Why The Issue With Variations In Output From Different Basses -Pups/Pres

[luknfur]

Pretty much a never ending stream of complaints about variations in output from different basses even though guys are typically satisfied with the tone yet they're wanting to change pups/pres/whatever.

I just turn the amp up. So I'm curious why that is and what am I missing here?

[greenboy]

Unless someone has a preamp or head with not enough pregain range between the lowest setting and the highest - which should accomodate any bass input signal, I'd say it's the typical user error of not understanding how to use gain structure.

Similarly, I never understood why people thought an active bass should have a ridiculously high output signal, or why they insisted that "hot" pickups were needed on passive instruments and then wondered where the treble went.

[GlennW]

"I just turn the amp up. So I'm curious why that is and what am I missing here?"

I don't get it either - it's like watching different movies and wondering why they aren't the same.

[A9X]

Originally Posted by greenboy

Unless someone has a preamp or head with not enough pregain range between the lowest setting and the highest - which should accomodate any bass input signal, I'd say it's the typical user error of not understanding how to use gain structure.

Nail - head.

[luknfur]

Well I know there's this preoccupation with "louder is better" and the fact is that volume does alter the perception of sound.

In my experience finding pups you like is practically a shot in the dark yet a number of guys don't seem to hesitate to tear into a bass and chuck a tone they like rather than turn a knob or two.

Didn't seem to be just beginners so thought I'd check to see if there was a reason that made sense.