I am researching options for a 4-string with humbucking pickups (no single coils), no battery required. These are the only potentially affordable options I've found. Opinions?
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Least expensive high quality, low-noise passive bass
- Thread starter NeverDefeated
- Start date
I'd probably have the most confidence with the Yamaha.
Not sure what your specific budget might be, but one other consideration that could potentially fit the bill is a G&L L-2000 Tribute from the used market. They have an active/passive switch to take away any of the worries about a battery. I had a US built L-2000 some years ago and I liked to play it passive.
I can also say that among the active basses I've owned and gigged through the years, I've never had a battery crap out on me in the middle of a set - and I'm not a neurotic battery changer. Just thinking that there might be one or two active basses out there with the HH pickup layout you want that could nicely fit the bill for you.
Hope your search brings you a gem
Not sure what your specific budget might be, but one other consideration that could potentially fit the bill is a G&L L-2000 Tribute from the used market. They have an active/passive switch to take away any of the worries about a battery. I had a US built L-2000 some years ago and I liked to play it passive.
I can also say that among the active basses I've owned and gigged through the years, I've never had a battery crap out on me in the middle of a set - and I'm not a neurotic battery changer. Just thinking that there might be one or two active basses out there with the HH pickup layout you want that could nicely fit the bill for you.
Hope your search brings you a gem
I would have said Thunderbird if they weren’t on your list. Definitely the winner in my estimation.
Squier Classic Vibe '70s Precision Bass - Black
Squier CV!
of the options above, I vote Yamaha. Excellent basses, especially at their lower price points
Squier CV!
of the options above, I vote Yamaha. Excellent basses, especially at their lower price points
Is it specifically humbucker pickups you want or low noise? Because good ol' split-Ps are low noise.
- John
- John
My bass has a split coil pickup (it's a P-J), and the tone from it alone is too weak/dull. The single coil bridge pickup is too noisy. I am considering replacing that pickup instead.
It's tough to screw up with a Yamaha, so I voted for that. That said, any decent quality P-bass should be silent, is passive, and sounds good with everything. I'm not a P-bass guy, by the way, just sayin'.
P-pickups are usually plenty ballsy, but they can be had from super weak to fire-breathing, chest-beating, murderous Godzilla. I say replace both pickups. The EMG P/J sets are usually excellent, reasonably priced, and come with solderless connectors, pots, etc. to make it like a 20-minute job to swap in. The GZR-PJ set is the best-sounding P pickup I've ever heard paired with an appropriately-voiced humbucking J pickup, and they're fantastic. Like a vintage 60s P, but with a bit more bottom and top and a smidge more definition. The J pickup sounds pretty convincing for a side-by-side humbucker, and pairs wonderfully with the P. Both are very punchy and full-sounding while not being too hot.
Have you ever played a Thunderbird? They're a handful. Huge neck, mile-long reach to first fret position, SUPER neck-heavy. If you like them, well that's great, but most (myself included) do not. I've also yet to play, hear, or work on a decent import Jackson.
how odd, the one I tried a few months back was the opposite in every regard mentioned, a real joy.
Was it a newer Gibson? They supposedly aren't like they usually are. The old ones are the biggest asspain, with the Epiphones a little more normal but still pretty weird for someone used to more Fender-style basses. Unless, of course, Epiphone has followed suit very recently.
Peavey T-40 ticks all boxes if you can find one used! (And you have the option of single coils...)
As you may know the Gretsch is a short scale so will feel substantially different to the others on your list.
Anything with humbuckers should be low noise, btw.
As you may know the Gretsch is a short scale so will feel substantially different to the others on your list.
Anything with humbuckers should be low noise, btw.
Consider an L2000 with the preamp switched off!
