A mystery wrapped in an enigma

[Gravedigger Dav]

Since I’ve joined TB I’ve noticed a strong disdain for active electronics whether or not the pups are active or passive. This especially seems true with the traditional P bass and J bass crowd. However, I have noticed that these same two groups are big fans of mm/ebmm and G & L basses which are mostly active.

Obviously these two makes have the Leo Fender connection, so I get that. So my query is why are these active basses ‘okay’ while others are not? Is it simply the connection to Leo Fender or is there something more to it? Is it because of a ‘too modern’ sound rather than a more traditional sound?

I like passive and active and both have their place/use.

This topic is not meant to be divisive nor start a riot. Let’s keep this friendly. I simply want to understand the dichotomy of this subject matter.

I am one of those of whom you speak. Not all G&L basses are active. I have an LB100 and an SB2T, neither of which are active. I'm not against active basses, I just don't see the point. It could be because I'm 77 years old and started playing in 1964 when there was no such thing and never really saw a need for additional tone modification.

 

[Thumpin6string]

I find it interesting that some who are NOT fans of active basses, run their passive bass into a preamp pedal before their amp. Kind of the same thing, or am I missing something?

 

[bigcupholder]

I'm surprised people are worried about batteries. I have yet to replace any of my batteries. If I was gigging, I'd keep a note of when I last replaced it and have a backup bass if it wasn't switchable to passive, but otherwise it's the furthest thing from a concern for me.

What I dislike about active basses (and I've only ever owned active basses) is that I tend to record songs bit by bit as I write them and I need to get the same tone the next time I sit down to record. I can save a preset on my Helix for the amp and pedal settings, but if I fiddled with those knobs on the bass since, I'll have to redo the whole thing.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Since I’ve joined TB I’ve noticed a strong disdain for active electronics whether or not the pups are active or passive. This especially seems true with the traditional P bass and J bass crowd. However, I have noticed that these same two groups are big fans of mm/ebmm and G & L basses which are mostly active.

Obviously these two makes have the Leo Fender connection, so I get that. So my query is why are these active basses ‘okay’ while others are not? Is it simply the connection to Leo Fender or is there something more to it? Is it because of a ‘too modern’ sound rather than a more traditional sound?

I like passive and active and both have their place/use.

This topic is not meant to be divisive nor start a riot. Let’s keep this friendly. I simply want to understand the dichotomy of this subject matter.

My PB is passive of course, my Warwick is active (treble-bass cut or boost) and is always set to flat. I think the main goal in all of this is having the proper EQ for ones taste. Personally, I own amps that have very good EQ section, and prefer to manage using the amp as opposed to onboard electronics. But I understand there are those that might need to make adjustments on the fly during a song, and it is more convenient having that ability available on the bass.

Unfortunately, most amps today, have moved away from parametric midrange EQs to a much less expensive baked in sound that either you like, or not. I’ll speculate here and say, having a baked in sound amp and having the ability to massage a livable sound with an onboard EQ is a huge plus.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

I find it interesting that some who are NOT fans of active basses, run their passive bass into a preamp pedal before their amp. Kind of the same thing, or am I missing something?

One more reason I see no value in active basses, but no, I don't do that either. I use no pedals at all. I run my bass directly to my amp just like I have for 57 years.

 

[Thumpin6string]

One more reason I see no value in active basses, but no, I don't do that either. I use no pedals at all. I run my bass directly to my amp just like I have for 57 years.

And I run my active bass through an HPF and compressor straight into mine. Ain't it great how everyone can do whatever they prefer.

 

[Jim C]

I don't see a trend one way or the other.
I also don't see the need for actives unless you need to make mid song EQ changes?
I use quality amps that have great EQ sections. Don't need to add another layer and chances are some little $150 battery powered pre won't have the adjustability of my amp anyway.

My question: Do you need active EQ from song to song or to create a tone your amp can't by itself?

 

[Watchootognbout]

The few passive instrument that I've had.
A Krappy Touchstyle 12 string.

A Washburn Taurus T14 NMK
Taurus T24 and T25

I choose basses for their style.
Not whether the electronics are active or not.

 

[drumvsbass]

I don't know, but I always find it amusing when people say they don't like active basses because of the battery maintenance. I usually don't have to change batteries on a bass in less than a year at a time if I had to guess. I've also never encountered any issues with an active bass on a gig. Maybe I am just lucky or perhaps my basses don't drain batteries as fast as others, not really sure.

You only ever have to have a battery die once on a gig, and you start looking at passive instruments differently. Funny story, I had my Zon for about 3 months and the battery started to die on a gig. I had a spare battery, so no problem. Go to change the battery and the back cavity plate is so snug in the hole that I had to use duct tape to pull it out. Took 10 minutes to change a battery. Now I carry a battery and some extra tape too. Batteries can die, cables can fail, take extra if you can.

 

[N4860]

You only ever have to have a battery die once on a gig, and you start looking at passive instruments differently. Funny story, I had my Zon for about 3 months and the battery started to die on a gig. I had a spare battery, so no problem. Go to change the battery and the back cavity plate is so snug in the hole that I had to use duct tape to pull it out. Took 10 minutes to change a battery. Now I carry a battery and some extra tape too. Batteries can die, cables can fail, take extra if you can.

Fair enough. I just find it very easy on my basses to check and change the battery so that won't ever be an issue at a gig for me. Like you said, there are plenty of things that can break down between the distance the signal travels from the string through to the speakers. The battery is pretty far on the list of things that would have me concerned.