What to select for pickups?

[Wasted4440]

Hi everyone,

First time on the forums, and I'm looking to buy P/J pickups for my bass build. I play mostly for fun on the side, as I like building quite a bit, but I'm looking for a set that sounds on the side of bands such as Alice in Chains, Smashing Pumpkins, and Tool to name a few. So far I've looked at sets of EMG PJHZ and Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounds. Any opinions on these pups or others like them?

I'm still on the fence about active/passive pickups. Does anyone have some input or references to help me decide?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[Bill Thompson]

Well, as far as the active/passive discussion goes, actives give you more variance in your tone control. passives more of the old school vibe. True, there are fine actives out there, but there are high-output passives as well. Rule #1 - Do your homework. Settle your battery issue first, then go from there. Some artists want max flexability coming from the bass, others want simple controls because they get their tone dialed in from the amp. Good Luck! ;^D.