Which pickups for cover band bass?

[kmk42019]

Passive or active? I currently have a stingray but wanted to try a jazz to see if I like it. I was thinking either a Lakland JO(passive) or a Fender deluxe(active).

[4StringTheorist]

Sounds like you're asking which bass to use, not just which pickups.

I'd say if you're doing a cover band, you'll want maximum flexibility. Jazz style basses do have a lot of flexibility.

[kmk42019]

Originally Posted by 4StringTheorist

Sounds like you're asking which bass to use, not just which pickups.

I'd say if you're doing a cover band, you'll want maximum flexibility. Jazz style basses do have a lot of flexibility.

Im just trying to decide which jazz to get depending on the pups...Active or passive?

[4StringTheorist]

Originally Posted by kmk42019

Im just trying to decide which jazz to get depending on the pups...Active or passive?

The Lakland and the Fender will have bigger differences than merely the active or passive nature of their respective pickups. Play them both. See what range of tones you can get out of each one.

Ultimately there is enough variation among the tones of active pickups and among the tones of passive pickups that drawing a hard distinction between them in general isn't a good basis for deciding on a bass.

[doktorfeelgood]

Originally Posted by kmk42019

Im just trying to decide which jazz to get depending on the pups...Active or passive?

Assumimg the actives are quiet, that's what I'd go for. The single coil sound is a good one but sometimes if you want to use just one pickup it usually leads to 60 cycle hum.
And if you're going thru the PA, the hum will come thru the PA and make the sound man yell. The actives will probably be a little punchier as well. Or, you could stay passive and go with a passive stacked or side-by-side humbucker J-bass pickup. Those will be dead quiet with no battery. And may be cheaper to boot. I'm personally a huge fan of the DiMarzio J-bass passive pickups. I have them in my 2006 Highway 1 Jazz and they are killer. )-(

[kmk42019]

Originally Posted by 4StringTheorist

The Lakland and the Fender will have bigger differences than merely the active or passive nature of their respective pickups. Play them both. See what range of tones you can get out of each one.

Ultimately there is enough variation among the tones of active pickups and among the tones of passive pickups that drawing a hard distinction between them in general isn't a good basis for deciding on a bass.

I see what your saying...thanks...