Jazzmaster Lollar vs. Novak

[mr.e]

I want to replace my JM PU's. Any opinions on Lollar vs. Novak?

[transients]

Lollars have staggered pole pieces, so as far as note clarity goes, they're a little better since the distance from the pole piece and strings is more even than a Novak pickup, which is done in vintage style with flat pole pieces. They both sound great, the Novaks are more true to vintage specs and the Lollars sound a little different in a nice way. Can't really go wrong with either!

[mr.e]

Cool thanks. Came to the same conclusion after hearing this:

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/kellyminnis/jazzmaster-showdown-lollar-vs[/soundcloud]

At first I was thinking Lollars sound better, but I do like the vintage/lower output thing... Now I'm considering going with the Novaks though, with a PAF or wide range hum in the bridge... That's a whole other tough decision...

[Tristan]

Judging from the clips I'd go with the Novak in the neck and the Lollar in the bridge.
The Novak in the neck sounds nice and not too stiff/trebly or jangly, the Lollar in the bridge sounds nice and fat.

[foomanfat]

I put a Novak JM-FAT in my '64 Jazzy and it matches up way better with the stock neck pickup.
I would humbly suggest JM-V in the neck and JM-FAT in the bridge.

[kbit]

Cool thanks. Came to the same conclusion after hearing this:

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/kellyminnis/jazzmaster-showdown-lollar-vs[/soundcloud]

At first I was thinking Lollars sound better, but I do like the vintage/lower output thing... Now I'm considering going with the Novaks though, with a PAF or wide range hum in the bridge... That's a whole other tough decision...

I listened to this clip three times in a row the other day.
So nice.