It's a subtle difference.
Lineman and handyman - sorry I got testy. I'll go eat something, must be the low blood sugar. Peace.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Replace passive pickups with active emgs?
- Thread starter Yogen
- Start date
Lineman and handyman - sorry I got testy. I'll go eat something, must be the low blood sugar. Peace.
edpal-
you're mostly or entirely correct:
active pups (EMG, some Barts, some Conklins) are powered by
9v: less strong magnets with built-in pre-amp in pup housing.
These can be run straight thru vol/bal, or straight to output
w/out add'l preamp.
These are also typically low impedence (req'g 25k or so pots) as opposed to passive high impedence pups (req'g 250k- 500k pots) requiring no battery power.
Either can then be run thru a preamp (req'g power) OR NOT,
NO add'l battery req'd.
you're mostly or entirely correct:
active pups (EMG, some Barts, some Conklins) are powered by
9v: less strong magnets with built-in pre-amp in pup housing.
These can be run straight thru vol/bal, or straight to output
w/out add'l preamp.
These are also typically low impedence (req'g 25k or so pots) as opposed to passive high impedence pups (req'g 250k- 500k pots) requiring no battery power.
Either can then be run thru a preamp (req'g power) OR NOT,
NO add'l battery req'd.
It was kinda a knock down dragout for awhile just to come to this point....there is a definite difference audibly between passive and active pickups to a bass trained ear. Whether that transfers to the general public being able to tell is an entire different subject. ...
I'm happy just to get more clarity for all of us, self included. Again, sorry I made it bit of throwdown, I think myself and one of the contestants were finishing off a similar thread that didn't end very well.. I have a tendency to come out of the gate like a pitbull.
The sound is definitely different in subtle fashions. Guitarists I end up with seem to like the bright, crispy clank of active more than I do, but so many of the basses I gas for have actives...
Ok, visited the music stores this afternoon, I'm getting the LTD F-414 (4 steing version of the bass that was suggested, dont really need a 5th string, although is nice to have it, I'll miss it), it comes with EMGs DC35.
Now I guess I'll just have to start searching and saving for a new amp.
I chose EMGs because they are described as some of the most bright sounding pickups, and most of the bassists with my favorite bass tones use them (I'm writing this because there's always at least one person trying to convince me not to get EMGs)
Another quick question, will any bass case work for the bass or I'm gonna need to get the ESP F shaped case? (will be expensive since I don't live in the US and I dont knoq of any local dealers)
Link Removed
I love the non exaggerated metal look on it, though I don't like the job paint on the neck, I hate all non "natural finish" necks (is it possible to get the paint removed?), it looks awful and smells weird (yes, I smell guitars) on every guitar or bass I've played, both cheap or expensive.
Now I guess I'll just have to start searching and saving for a new amp.
I chose EMGs because they are described as some of the most bright sounding pickups, and most of the bassists with my favorite bass tones use them (I'm writing this because there's always at least one person trying to convince me not to get EMGs)
Another quick question, will any bass case work for the bass or I'm gonna need to get the ESP F shaped case? (will be expensive since I don't live in the US and I dont knoq of any local dealers)
Link Removed
I love the non exaggerated metal look on it, though I don't like the job paint on the neck, I hate all non "natural finish" necks (is it possible to get the paint removed?), it looks awful and smells weird (yes, I smell guitars) on every guitar or bass I've played, both cheap or expensive.
Nice looking bass, sound like it should rock. You can take steel wool or one of those modern steelwool replacement pads, the green ones are a good choice and just slide your hand up down the neck to break the finish. A lot of players do something like that (I know I do) because the finish can be tacky and cause a little drag.
The body style isn't extreme really, just very sculpted. I'm guessing any bass cass that doesn't have a fitted headstock/tuner area will fit just fine.
