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Good Passive Basses

Bill Murray

Bill Murray

Dec 12, 2019
1,053
2,013
35
New Hampshire
#1
Hey there,

I've been going through some gear changes and recently discovered my love for passive electronics. I'm not totally against active but my main bass (P/J active and passive) is my only bass at the moment and id like something that sounds a little different, preferably passive, and looking to spend a max of $1,100
I'd like a bi-directional truss rod
Solid QC reputation

I've been eyeing Reverends and Musicmans Caprice (I was also considering a stingray)

Any opinions?

This bass would be mainly a back-up but would also like it if it was friendly in a recording environment

I play everything: Rock, Metal, Jazz, Blues, R&B, Motown, Funk, Folk, Bluegrass, POP, Reggae, Hip-Hop, Classical, etc etc

ideally I'd love to test these out in person but there's nothing within 200mi...

Any feedback on tonal spectrum, quality, and experience in a recording environment would be greatly appreciated

thanks!
 
#6
+1 for Reverend

I have been playing a Justice for 6 months. Nice feel and balance. Quality components. Around 8lbs. Deep E string and punchy throughout. My first bass with a very useable pickup blend knob. Rolled 1/4 turn either forward or back gets into P or J territory, respectively.
BEE94F92-EEDE-4163-A113-3439F3981CAB.jpeg
 
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#7
QUOTE="pisces_bass, post: 23396471, member: 343798"]+1 for Reverend

I have been playing a Justice for 6 months. Nice feel and balance. Quality components. Around 8lbs. Deep E string and punchy throughout. My first bass with a very useable pickup blend knob. Rolled 1/4 turn either forward or back gets into P or J territory, respectively.
View attachment 3635080[/QUOTE]


I was really curious about this one! They've been discontinued for some reason but they're going around for great prices at the moment
 
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#8
I'd give a good hard look at G&L. My favorites are the SB-1 and the Kiloton.

The MFD pickups are unique: with the volume all the way up, it's a lot like playing an active bass (hot output, wide frequency range, great clarity); dial the volume (and perhaps tone) back, and they start to act more like a typical passive bass. The MFD pickups and interactive passive controls make playing a one-pickup bass almost as tonally versatile as a typical passive two-pickup bass--or at least a one pickup bass with an active preamp.

If you want a more traditional passive bass, the LB-100 is your basic alnico-pickup P-bass.

Also, the build quality is top notch and the body shape (SB-1/Kiloton) is very comfy. You should be able to find a nice used US-made one under your budget.
 
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#9
Bill Murray said:
QUOTE="pisces_bass, post: 23396471, member: 343798"]+1 for Reverend

I have been playing a Justice for 6 months. Nice feel and balance. Quality components. Around 8lbs. Deep E string and punchy throughout. My first bass with a very useable pickup blend knob. Rolled 1/4 turn either forward or back gets into P or J territory, respectively.
View attachment 3635080
Click to expand...


I was really curious about this one! They've been discontinued for some reason but they're going around for great prices at the moment[/QUOTE]

Yes I think the Triad has replaced it. I found mine on Reverb new old stock with hard case, hang tags, and plastic on the pick guard for under $700. I'm a hobby player but hang out with some pros who always ask to play it when we jam. It's sweet.
 
#11
Bill Murray said:
Hey there,

I've been going through some gear changes and recently discovered my love for passive electronics. I'm not totally against active but my main bass (P/J active and passive) is my only bass at the moment and id like something that sounds a little different, preferably passive, and looking to spend a max of $1,100
I'd like a bi-directional truss rod
Solid QC reputation

I've been eyeing Reverends and Musicmans Caprice (I was also considering a stingray)

Any opinions?

This bass would be mainly a back-up but would also like it if it was friendly in a recording environment

I play everything: Rock, Metal, Jazz, Blues, R&B, Motown, Funk, Folk, Bluegrass, POP, Reggae, Hip-Hop, Classical, etc etc

ideally I'd love to test these out in person but there's nothing within 200mi...

Any feedback on tonal spectrum, quality, and experience in a recording environment would be greatly appreciated

thanks!
Click to expand...
I have to agree.
Reverend Thundergun.
Play one and try to walk away.
20190119-130029.jpg
 
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#14
Bill Murray said:
my main bass (P/J active and passive) is my only bass at the moment and id like something that sounds a little different
Click to expand...
what is your main ax? how is it outfitted (stock/factory vs. any modifications)?
you're getting suggestions for brands without anyone's benefit of your 'baseline' comparison.

Bill Murray said:
I'd like a bi-directional truss rod
Click to expand...
i'm curious: why is this important to you?
 
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#16
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#17
scubaduba said:
Get a Fender Roscoe Beck. My vote for the best Fender ever made and the variety of tonal options is amazing.
Click to expand...

Agreed, the Roscoe Beck is regarded by many as the best Fender production instrument ever made. The pickups are Bill Lawrence designed and each has a selector switch for single, parallel, and series. That paired with a 3-way switch for neck/both/bridge means the tone options are insane.

And it's a pleasure to look at, in my opinion.

IMG_20190818_191332_625.jpg
 
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#18
JRA said:
what is your main ax? how is it outfitted (stock/factory vs. any modifications)?
you're getting suggestions for brands without anyone's benefit of your 'baseline' comparison.


i'm curious: why is this important to you?
Click to expand...


Long story short Ive used Modulus for years which I absolutely loved but one model had no truss rod and the action got to a point where I couldn't set it up to my preferences, granted I could have repaired this but didn't see the point.

I got another Modulus which was great for about a year. When it came time for a set-up I discovered it was a one-way truss rod and had been maxed out by a previous owner. Both modulus were fitted with Audere preamps and Nordstrands

I know it's unlikely for a bass to get forward bow buuut I'd rather just know I have options and less to stress about.

My main bass is a USA Fender PJ bass. I'd always been against Fender and avoided them but I saw it GC, played it, and it just spoke to me. Everything felt right and it had the sound id been chasing couldn't leave without it. The bass is totally stock (noiseless pickups, G3)
 
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#19
jasonmatthews said:
Agreed, the Roscoe Beck is regarded by many as the best Fender production instrument ever made. The pickups are Bill Lawrence designed and each has a selector switch for single, parallel, and series. That paired with a 3-way switch for neck/both/bridge means the tone options are insane.

And it's a pleasure to look at, in my opinion.

View attachment 3635561
Click to expand...
That's sweeeeeet!!!!
 
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