Making Passive P/J active/passive

LarryR · #1 10-23-2006, 02:05 PM

I've got a Lakland Bob Glaub w/stock Fralin P/J passive.
Is there an option to add an active pre so I can go both ways, similar to a Sadowsky stock setup? Is it common to go this route?

**David Wilson** · #2 10-23-2006, 03:50 PM

yes, it's common thing to do. Most 'active' basses have passive pickups and active preamp, usually with some option to bypass it in case of battery failure / personal preference.

LarryR · #3 10-23-2006, 03:59 PM

Thanks David.

If I don't want to re-route my cavity, do you (or anyone) know the list of Preamps that can simply get "dropped-in"?

EricF · #4 10-23-2006, 05:43 PM

Check out the U-Retro by East.

**David Wilson** · #5 10-23-2006, 07:23 PM

that's one possibility for sure, the P basses are left out in the drop in replacement market compared to the J bass.
What features are you looking for? 2 band/3 band? Do you want tone control as well? Do you want bypass?

LarryR · #6 10-23-2006, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidmwilson

What features are you looking for? 2 band/3 band? Do you want tone control as well? Do you want bypass?

You're asking "Mr passive Fender for 20 years" for features?
For one, push pins to replace the pickguard screws for easier battery replacement. It sounds like the world is my oyster with this stuff and I can trick out the electronics to anything.

Bypass for sure. I think I just want the option of (even) 2-band. One thing I notice about doing bitg slides on a neck: active pronounces it much better than passive. Active has a bite that (after having messed with a Sadowsky) I kinda miss now. So...... maybe start with 2-band, tone & bypass? Does 3-band include mid-control? I presume that would entail drilling the stock pickguard?

PilbaraBass · #7 10-23-2006, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryR

You're asking "Mr passive Fender for 20 years" for features?
For one, push pins to replace the pickguard screws for easier battery replacement. It sounds like the world is my oyster with this stuff and I can trick out the electronics to anything.

Bypass for sure. I think I just want the option of (even) 2-band. One thing I notice about doing bitg slides on a neck: active pronounces it much better than passive. Active has a bite that (after having messed with a Sadowsky) I kinda miss now. So...... maybe start with 2-band, tone & bypass? Does 3-band include mid-control? I presume that would entail drilling the stock pickguard?

I didn't know that the Lakland Glaub came P/J. Interesting. Because I LOVE P/J's.

Why don't you just get a Sadowsky outboard preamp and have the best of both worlds...and a decent DI, to boot?

EricF · #8 10-23-2006, 08:23 PM

The East U-Retro is 3 stack knobs and 2 mini-switches. You'd need to drill holes for the switches. The knobs are volume/blend, treble/bass, mid/mid freq.

Link: http://www.bestbassgear.com/u-retro-preamp.htm

I've been considering a U-Retro Deluxe for one of my basses.

southpaw · #9 10-23-2006, 11:13 PM

I agree with PilabarraBass. Just purchase a Sadowsky outboard preamp. I use one with my PBass. . . always. For nasty weather outside gigs I usually play my Carvin LB70. I put the bass into passive mode and then run it through the Sadowsky preamp. You won't believe the difference in sound.

4Mal · #10 10-23-2006, 11:25 PM

Talk to Dave at Audere. His pre is really impressive.

LarryR · #11 10-23-2006, 11:29 PM

Thank you all for you input. You've given me enough ideas to start researching.

tortoise.sg · #12 10-24-2006, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Mal

Talk to Dave at Audere. His pre is really impressive.

+1
Great service.