I'm kind of new to active basses and it seems like a huge inconvenience to have a bass where you have to unscrew the rear panel to replace the 9v battery in order to play at all. All this without having the ability to switch to a passive mode. I bought a cheap Rogue bass a few years ago with active electronics and it had a pop up knob to switch to passive mode and only a clip holding the 9v battery on the back. Then I ordered a beautiful ESP D5 and it had a screwed on back panel and no way of playing the bass without the battery in it. Someone please help me with this. Is it just me or is there something wrong? Are most active basses made like this?

Are most active basses made like this?

I don't know if most basses are like that or not. I've had both types. Sadowsky has the passive switch that can run without a battery, but you have to take the rear plate off to change it.
My Stingray won't run without a battery, and has no passive switch but has a pop-up battery compartment which makes it very easy to change. Just the nature of the beast, I guess.

YEs, there are many basses that have the 9 volt batteries located in the electronic cavity with access being through the back plate, requiring you to unscrew the back plate.

Some basses, like Music Man have a convenient little pop out batter compartment that makes changing them a little easier.

But the short answer is yes, it's very common and the design just varies from manufacturer to manufacturer...

Peace!

If the plastic cover is thick enough you can counter sink a depression about half way through and do the same on the guitar body and use magnets. You will be surprised how strong they can make tiny thin shiny magnets so strong but they do. Then all you will need is something thin enough to slip between the cover and body to lift a corner. Or buy a flip open battery box and route enough wood out to make it fit. Either one of these is very easy to find but unless you have skills with the power tools and want the battery box let someone else do that. I have three Ibanez SR's 2 prestige and one a 535 all flip tops but my SRX Was a screw down now its magnetic. Take it easy bro...