500 gigs over the past 4 years and zero active electronics failures. Ymmv.
Most likely problem with a bass ime will be jack related, which affects passive and active.
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Do we really need high-end basses with intricate active electronics?
- Thread starter Neveragain55
- Start date
500 gigs over the past 4 years and zero active electronics failures. Ymmv.
Most likely problem with a bass ime will be jack related, which affects passive and active.
...but I've also plugged an Alembic straight into the stage's soundboard/direct box and heard the clarity of the Gods. "Why does his bass sound better than my guitar?"
I won't buy a used bass with active stuff, mainly because it will eventually need an overhaul. A used passive bass might have scratchy pots and that's about it, or maybe a worn out jack. Cheap stuff to fix.
I won't buy a used bass with active stuff, mainly because it will eventually need an overhaul. A used passive bass might have scratchy pots and that's about it, or maybe a worn out jack. Cheap stuff to fix.
D
(sigh) This thread is already too long to read. Nothing like a good 'ol This vs That thread to stir up the hornets nest. But giving the benefit of the doubt that must maybe this is a genuine question and not a troll:
)
-Alan
Sounds like you don't believe they have a purpose. I assure you that they do.
Of course not (to both questions). The intent of these devices is to provide more control, not improve our playing.
I think most people do exactly that. But everyone's purchase criteria is different, and what drives you (or me) is irrelevant.
Not if you happen to like active electronics. Even if they are the last consideration, that part of the equation carries significant weight and can make or break a buying decision.
Yes, a $300 Squire in the hands of Victor Wooten can outperform a $4000 MTD in the hands of Joe Wanker. That has nothing to do with the relative merits of the two instruments. (BTW, I prefer the $4k MTD over the $300 Squire, since I'll be the one playing it.)
I learned to play during the '70s, before active electronics and modern full-range bass amplification became prevalent. I was never, ever happy with my tone outside the studio. Active EQ and newer amps helped to give me the sound I always heard in my head, but was unable to achieve using the technology of the time. (BTW, those "bad-asses" were benefiting from high-end electronics that was mostly unavailable outside the studio.)
So 40% active? I have 5 basses as well, only one is passive. I'm at 80%, but it would never occur to me to ask "Why aren't all basses active?" (I mean, come on people. What's wrong with you that you can't spring for a few extra $$ and buy a bass with "technology & stuff" instead of the monotone passive instruments favored by the Neanderthals and Luddites of 40 years ago?
)-Alan
Are we really such wusses that we let our equipment choices be dictated by our fear that something could go wrong? Grow a pair and bring a backup!
What's this need for overhauling you think active basses need?
All mine have really needed is the occasional battery replacement.
Why do you care what other players purchase?
When you start trying to impose your personal preferences on others, it sounds a lot like religious fervor. The only thing impacted by someone liking a bass that doesn't fit your criteria is your personal sensibility, and that's on you, not everyone else.
Wow. Do you realize how condescending you sound? Now you're imposing your personal benchmark of who belongs "in the game".
I can't tell if your post was an intentional troll, but if so, well-trolled. If not, take some time to think about the world of bassists (or any other artists, FTM), many of whom come from completely different places/experiences than you. You have no idea what some of those people want or why they want it. I suppose some folks here will validate your opinion, but try taking a step back and thinking about why this matters to you. There are millions of bassists whose paths will never cross yours in any way. At least some of those bassists will bring joy to other people through their music regardless of what bass they're playing or how well, in your estimation, they play. Why do you think they should change what they do?
okcrum
in your chest
So 40% active? I have 5 basses as well, only one is passive. I'm at 80%, but it would never occur to me to ask "Why aren't all basses active?" (I mean, come on people. What's wrong with you that you can't spring for a few extra $$ and buy a bass with "technology & stuff" instead of the monotone passive instruments favored by the Neanderthals and Luddites of 40 years ago?
-Alan
Active electronics and more controls are not going to help me much if I can't get more than one distinct tone out of the 3 controls (typically) on a passive J bass.
My active electronics loaded bass is about 25 years old. Still going strong (no "overhaul" needed). I like the fact it can go passive with the pull of a knob (sounds great that way too!), but I've never needed it. Love my passive bass too.....guess I am 50% luddite/neanderthal! This is a dumb thread.
I can't believe how some people are reacting to the original post. Seems like an interesting topic but somehow it's offended a few people. Can't seehow personally. Sorry am I trolling?
This topic has been brought up many, many times in the past in various forms. Sometimes it is in the form of 'why should you want to play anything other than a precision bass', etc.
I prefer the sound of a passive fender P with flats-
I saw the need for improvement in the fender J circuitry; therefore after researching, I installed a preamp which preserves the great passive tone of it and yet allows for much EQ shaping at the bass.
in my church P&W setting, there is no room to be adjusting anything at the amp once everything is set. I need the flexibility at my fingertips.
I would never have understood the need for active electronics until faced with a real-world situation.
having said that, there are some crappy preamps out there on factory instruments.
I saw the need for improvement in the fender J circuitry; therefore after researching, I installed a preamp which preserves the great passive tone of it and yet allows for much EQ shaping at the bass.
in my church P&W setting, there is no room to be adjusting anything at the amp once everything is set. I need the flexibility at my fingertips.
I would never have understood the need for active electronics until faced with a real-world situation.
having said that, there are some crappy preamps out there on factory instruments.
okcrum
in your chest
I have to think many of these threads start because some percentage of people can't hear anything less than 6-10 dB of bass or treble boost/cut, due to genetics or aural abuse over time.
I think it's also about what you can afford. If I had a gig every other day like nostatic, I'd have a different opinion about active setups.
Only you can tell us if you're trolling.
Look, take this statement from the OP: "if we can’t make (for example) a Chinese Hondo Fender Precision Jazz knock-off bass sound good through a decent amp, with no special electronics, and damn good fingering techniques – then we have no business in the game."
I'm not personally offended by it, I'm just pointing out that it smacks of condescension. "No business in the game"... seriously?
I have 3 active basses and I much prefer them to my passive Fenders.
Why? Because they have an active/passive switch anyways, so I can run passive if I choose to, 3 band EQ, a passive tone shaping control and sound great. Much more versatile.
The only downside for me with regard to passive basses is that they can be harder to EQ when recording and FOH folks are more used to passive Fenders than active basses with high output.
The battery argument? Changing a battery 1-2x a year shouldn't be too much effort for most of us. Reliability? I have never has any of the 50+ active basses I have owned malfunction. A couple of pickups died, but they weren't active PU.
Buy what you like. I like active.
Why? Because they have an active/passive switch anyways, so I can run passive if I choose to, 3 band EQ, a passive tone shaping control and sound great. Much more versatile.
The only downside for me with regard to passive basses is that they can be harder to EQ when recording and FOH folks are more used to passive Fenders than active basses with high output.
The battery argument? Changing a battery 1-2x a year shouldn't be too much effort for most of us. Reliability? I have never has any of the 50+ active basses I have owned malfunction. A couple of pickups died, but they weren't active PU.
Buy what you like. I like active.
