amazed at how talented Ellen is😍🎵🎶❤❤

[@michael_caz_nyc]

If Ellen doesn't make your day better . . . You have No Soul. Her passion, enthusiasm and positive energy - is a joy to watch. You are a great Dad-too. Always enjoy your interesting content. oNe LovE from NYC

[@bgmckddy]

Thanks for another *fun* video! The new pickup has a much richer and deeper sound. VERY nice! Most important, Ellen likes it too!!

[@hiitsme9042]

6:30 great tip take photo of wiring on phone. Well done Carey Nordstrand - well done you for passing on info.And watching the waveforms shows how in sync Ellen is - Excellent video you guys.

[@droppinlikefliesBand]

I Just Love these 2, she is such a God gifted bundle of talent. Both very Blessed. Amazing Daddy. God bless them both.

[@AugustThor438]

Ellen, you really make me smile, thank you

[@danybeard7601]

Watching Ellen play always cheers me up . Creds to her parents for supporting such talent and to Ellen for her tenacity as a player and a performer . I agree with the replies about how the louder sounding track usually gets the better review . There was one thing i noticed that may have been a factor . the wave forms of the two tracks look to me to be out of phase . I had this same issue with my fretless J bass when i switched the stock pups to Fender Lace Sensors . The upgrade made the sound kinda thinner and my volume knobs worked backwards . I didn't think anything would be different because both were Fender products . After reversing the polarity on the pots it was much louder , deeper and had no noise . I've been playing bass and doing recording engineer work since 1975 and Ellen's playing pits me to shame JS . Keep it up my friends !

[@MunchiesMusicMadness]

Wow great customer service

[@drumdude46]

This little girl has got it goin' on! Love the Green Shoe Strings, the Green Sweatshirt, and the 'Green Strings!!!! ha ha!....Man, you guys are just too cool.

[@Crabfather]

Ellen you're a damn good player with the sweetest laugh - please don't ever change! Re the nordstrand - i didnt love the tine of it, personally. The original pup was more to my preference but i can see how the nordstrand would sit better in a mix. What a cool team you guys are!

[@bottom4strings333]

Thank you for posting this demonstration video! I recently bought a Sterling Ray4 HH with the dual humbuckers. It sounds OK, but it's really lacking when I "pop" on the G string during slapping & popping. It sounds annoyingly thin & tinny, and lacking punch & volume when popping that G string. Been reading about these Nordstrand MM4.2 pickups, and now you've convinced me to get a pair! Thank you!! And thanks to Carey Nordstrand for making these vintage style MM pickups!

[@wedgelewis7903]

Wow. Now it sounds like a Bass. And you learned something while changing the pickup. Outstanding. You are the man.

[@tygereyes]

Whew! Way to go dad. It is fortunate you have such connections in the industry. Ellen, thank you for sharing your talents. All the best to you two!

[@oleran4569]

I truly believe Nordstrand is a great company! Not only is Carey great, but he has a great team. Stew McKinsey went all out to help me ( just a random guy with a failed V7 pickup) and did so with nearly unbounded patience, focusing his considerable expertise, via a series of emails on my little problem. Great outfit!!! Thanks for posting this!

[@garyolafson8303]

Agreed, here. Second one has the Bass tone. Great to see you Two back on U-Tube, fun Vlog to watch & learn

[@enlightenedrelic204]

At 14.00 she said, you just told me the first one, I love the logic and honesty of kids, nothing beats it.

[@watcher63034]

The first had a nicer tone and duration to me, but had that hard metallic "hit" to it. The second one sounded way smoother, but more dull. IDK. I am not a musician. I honestly come to hear some nice bass and see such positive energy from the family. Thanks!

[@claudiocheulini]

What a joy watching these videos and the very positive energy that Ellen radiates. Great preamp choice too..the excellent Avedis MA5..

[@lloydzarathoustra]

Smile and Muscle, great video, as always!!!

[@davidross8668]

That's funny because I prefered the 1st one mostly because it had a more open sound and the 2nd seemed muted and a little muffled.

[@EG-1969]

There's plenty of tone available to bring out on the top, but the thing is that the Nordstrand has more signal overall to work with; more punch to go along with all that tone.

[@folchandre]

I've had the same feeling@@EG-1969

[@titntin5178]

Not always easy to tell from a video on you tube, but the difference was night and day to these old ears, and im a bass player with long history of music production. As you stated, the new pickup was better in every aspect, it was no contest. You would struggle to give the first pickup a trully low end punch, but the sound from the second would be far easier to eq and get what you want, even if you were chas8ng a bright slap sound. Its lovely to watch you guys do your thing, lots of love from the uk.

[@sgtbobj3847]

Ellen has so much talent. Keep up the good work!

[@josephewing80]

Gotta' say, I prefer the stock Music Man. Brighter tone, and would really stand out more when slappping. More of a piano bass tone. As always, buy what you like.

[@garywik3601]

Hi folks, love what you do. After the change the sound died totally. It was like you went to flat wound strings. Please put the old one back. Ellen is one of my heroes.

