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Good bass with passive humbuckers?

L

Led Hendrix

Feb 17, 2008
14
0
#1
From all the positive reviews of sting rays, bongos, and/or active basses with humbuckers, it has disappointed me that there are not more quality passive basses with humbuckers, for people like me who prefer passive basses. So I wanna know whats the best bang for your buck passive bass /w humbuckers? One bass I have heard of turning out really well is the gibson/epiphone thunderbird. What are your thoughts on that?

I mostly play classic rock (the doors, the who, the kinks, pink floyd) and I have experimented with various vintage instruments with a humbucker(s) and have really enjoyed the sound. Currently, I am recording with a band that coincidentally plays classic rock and I'm also wondering if humbucking pickups will sound good with the feel of classic rock.


Short version:
What are some quality-made passive basses with humbuckers?
Do basses with humbuckers have a good sound for classic rock?
 
#3
If you can snag one I would suggest getting a Peavey T40 or a Peavey Dyna-Bass...the Dyna-Bass has a passive active switch making it one of the most versitile instruments in my collection.

But if you can't find a good one used, or don't exactly like that tone, I would definately suggest a EBMM Sub. But if you can spend the cash grab youself a nice G&L 2500, also active/passive electronics.
 
#4
I use a Les Paul standard that has passive humbuckers and I dig the sound a lot. I play various styles and because my amp is versatile I can dial in anything I need. While some might disagree, I feel the bass is only a link in the chain and if you pair it with a versatile amp you can get exactly what you're looking for without spending a ton or limiting yourself to a certain configuration.
 
#5
The Thunderbird is so great. I have the Epiphone and I can get amazing tones for almost any genre you can throw at it. It is quite large and heavy, the bridge is kinda weak, and there's neck dive. But you get used to the size and weight, you can install a Hipshot Supertone bridge (which I'll do someday), and a wide suede strap kills the neck dive pretty well.
 
#6
cammage said:
If you can snag one I would suggest getting a Peavey T40 or a Peavey Dyna-Bass...the Dyna-Bass has a passive active switch making it one of the most versitile instruments in my collection.

But if you can't find a good one used, or don't exactly like that tone, I would definately suggest a EBMM Sub. But if you can spend the cash grab youself a nice G&L 2500, also active/passive electronics.
Click to expand...

Was the EBMM Sub discontinued? If so, where can I find a decent one, used or new?
 
#8
Just about any active bass can be made passive by gutting the electronics or possibly installing a passive/active switch. I generally hate active basses, and have gutted the electronics out of both my Strangebergers and my Dingwall Super J (admittedly, both utilize pickups that don't typify the humbucker sound). I plan on getting a fretless Bongo in the near future, and will be gutting the electronics out of that one, too.
 
#11
here's the perfect bass for you my friend. they're not in production anymore, but you can usually find them on ebay for around $400 with a case. I'm dropping a darkstar in mine next month. i can't wait:)
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