Might be a bit late of a reply, they usually put the 9v in with the paperwork in the gigbag these ship with. This caught me offguard a few times when I worked at a music shop.
Own the BBP34 and it is perfect, the J pickup is not an afterthought like on so many other PJ offerings. I love mine stock but seem to read a few on here changing the J pickup for a hum canceling variant.
Very satisfied with the bass.
I've come to no longer need much in the way of effects, I'd love if tech 21 would release a sansamp (vt or bddi) with a decent comp and tuner, in the Steve Harris pedal enclosure, or smaller.