You pull the volume knob out to switch it to passive mode, it completely bypasses the active electronics so it works just like a passive bass (even without any battery inserted or with a drained battery). And not only that, the treble control from the 2-band EQ turns into a classic passive tone blend in that mode as well. So no worries, they thought that one through.
Thanks.
Just ordered a California II VM4, did not want to wait too long so took one in blueburst which I'm not a big fan, will try to get a white pickguard to make it slightly better.
If it works well for me I'll consider a custom for next year.

