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Esp f-4 passive/active?

Hey guys!!

Just a quick q on the pickups in the ESP F-4.

Ive read that the pups are passive but that there is active circuitry.
Can someone please explain this as I am very very confused! :confused: I just wana kno are they any good or should i spend the extra dosh to get esp-emgs?
thanks 4 taking the time to read this!

Rock on!!:bassist::bassist:

p.s. any other comments on this bass are appreciated too. Obviously I play metal in case any1 is wondering!
 
i play an esp D-6. i think esp's are great basses, and you're going to get alot for your money.

anyway, on to your pickup question, it's a fairly simple concept. the pickups themselves are passive soap bars, they don't take a battery. however, there is and active pre-amp built into the bass that allows you to adjust the EQ right on the bass, and this takes a battery. the stock electronics on esp instruments have been pretty good IME.
 
It's a 35" iirc. that'll give you more string tension (so they say) for lower tunings. standard scale length on most basses is 34". I've never really noticed a difference between 34 and 35, but some do, so it might be smart to find something that's 35 to try out if you haven't yet. just so you know if you like it or not. i can't see it being a problem though
 
I've got an ESP DF-404, pretty much the same as the F-4. It has the active EMG's with an EMG pre and it sounds friggin amazing. I have heard the passive p'ups are good too. The longer neck is no big deal, I don't think it really increases string tension as I have a Jackson with a 34" scale and it plays the same. Either way you go you can't lose, ESP makes some quality basses.
 
I've got an ESP DF-404, pretty much the same as the F-4. It has the active EMG's with an EMG pre and it sounds friggin amazing. I have heard the passive p'ups are good too. The longer neck is no big deal, I don't think it really increases string tension as I have a Jackson with a 34" scale and it plays the same. Either way you go you can't lose, ESP makes some quality basses.

i agree with the tension thing. most people say it increases tension, my D-6 is a 34" and it has the tightest B i've played on a bass under 1000. in fact i'm using a .130 gauge string tuned to A, and it's still tighter than alot of B's. super low action too, i love it :smug: