Peavey Tragic IV with VFL 18v Active Pick-ups

[Kegmann]

Need some help- special ordered this Bass from my local music store 'cos I wanted something more "metal" for my band, and it is EXTREMELY HOT!!! Wow does it blow the doors off!!! Lately it has been losing sound, so did some "investigating" and found out that not only are these active pick-ups, but 18 volt as well!!! (I specifically ordered it with passive pick-ups). So this explains WHY it is so Ass-Kicking Loud but can ANYONE explain to me what the benefits are of this being a 18 volt system? Peavey has NOTHING on thier web-site to explain anything about this system...

 

[hip63]

Well I use EMG active pickups and they can be run 18v (which I do) and the added voltage gives the preamp in the pickups more "headroom" (basically increased dynamic range, a less compressed sound, like passive pickups are)

In fact I just this week upgrade my trustly old Peavey Pynabass Unity Series with EMG X series pickups and I added a toggle switch so I can switch between 9v and 18v and yes, there is a very notice difference in tone. (BTW - I'm not saying this is something you should do on your bass, just stating points of reference)

So this probably why they have an 18v system on your bass.

Active pickups are indeed bad*** for metal!

Losing sound probably means you need new batteries, I recommend Duracells.

hip63

 

[hip63]

BTW - I just a got a look online at you bass on peavey's site, very nice, me like!

I'd say throw a Hipshot detuner on that and it would be a mean metal machine.

What color did you get?

hip63

 

[Kegmann]

Thanks-got the red one...yep, just changed out the batteries to Duracell's- just in time for band practice on Sunday...

 

[Kegmann]

Pic from my last band...

 

[hip63]

Oh yeah! Who's the rocker now?

Nice indeed!

Wish they had a 5'er!

hip63