[@nickpicc]

Nordstrand pickups are amazing, sounds great

[@davejones7475]

Her Folks, your Father/Daughter relationship is heartwarming. Both of your playing skils are inspiring. What this Carry Nordstrom did was way above and beyond the call of duty. P-5 is what i call it. Passion, Patience, Practice, and Personal Pride. I am personally looking for a Sub 5 to mod, and given what Mr Nordstrom did, and how full of Joy you'all are, ill start with Mr Nordstrom's pick-up and possibly controls. I tip my hat!

[@brawnotron6684]

You guys are so helpful. I learn so much from you two that I don’t need to watch the world news anymore. THANKS!🌞

[@robertsuggs2510]

Hey guys,,,that was a FANTASTIC video on replacement pickups & you two are so great to watch,,thank you so very much 🎸🤠

[@stephanielight4161]

thankyou....great unbiased comparison. 🔉🎸🔊

[@markreimer2622]

I don't play an instrument and ellen makes every day my fav!!

[@theshepster901]

Cool video. Nordstrom pick-ups sound great and im glad to here he personally assisted u!! Rock on

[@jackthemouse]

Great test and great video! I definitely prefer the original pickup sound, but this is just my opinion. God bless you Ellen and Novak!

[@CurtisGabrielMusic]

So glad you made this video!! What a difference. I'm gonna do the same upgrade, thanks a lot for the info!

[@Ducrider999]

Nordstrand is totally worth the price when you get support like that. Great video.

[@brucebolduc4568]

Wow,, Great information! Thank you!!!!

[@moonriver3552]

This is just the sweetest between you 2. I'm a studio bassist of more years than I can count (good chance you have an album or 2 I'm on) Ellen, you're playing pocket. Keep loving on that as you grow. Pocket is "Home Sweet Home". 🙂 I have one of those short scale MMs. I don't know if they make them all this way, but mine has a push in/out on the volume knob. When you push it out you get more volume.

[@brianbeeching5232]

What a great dad this man is.

[@markbass354]

ITS WAS WORTH IT THE NEW PICKUPS SOUND A LOT BETTER GOD BLESS

[@JCtheGeek2187]

I just installed this pickup in my Sterling Ray24CA and WOW! What a difference it made over the stock pickup. I also rewired it as parallel over how the Ray24CA is wired as series from the factory. It really got the bass to sound like what I was looking for in a Stingray. I am glad I watched your video before I got the pickup, so I new to put the copper foil tape on there to ground the poles! Thanks for that, because you are correct...that info is NOT out there anywhere.

[@kevinmolloy6914]

Very interesting and quite a substantial change. Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@bandicoot5412]

Two great role models, thank you for the demo, need all the help I can get!

[@blue_jm]

Ooh, you guys are really rad, my bass teacher told me NEVER to cut the old strings from the body (when they're in tension) but to just go the slow route and wind them out with the tuners.

[@tednjessdamman7089]

Yeah, I noticed Dan Earlwine showed strings being cut under tension in his guitar setup book. But only one at a time I think. There are alot of techs who cut under tension for speed factor. I get that the strings put 400-500 lbs of tension on the neck, I'm not sure how much shock cutting all the strings puts on the neck but I'm sure it makes some impact.

[@jefflitchfield4950]

Bass strings are so expensive, I keep my old ones just in case, in the case.

[@heygek2769]

You dont need to unwind them completely, just release tension untill they get floppy, then cut. Takes only a couple winds on each string and prevents anything going wrong.

[@Reyajh]

You guys are soo priceless! That being said, there was no comparison imo. Even after all the interim stuff, as soon as I heard the Nordstrand I was like, wow! So much richer and deeper. Congrats Ellen! That thing sounds awe-maazing! 😃

[@scottdarden3091]

The beginning was nice to see Ellen just being a kid 😊😊😊

[@JDesena01]

First, I have to say what a joy it is to see such a young person derive so much happiness from learning a musical instrument, and how perfectly her dad is fostering that appreciation by allowing her to learn and discover at her own pace. That’s what music is all about: both deriving joy from it and providing joy to those who listen. Second, since you already have access to two giants in the bass world (Victor Wooten and Billy Sheehan), you should try to start a correspondence with Tanya O’Callaghan, a premier bassist in her own right and the newest member of Whitesnake. I’m sure she has a wealth of information and advice to share with another wonderful young lady who happens to be an amazing bassist already at only 9 years of age! God Bless!

[@lukebuchwald9252]

Ellen has a special talent and she takes immense joy in exploring that talent --- on the other hand, I can remember trying to learn the play trombone when I was her age and got quickly frustrated with it and quit school band within two weeks LOL --- never touched a musical instrument since!

[@RobbieSongwriter]

Couldn't agree more - The Nordstrom immediatly sounded rounder and fatter, and . . . just more musical. I'm not a bass player but I know the sound I like to hear on a recording, and I think this is brilliant. I enjoyed this video very much.

