Passive Basses Without Batteries

[Solarmist]

Hi Guys - I recently acquired an “84” Ibanez Roadstar II (posted in the "Ibanez Club" thread) with some powerful passive humbuckers, and a coil split [tap?] for each. I just love the sound - kind of like a piano. I love not having to worry about unplugging it being it doesn’t have a battery. It’s really loud, and clear sounding with great highs (comparing it with my active bass). What other basses would be comparable to it now-a-days? Is this what the SRX line is? Thanks

 

[OxJohnson]

I have an SRX 500 and it has an active preamp, so it does require a 9V. Same thing goes for my RD500 and ATK300. I would love to find a passive Ibanez, but I don't know if any of the new ones are...

Ox.

 

[fenderhutz]

I am hoping this sounds good, Ibanez Jet King

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[WarriorJoe7]

It won't hurt the bass if it's plugged in but I have noticed one thing.

I think that the cable builds up capacitance over time so it rolls off more highs. I have had the experience where my passive bass sounded dull after lettiing it sit at practice for a week plugged in. Then I would have to pull out both ends of the cable and touch the plugs so that the ring on one side touches the tip on the other. This releases all the capacitance. Then when I plug the bass back in the dullness is gone. Anyone else experience this?

Oh yeah to be clear the dullness is temporary, once the capacitance of the cable is released as mentioned above the sound goes back t normal (no long term consequences.)

But if you have an active bass or plan to get one I would highly suggest being in the habit of unplugging (or else spending a bit on 9V batteries.)

 

[jrfrond]

It won't hurt the bass if it's plugged in but I have noticed one thing.

I think that the cable builds up capacitance over time so it rolls off more highs. I have had the experience where my passive bass sounded dull after lettiing it sit at practice for a week plugged in. Then I would have to pull out both ends of the cable and touch the plugs so that the ring on one side touches the tip on the other. This releases all the capacitance. Then when I plug the bass back in the dullness is gone. Anyone else experience this?

Oh yeah to be clear the dullness is temporary, once the capacitance of the cable is released as mentioned above the sound goes back t normal (no long term consequences.)

But if you have an active bass or plan to get one I would highly suggest being in the habit of unplugging (or else spending a bit on 9V batteries.)

OK, this needs some technical correction.

Connectors that remain plugged in, particularly cheap stuff (and there's a lot of that nowadays), build up tarnish at the connector's contact points via an electrochemical process called "galvanic reaction". This happens when two dissimilar metals come into intimate contact, and airborne moisture initiates a reaction that causes an oxide buildup. The oxide causes series RESISTANCE (it has nothing to do with capacitance) and hence, signal degradation. Replugging the connector wipes away the oxides, but they will return, unless you use a contact cleaner/preservative like DeOxIt. This is a major issue in the service business, and we repair many different items from cheap to very expensive just by cleaning connectors.

About the Roadstar II: I have one of these and love it. It is pretty much Ibanez' take on the P-Bass, and no, they do not really make anything that corresponds now. I love mine, and I love passive basses in general, unless you purchase an entry-level model. These are becoming increasing rare and prices on eBay have been inching up as players discover the cool budget basses. They were built in Japan, which means the craftsmanship is top-notch. These stock pickups weren't bad at all, but I replaced them because I like the warm DiMarzio tone.

I'd hold onto that sucka if I were you.

 

[mongo2]

OK, this needs some technical correction.

I was just in the middle of writing a correction too, you saved me the trouble.

 

[WarriorJoe7]

ha I was wrong... ok I was guessing lol I knew that capacitance rolled off highs. I guess oxidation does also

 

[Solarmist]

Thanks People! I didn't mean pluged in always or even overnight - just for 2 to 4/6 hours a day while I take breaks. Every break I normally turn off my amp, and unplug my active bass. The Ibanez Roadstar II RB850 was made in Japan ("84" ?) serial I845267. It's sound is a lot different than my active bass. It may sound wierd to you people, but I like the sound better. I got it for helping a guy move.