possible to make a passive bass active?

ghostjs · #1 05-31-2009, 09:13 PM

i have a MIM fender Jazz bass. i love the build quality (better than the MIA's ive played) but i feel like it could use a lot more tone. it has a decent tone but i was thinking about switching out the passive electronics for active ones but im not sure how that will work since its a passive bass.

so my question is: can i put some active electonics into my passive bass?
if so, what modifications would i need to do and also if its possible to have a 2-band eq, not a 3 band on it (i want to minimize the amount of knobs on this thing)

**line6man** · #2 05-31-2009, 09:35 PM

Yes it's possible to make a passive bass active.

How about an Audere?
http://www.audereaudio.com/JZ3.htm

PJSShearer · #3 06-01-2009, 05:20 AM

How about EMG?

http://www.emginc.com/products/category/25

and
http://www.emginc.com/products/category/146
http://www.emginc.com/products/category/147

badboy1984 · #4 06-01-2009, 06:27 AM

Yes you can.

Can either replace your stock pickup for a set of EMG which is active pickup

or

Replace the stock electronic for a preamp.

or you can do both.

Also you can have stack knobs on the bass so you can have 3 EQ on the preamp with 3 knob control.

snyderz · #5 06-01-2009, 06:35 AM

J-Retro by John Eden Co.

pbd · #6 06-01-2009, 06:42 AM

EMG, assuming you like their pickups, has kits available for their active pickups, It a pretty easy install. I am sure there are others who have simular packages but I have first hand experience with the EMG's. Your local music store can probably do the install for you without too much extra cash but doing it yourself is a noble endevor

enjoy,
Todd

badboy1984 · #7 06-01-2009, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snyderz

J-Retro by John Eden Co.

+1 on these,

I use the J-Retro preamp on my jazz and it sound fantastic, you get all thje controls on the bass

SwamiRob · #8 06-01-2009, 08:38 AM

J-Retros are direct replacements (i.e. come in a custom Jazz control plate) and you don't need to do any soldering because you screw the wiring in rather then solder it, heard nothing but good things about them. EMGs/other actual active pickups will probably change the tone more significantly, whereas a pre-amp will just give you a louder sounding bass.

clejw · #9 06-01-2009, 10:00 AM

Check this out: http://www.aguilaramp.com/products_preamps_obp2.htm
http://www.warmoth.com/Aguilar-2-Ban...s-P34C196.aspx

You can keep your v-v controls and add a stacked treble/bass knob in the tone position, no additional hole required in your pick guard.

http://www.warmoth.com/Concentric-Po...S-P720C58.aspx
http://www.warmoth.com/Concentric-Pot-C833.aspx

And don't forget the battery box you'll need to add in the back:
http://www.warmoth.com/Double-Battery-Box-P716C48.aspx

You can't go wrong with an Aguilar preamp, it's installed on many high end boutique basses.

While you're doing the wiring thing, you might also consider replacing the pickups:
http://www.warmoth.com/Lightnin-Rods...P1412C800.aspx

Get your frets leveled, and you'll have a very sweet sounding and playing bass.

Good Luck!!!

dmusic148 · #10 06-01-2009, 10:08 AM

Meh. I tried the East pre and the ACG one. Went back to passive, better sound IMO. Maybe try better pickups first.

SwamiRob · #11 06-01-2009, 12:04 PM

I think if he has a go on some active Jazzes first before splashing out on one to make sure it's what he's after it'll be fine. It's not like an East or any other quality pre isn't gonna drop too much in value on the second hand market.

ghostjs · #12 06-02-2009, 08:39 AM

hmm thanks a lot guys! i played a lot of active basses as well as some jazz basses that were active. i like the flexibility but i still need to know what kinda mods are needed to make it active besides replacing the pups.

ghostjs · #13 06-02-2009, 08:40 AM

also, you think its possible to have the battery hidden in the body of the bass where the pickguard is?

dmusic148 · #14 06-02-2009, 08:43 AM

No mods needed. You can use the pups you have if you want. Several pre's will drop right in, including the J retro and Audere. I only suggested pickups because I think it's a better place to begin. If the pickups suck, a preamp won't fix it.

atheos · #15 06-02-2009, 08:44 AM

Sure you can hide the battery, you just need to route a cavity for it. Not the easiest job there is but not too difficult either.

dmusic148 · #16 06-02-2009, 08:45 AM

With the J retro and Audere, the battery fits with no mods.

GODSBASSMAN · #17 06-02-2009, 03:12 PM

Make passive bass active...hmmm
Seems to me if u take it to gigs = active
Under the bed, in the closet = passive
If you take it out more often it might even lose some weight and be lighter to carry around. Worked for my Aunt Betty and Uncle Henry, they got active and lost weight.

SwamiRob · #18 06-02-2009, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

If the pickups suck, a preamp won't fix it.

Yeah if your not happy with the tone of your bass at all then it's not a good choice and you should check out some different pickups, if you just want some added clarity then you should try a pre.