if i had to choose one, it would be passive, so that's how i voted, but like i said earlier, i like 'em both.
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Curiosity
- Thread starter countrybass5
- Start date
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,610
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- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
Agree 100% - the L-2000 is the most versatile bass out there in both active and passive modes.
My go to basses are active. I think they (can) sound brighter which helps them cut thru in live situations.
I prefer "passive", because I'm allergic to hiss and noise, and I haven't found a practical way to stuff a Neve V-series EQ into a bass yet. So no onboard EQ for me, thanks! (Every bass I have bought with a "preamp" in it has ended up with the preamp unceremoniously stripped out and sold.)
**disclaimer** I personally include EMG actives as 'passives' ( in the sense that I don't use them with any EQ modules, just the pickups... )
**disclaimer** I personally include EMG actives as 'passives' ( in the sense that I don't use them with any EQ modules, just the pickups... )
D
Actually both. A home build 4 stringer sound sweet and punchy fully passive, I will not mess it up by installing a re amp/EQ. I have 1 hybrid passive coupled to active pre amp and 1 fully active (full EMG setup). Each bass has its upsides and flaws but I wouldn't want to change a thing.
It's never made a difference to me. I try a bass, and if it feels and sounds right, then I like it.
I do prefer having active EQ on the bass... but not just any preamp will do. On a lot of active basses, I'd rather they were passive as their EQ is poor and at least a passive tone controls is always useful for me.
There really isn't anything to it, besides the fact that the signal does not get degraded with an active bass using long cables like it would using a passive bass. If you think about it, a passive bass will be plugged into some sort of preamp too, so whatever the difference it happens between the bass and the amp (or pedals)... IMO a lot of people make it out to be something it's not. Just like the general assumption that active = high output, which it just is not true.
So, in short: use whatever feels and sounds good to you.
That's what my preferred controls would be: passive tone control and an active mids module with a frequency selector control.
Active is fine with me but the bass must have a passive switch built-in. When playing in active mode I will adjust the EQ either at the bass or at the preamp but typically not both at the same time.
- Jan 26, 2014
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- I teach lessons and perform live music in and around San Diego CA. Sometimes I even make money doing it!
Both can be great if designed properly and put on an instrument that sounds good. Many experienced players tinker, it’s been that way since the beginning of music pretty much, we wouldn’t have the preponderance of electric instrument choices we do if not. I ripped the active electronics out of a very high end bass i own after the chip went bad (it’s a Schack and they went out of business for a while, couldn’t get a new board), and have never considered going back because it’s fantastic passive. I have an Ohana ukulele bass with a Fishman preamp that sounds incredible. My passive Mustang P/J sounds great but I hate the noise of the bridge pickup in the studio, so I’m thinking EMG’s are in the future for that one, mainly because I know the pickup placement is good, and I want to try something new.
There can even be very mediocre designs, and fantastic ones, from the same company. Ibanez in particular has seemed to run the gamut from fairly useless to awe inspiring with their active systems. So rather than thinking “is active as good/better than passive,” a more experienced mindset is, “how do the electronics help this bass do the best job.” As a noob, don’t buy just because of a price tag or specs in a catalog, see how it feels and let your ears decide if that’s the sound you want. If that changes over time, so be it, there are plenty of other pickup systems and other basses out there. Gotta start somewhere, just try to make the tough decisions with your hands and ears as opposed to what looks like it should work.
I can tell you from experience that nothing is worse than a crappy active circuit. So prepare to try 'em out!
Does anyone else save their half used bass batteries for your smoke detectors like I do?
I like my PB5 quite a bit. Ive been playing it the most since i got it in March this year. I have a fretless one
Its fairly light weight for a 5 string. The action is fantastic. The P pickup kiesel makes is killer, the soapbar in the bridge is ok. It really helps define notes in the lower register. As i mention, i like the 2 band eq without a mid control.
I think it would be pretty hard to beat the PB5 for the $$ as long as you dont go wild with options. Especially if youre looking for just a few more options than Fender has on the Precision V.
Does it really have top be a win or lose deal? If you want passive then use passive, if you want active then use active.
I had to vote for passive, but that isn't the total case for me.
Both my Yamaha (DP123 J-set) and FauxFender P (DP122 Model P) have DiMarzio PUPs in them, with nothing more than volume and a tone control (and a Gibson PUP toggle for the Yamaha). They rock as passive instruments.
I did have an 80's SB-Series Aria that I had outfitted with EMG 35P PUPs. The 6 string set happened to fit the stock cut outs perfectly, so in they went. I also used an EMG EXB tone control. Totally active, and an incredible sounding instrument.
Still have all those electronic bits stored away somewhere, but the bass is in a landfill, after taking a nasty (and un-repairable fall).
For that, I profusely apologize to all TB'rs everywhere, and hope to atone for my sins of neglect by building a custom instrument at some point to make up for the loss!
Both my Yamaha (DP123 J-set) and FauxFender P (DP122 Model P) have DiMarzio PUPs in them, with nothing more than volume and a tone control (and a Gibson PUP toggle for the Yamaha). They rock as passive instruments.
I did have an 80's SB-Series Aria that I had outfitted with EMG 35P PUPs. The 6 string set happened to fit the stock cut outs perfectly, so in they went. I also used an EMG EXB tone control. Totally active, and an incredible sounding instrument.
Still have all those electronic bits stored away somewhere, but the bass is in a landfill, after taking a nasty (and un-repairable fall).
For that, I profusely apologize to all TB'rs everywhere, and hope to atone for my sins of neglect by building a custom instrument at some point to make up for the loss!
it’s becoming more and more common for active basses to have a toggle or push pull pot to bypass the active electronics. If it’s really a big concern get a bass that can do both.
I own both and use both, though these days the passive gets the gig most of the time.
My only recommendation is to go out and try active basses, is that an option? I understand you're looking at a custom build, but if you've never played ANY active bass, trying some might at least give you an idea whether or not it's for you.
My only recommendation is to go out and try active basses, is that an option? I understand you're looking at a custom build, but if you've never played ANY active bass, trying some might at least give you an idea whether or not it's for you.
I own far more actives than passives, but each has its place and specific voice for specific needs. My actives (Spectors, Warwicks, Rays, etc...) I prefer to metal and hard rock. My passives I prefer to use for classic rock or Maiden tunes, or really anything other than metal.
