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Active vs. Passive

#21
I prefer passives. I can get them to growl a lot more than my active.
Actives seem to have a "fake" sound to me, but they definately have their place. I'll pull my EMG equipped bass out for newer rock, and I'll whip out my passives for the older stuff.
 
#22
My active is my main bass (EBMM SR5) when using effects or for heavy/loud stuff, but I also use my passive (MIM Jazz) when the gig is quieter or doesn't call for effects because the tone is just so sweet.
 
#23
RAM said:
Sorry...couldn't resist!

Anyway, I've got a theory, so let me know if you agree or have a different opinion.

Active is for those seeking the comfort of their own home while sipping an expensive, boutique soft-drink (or single-malt - though I don't drink) on ice made (not if you drink single-malt, though) from finely, multiply purified water. Passive is for those who don't get that 24 frets and 9 strings can still be considered a bass (though guitarists might disagree, since they're becoming obsolete).

So...what are your thoughts? Active or passive?
Click to expand...

I disagree. Active is for people who prefer having an on board EQ with all the tonal variation it brings. Sometimes they use it to get super hi-fi sounds, sometimes not.

Passive is for people who prefer the relative simplicity of the traditional tone and volume setup. Sometimes they prefer to have basically one single sound ("that sound!") they use for everything, other times they find that even a passive electronics setup delivers all the variation they need.

It has nothing to do with preferences for number of strings or frets. I might like a 21-24 fret bass, though it is not essential to my playing.

Similarly, though I use passive basses, generally I set up the pickups and tone/volume controls so that I have not one, but two sounds. 1: A really aggressive, bright, in your face tone for cutting through thick mixes and loud guitars and 2: A more mellow, subtle tone for use when the first tone would not fit well into the sound, quieter and less "bulldozer bass" and more "comforting pillow/teddy bear bass."

I don't begrudge other players their active, 9 string, 26 fret basses, but a passive two pickup 4 string, 20 fretter (though I'd prefer 21) I have found fits what I'm trying to do perfectly.

For what the bassist of Unexpect does, my basses would not be the best tools for the job. But that's why they make so many different kinds of basses, isn't it? If one kind of bass was the absolute best for everyone, there would be no need for all the others. People are very different from each other. It's not surprising that the instruments that they use to make music are as well.

Also, I like micro-brew beers.
 
#24
What were the key design changes over the course of your seven Fodera prototypes?
"The first two, No. 5 and No. 6, were doublecutaway 36"-scale signature models—to be called the Anthony Jackson Contrabass. They were heavy, with long necks, but they were state-of-the-art at the time. The ideas continued to boil, sometimes in working situations. While checking the neck for movement on No. 6—the last double-cutaway—during a Phoebe Snow session, I noticed there was no tension left on one of the trussrods. So I loosened it all the way and took it out. The instrument got lighter, and that led us to a single, properly placed trussrod—its location is a trade secret. Also on No. 6, we tried a high-quality integrated circuit in the active electronics, and it did sound better at first. But while A/B-ing the sound of the instrument active and passive one day on a Reggie Lucas session at Quantum Studios in Union City, New Jersey, I heard a difference; there’s high distortion even with the $75 IC. I decided that was it for onboard electronics. To properly power a really good preamp you need a big, hot-running AC transformer, not two 9-volt batteries."

-Anthony Jackson


full article:
http://www.bassplayer.com/article/contrabass-conception-anthony/dec-08/90301


He also argues against 2 pickups because of phase cancellation. He is in favor of 1 well placed one instead...
 
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#31
RAM said:
Sorry...couldn't resist!

Anyway, I've got a theory, so let me know if you agree or have a different opinion.

Active is for those seeking the comfort of their own home while sipping an expensive, boutique soft-drink (or single-malt - though I don't drink) on ice made (not if you drink single-malt, though) from finely, multiply purified water. Passive is for those who don't get that 24 frets and 9 strings can still be considered a bass (though guitarists might disagree, since they're becoming obsolete).

So...what are your thoughts? Active or passive?
Click to expand...

I think you have way too much free time on you hands!(lol)
 
#33
RAM said:
Sorry...couldn't resist!

Anyway, I've got a theory, so let me know if you agree or have a different opinion.

Active is for those seeking the comfort of their own home while sipping an expensive, boutique soft-drink (or single-malt - though I don't drink) on ice made (not if you drink single-malt, though) from finely, multiply purified water. Passive is for those who don't get that 24 frets and 9 strings can still be considered a bass (though guitarists might disagree, since they're becoming obsolete).

So...what are your thoughts? Active or passive?
Click to expand...

I really like a good single malt scotch. No ice.
O don't care what you call your 24 fret 9 string.
I do get it tho - it's up to you, just play music with it, please!
I for one use a 5 string with 29 frets. Passive.
I prefer how passive sounds and wouldn't go active.
Now back to practising...
 
#34
I know this thread originated from a joke but here's my serious answer

I'm a passive man. There's something about it that just sounds so natural and clean.

I've used Actives and they have this weird unatural fake processed sound going on. No matter how much i mess around with the eq i just can't get them to sound natural. Judging from previous posts im not the only one. I thought i was. :D

well that's my two cents in the end it all comes down to whatever rocks your boat.
 
#38
Well, if people are posting the same questions multiple times, they are most likely new to the community (I am, and yes I posted an active/passive thread, so sue me) And they probably don't know about the search thread thing, so instead of being harsh on them and making them feel like complete idiots, MAYBE you could simply tell them how to search forums.... durr :spit:
 
#40
metalfunkjazz said:
Well, if people are posting the same questions multiple times, they are most likely new to the community (I am, and yes I posted an active/passive thread, so sue me) And they probably don't know about the search thread thing, so instead of being harsh on them and making them feel like complete idiots, MAYBE you could simply tell them how to search forums.... durr :spit:
Click to expand...

By using the search button. At the top of the page...
 

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