[@vincent8833]

Very interesting video. Ellen's smile is so bright it made my day. Like you I prefer the Nordstrand pickup to the original one. What really surprised me is that the bass is passive. The Nordstrand MM4.2 is made to match the original Stingrays (you said it too), which are active and have a 2 band EQ. What I would suggest now is to make this bass active using the original preamp. Then this Stingray will really shine and show all its power. P.S. I just modified my Sterling Ray34. It had an Alnico I pickup and an active 3 band EQ. Now it has the Nordstrand MM4.2 Alnico V pickup and the original 2 band EQ preamp with the correct potentiometers. And man it sounds great.

[@jpallen719]

She has so much personality what a cutie. I love it!

[@oldguy7144]

What a charmer...man - success to you and your family.

[@strikebr]

The best father / daughter relationship possible.

[@Jesse-B]

From what I understand, if the coil(s) have more turns in the winding, it increases the output but reduces top end slightly, a bonus on this guitar, the stock pickup sounds so thin by comparison, the new one sounds more precision-ish.

[@PaulRhodes420]

ALWAYS amazed of Ellen's talent! When I saw her start the thumb tap it made my heart fulfilled! She's so awesome, love her to pieces!! I know you do for sure! Needed this today, made me smile!! Lord knows we need all the smiles we can get!! ✌😎🎸🎶🎶🎶 (🌎✌💞 World Peace Love)

[@arthouston7361]

I knew right away which was which, because I noticed that Ellen played the riff a little differently during the new pickup recording, and I could spot that during the playback.. I agree that the new pickup sounds much better. It has more "presence" and clarity. Definitely an upgrade!

[@musikus7092]

Disagree. The original one has more presence and clarity. The new one has more mids.

[@ErixSamson]

The quality of your family videos is quickly increasing day after day

[@KurtBendl]

I just watched the next video and with a little tweaking I’m sure happened in the mix down, I gotta say the Nordy sounds really great. There's a lot more meat and plenty of pop and snappy high end that’s both smooth and crisp. Great playing, kiddo and great production pops!

[@ernesteggleston4069]

Good Job Dad! Way to get it done! Helpful Information worthy learning!

[@dougcollins8466]

This video helped me to decide the right pickup for my bass and how to install it. Thank You!!!

[@wernerhomeier7113]

Hi Ellen, Hi Ellen´s Dad, I prefer the Musicman Pickup cause it sound like more Hifi with more clear HighEnd - but in the end it's a matter of personal taste. Ellen please never stop playing the bass. You are so groovy

[@juanpallautapulido200]

Very interestiong comparitition indeed. Ellen is an excellent test driver (a matching outfit is mandatoryin this cases). As you discovered, It is very important to be sure that pickup's are properly grounded to avoid hums and weird sounds. Note: This phenomena also can happen to your home studio or hi fi audio system if the ground conecction of the electrical network is this is defecctive.

[@Hale-Bopp]

In my opinion I think they both exactly sound the same😊💖

[@MrMikecd1]

Great video snd kudos to Ellen for her playing and dad for making it happen:) I’d love to get a pic of that rotary switch wiring so I can do the same on my Ray short scale bass with the mm4.2 - sounds great!

[@mikec2745]

every time I get depressed and feel like dying and I just watch this little girl and I feel better such an amazing musician

[@MiguelSantos-bp3gl]

Essa Baixista é a coisa mais linda com sua simpatia e toca muito

[@kereamohau]

Wow. I was doing some research on Nordstrand bass stuff and came across this channel. You have a new Subscriber. Great stuff

[@juptonstone]

I can hear a really significant difference with the new pickup. It's much deeper, less harsh, it's just a really beautiful sound. I mean if I had to choose between two pickups I would choose the nordstrand any day of the week!

[@stylestep111]

I love these kind of tech videos. Ellen brings such a fun energy! Loved how you did a blind listening test and didn't say which was which.

[@ErixSamson]

you guys have such a nice studio equipment!!!

[@moonwork742]

Thank you; great topic. Enjoyed the videos on the Geddy Lee pedal and Mark Bass Preamp.

[@siamsasean]

In addition to more volume and bottom end, the Nordstrand has a much more "vocal" sound. Which is all about which harmonics it's re-enforcing compared to the original. Hovak, you totally called it on the original sounding like a single-coil in comparison. Weird for a humbucker to sound like that, but you're so right.

[@Ljuberus]

Csillagom, nagyon ügyes vagy. Apuka pedig szintén nagyon ott van. Gratulálok! Nemrég még egyedül Tal Wilkenfeld volt a kedvencem, de már egy ideje ketten vagytok... Vigyázzatok magatokra, sok sikert és sok boldogságot kívánok! Misi bácsi. (Magyarország, Budapest)

[@lindseyjohn4789]

Yes looking at the graph you can see the strengh of the output of the pickup.

[@stephenvanwijk9669]

Again, that awesome timing. You can not learn this, some people just have this.

[@chrishull3656]

Thanks for making this video - I went ahead and placed an order for the MM4.2 in my SBMM SS bass as a result. Nice playing by Ellen as well! Cheers

[@curupirauirapuru3368]

She is Green, Irish girl 😁😁😁😁💓💓💓💓💓 love from 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