ACTIVE BASS?!?

[ManicBass5]

Saw this term used on EBay recently in advert for a bass for sale.....
I figured as a newbie "active" bass meant like tested & working proper?!? So I hoped all basses are like "active" Or they are dead.....
Now ive been reading about music stuff on here a Bit....think there must be maybe #2 types of bass or some such?!? Like there are "jazz basses" But mine isn't so.....

 

[Garret Graves]

Active refers to battery powered pre amp on board. Some basses have active Pick ups as well, but that is usually on higher end basses. You can expect a 9v battery in a compartment, and it powers an on board pre amp, usually Treble, Mids, and Bass- the typical 3 band pre-amp

 

[bholder]

"Active" generally means "has a preamp and a battery inside", as opposed to passive basses (which have no preamp or battery).