So, I recently came across one of these in mint green for $200 used, it is in amazing condition. I love the color and look of the thing so I am debating on grabbing it up, but I wanted to pick your brains first... This will be the first active bass I have ever owned. I have played them in the past and I do like the sound from them. I just don't really know much other than that. How often to I have to change the battery? Does it still work (passively) when the battery is dead or removed, like if it dies in the middle of a show? Should I remove the battery when I am not using it?
Depends on how frequently/long you use the bass when it's plugged in. No. When the battery goes, for all intents and purposes, the bass goes, too. Never begin a gig without knowing the status of your battery. No. Just be sure to unplug whatever cable is attached to the bass, because that's what activates the preamp circuit.
i was ready to pull the trigger yesterday, new shipment had just come in to GC, went up there and it sounded great, and played well, except for a pretty back case of Neck Dive.
Thank you. I feel that $200 is a pretty good price for this, it is in great condition. What are you thoughts?
I had one of those in satin walnut. The preamp needs to be powered at all time. This bass will not emit a sound without a battery. But don't worry about that. If you put a brand new battery in there and you unplug the instrument cable when you are not using the bass, you will good for months.
Hard to go wrong. If it ends up not being your cup of tea, you could probably flip it quickly without incurring a loss.