Passive vs. Active - don't 'shoot' me!

[BadBassNo9]

Before anybody complains, i have searched the threads, but don't have an answer to my question. My question is pretty specific though, it's not just a 'passive vs. active' question.

My question relates directly to passive vs. active jazz basses.

I have a Sterling SB14 (i know it's not a jazz bass), and I really enjoy the sound... However, i have noticed that the tone is inconsistent. For example, sometimes it'll pop out random tones. I have found that the bass is extra sensitive to touch. I'm wondering if this is the case for all active basses? Or, is it only because the SB is cheap?

I guess i see the role of the bass player is to be consistent rather than all over the place, with random tones.

On the other hand, i have a passive jazz bass. The tone is okay, but still not up to scratch (probably because it is a MIA fender), and i don't feel it could cut through the mix in a live situation. I really like the 'attitude' of the active sound, but don't like the unpredictability that much. Also, changing batteries is a hassle, but i will put up with it if the tone is good.

So, i'm thinking that perhaps an active / passive jazz bass might be the answer .

What are your views? Does the active part of a normally passive bass, compromise the active or passive sound somehow?

What pre-amp is the most versatile? I like punchy and vintage sounds. I'm not sure a Sadowsky would suit me, but am open to suggestions. YouTube videos would be great

What is the best brand and model of active / passive jazz bass? Bearing in mind i like a slim taper neck and not the C shape.

Thanks for your opinions in advance

 

[Hopkins]

I have a Sterling SB14 (i know it's not a jazz bass), and I really enjoy the sound... However, i have noticed that the tone is inconsistent. For example, sometimes it'll pop out random tones. I have found that the bass is extra sensitive to touch. I'm wondering if this is the case for all active basses? Or, is it only because the SB is cheap?

What exactly do you mean by "sometimes pop out random tones."

On the other hand, i have a passive jazz bass. The tone is okay, but still not up to scratch (probably because it is a MIA fender), and i don't feel it could cut through the mix in a live situation. I really like the 'attitude' of the active sound, but don't like the unpredictability that much. Also, changing batteries is a hassle, but i will put up with it if the tone is good.

What about being a MIA Fender do you think makes it not up to scratch? If I were you I think I would play with my EQ instead of worrying about going active. I've never heard of anyone having problems cutting through the mix with a Jazz.

 

[BadBassNo9]

What exactly do you mean by "sometimes pop out random tones."

I guess i mean it's pretty sensitive to finger pressure. I know this could be a technique problem, but the active bass seems super sensitive to any variation in finger tone, which could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on genre.

When i play my active SB through headphones, it is definately louder than the jazz. I'm beginning to think there is something wrong with this particular jazz. It still has stock mia PuPs in it. Part of me really wants to get another jazz. Ironically, i'm not completely satisfied with either bass right now. I'm thinking that there's got to be something out there that is flexible enough in terms of quality, playability, tone and tone versatility .

 

[Jazz Ad]

If you boost highs a lot, you will get finger noise. It applies to both active and passive instruments but of course a lot of people like to crank the knobs on active basses.

 

[BadBassNo9]

I just had a little tinker on my SB and *bham*, you don't have to strike the strings hard at all to get an a relevant tone out of it, which is an advantage. However, you fail to get that warm, really FUNKY, grindy tone out of it, which is what most bass players want eventually.

So, flexibility and versatility is the order of the day. The question is how? Perhaps an outboard pre-amp is the answer?

 

[smcd]

For example, sometimes it'll pop out random tones.

That bass is haunted!

 

[Nev375]

When you add complexity, you add question marks.

Something doesn't sound right with your active system. You *shouldn't* be having tone inconsistencies. Is it the battery? Your preamp? Something mental? who knows?

For my money, there's nothing at all wrong with the tone of a passive system. I've never had to wonder when the last time I changed my battery was when I'm about to play. One less thing to maintain in the rushed chaos of quick load-in and set-up in a crowded venue.

And yeah a switchable active/passive system eliminates that, but it's one more switch that *could* be in the wrong position on the first note. One more switch that *could* itself fail. Simplicity is a wisdom I have learned to respect over the years.

 

[BadBassNo9]

And yeah a switchable active/passive system eliminates that, but it's one more switch that *could* be in the wrong position on the first note. One more switch that *could* itself fail. Simplicity is a wisdom I have learned to respect over the years.

What sort of pick-ups would you recommend then Nev? Maybe something responsive? I think the MIA ones are too tame.

smcd, lol.. To clarify the random tones statement, i don't mean random notes, i mean there are variations in tone sometimes that make notes sound sightly out of tune. Thought it might have had something to do with the electronics, but i think it's also indicative of the Musicman / Sterling sound. If i thought i was better, i'd post some footage

 

[mdogs]

I don't think that there is anything wrong with either bass. Active basses are going to have a higher output than passive, because of that they are going to be more sensitive to finger noise especially if you have the treble cranked. I do think that you have a technique problem that the only solution to is practice and playing with your tone controls until you understand what they actually do...

 

[stflbn]

Compressor.

 

[Nev375]

What sort of pick-ups would you recommend then Nev? Maybe something responsive? I think the MIA ones are too tame.

smcd, lol.. To clarify the random tones statement, i don't mean random notes, i mean there are variations in tone sometimes that make notes sound sightly out of tune. Thought it might have had something to do with the electronics, but i think it's also indicative of the Musicman / Sterling sound. If i thought i was better, i'd post some footage

I'm using a lace transensor in my main bass and am very pleased with the tone. So are others, I'm constantly getting compliments on my tone from other musicians, but the pickups are just one tiny piece of that puzzle. (note these are NOTHING like the Lace sensors Fender used. It's a whole new animal)

Invalid Link Removed

Those aren't made anymore I don't think, but I believe it's the same technology they developed to make the alumitones.

They are low volume, but absolutely noise free and they retain that single coil definition., so you can crank the gain on them. (My Jazz only has the neck pickup) They do sound kinda similar to actives.

 

[danomite64]

Compressor.

+1. A compressor might help tame your SB14. It might boost your Jazz, too. Some things you can try that might help is to set the EQ flat on the SB14, and only boost a tiny bit when you feel it needs it. For the Jazz, try backing off the volume on one of the pickups to get it to cut through the mix better. I prefer to keep my necck volume just above halfway; some like to back off the bridge pickup.

 

[Hopkins]

I don't think that there is anything wrong with either bass. Active basses are going to have a higher output than passive, because of that they are going to be more sensitive to finger noise especially if you have the treble cranked. I do think that you have a technique problem that the only solution to is practice and playing with your tone controls until you understand what they actually do...

I own two active basses both have less output than my passive.