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Whats a good bass that can switch between passive and active?

#41
Another vote for a G&L L2000 or L2500 (if you want a fiver). I can't think of a better tool for the job. Those MFD pickups with these bass's electronic are crazy versatile, and it can be a little daunting at first to get used to them, but the one thing that you can get easily straight outta the gate, plug n play is a really aggressive sound(even in passive mode). Would be great for metal.
 
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#43
Another vote for a G&L L2000. USA or Tribute, hands down the most versatile active/passive bass that I'm aware of and are an incredible value, especially preowned. If I could only have one bass, it would be an L2K. No question.
 
#45
PaulPriest76 said:
The new NS Design NXTa basses are both passive and active with a push pull pot switching between the two. I've got one of the first ones, and it's pretty amazing! I highly recommend them.
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Wether the bass can go active or passive has nothing to do with the bass. You can make most any bass switch between active or passive if you get the right preamp.....
 
#46
PSPookie said:
Many active basses can be modified with an active/passive switch. It depends largely upon the preamp.
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It actually has nothing to do with the preamp: any preamp can be bypassed, which is what an active/passive switch does.

As long as your bass has passive pickups, you’re good to go: any tech can do the job in about a half hour.

The only exception I can think of is a Spector HAZ, since the pots are hard wired to the preamp circuit board.
 
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#47
MateoG78 said:
The only ones I know of are the Fender Deluxe Active J-bass, Sire basses, and TRBX504. What are some other good basses that can switch between passive and active that aren't too expensive?

I also play heavy metal if that helps.
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Literally almost any bass that you like.

An active/passive switch costs all of $50 or so to have installed: all you need is a push/pull volume pot.
 
#49
Another vote for the G&L L-2000. The tribute model made in Indonesia is half the price of the MIA model but don't let that put you off as mine sounds identical to a MIA and is manufactured to the highest standards. It is also one of the most versatile Basses in my collection.

C360_2018-02-13-14-10-38-761.jpg
 
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#51
A million votes for Sandberg and i’ve owned G&L ASATs and L1500 - fine bases but Sandberg’s blow them out the water.
Glockenklang Preamp is great and you can have Delano or the Sandberg black label pick ups.

Beauty is it sounds the same active or passive, just a bit ‘more’ in active
 
#53
I'm a big G&L guy, and agree the L-2000 is a great way to go. I also like the Fender Deluxe Active Jazz bass, which sounds great, but I'd only recommend it over the G&L if you're set on having J-bass tone. The Ibanez SR650 is another option. The Nordstrand designed pickups sound excellent, it has a passive tone control in passive mode, and the split-coil provides solid P-bass tone. The ergonomics are fantastic IMO, with light weight and a comfy body. I've considered the five-string version.
 
#58
MateoG78 said:
The only ones I know of are the Fender Deluxe Active J-bass, Sire basses, and TRBX504. What are some other good basses that can switch between passive and active that aren't too expensive?

I also play heavy metal if that helps.
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Ibanez SR650 with Nordstrand pickups. Fantastic neck, light weight and sounds great. Has passive tone control that work well too. The video is the SR655 5-string version but they have the same pickups and preamp.

I own the 655 and love it. It’s one of my two main basses. Plays great, sounds great. I would also agree with the G&L L2000 recommendations. Great basses too.
 
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#59
Sonicfrog said:
If you are up for buying used, Peavey Dyna-bass is a great option. They are USA built basses, have very fast necks, and the build quality is top notch. Mine was my main player for a couple of decades... Except for the time I didn't have one because it got stolen. (the pic is not mine, but I love the white)

View attachment 3317386
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Is that Peavey Dynabass essentially a Foundation with the option of active preamp, or is there more to it?
Anyone know if they exist in lefty?
 
#60
cheechi said:
Is that Peavey Dynabass essentially a Foundation with the option of active preamp, or is there more to it?
Anyone know if they exist in lefty?
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Funny... I always thought of a Foundation as a scaled-down Dyna!!! The concept is similar but there are several differences. The Dyna is not just a Foundy with a pre-amp. It has a three band EQ, and the neck is thinner / faster.
 

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