Aah the bass… an underrated instrument. It’s everywhere and plays a major role in any band or ensemble. It’s indispensable! And what’s more, you’ve got a certain class when you know how to play bass. But before you can be classy, with a band, alone or on stage, you need to choose a bass. And here… the first big question we’re going to address in this article: active or passive bass?

To put it simply, the big difference between an active and a passive bass guitar is the electronics, i.e. the pickups that make up the instrument.

An active bass, unlike a passive bass, has a battery-powered pre-amp. This makes it easier to control the sound and the equalizer (or EQ).

Thus, the passive bass, which has no pre-amp, allows very few adjustments directly on the instrument. However, its sound is much more natural and authentic than that of the active bass.

Let’s go into a little more detail now that we’ve understood the main element that plays a part in differentiating an active bass from a passive one.

Active basses

Active basses generally have active pickups, and the internal preamplifier must be battery-powered and properly matched to the bass for optimum output. And an equalizer, at the very least, is included with these more numerous settings, this type of bass will have a wider sound range, as well as a sound quality with more punch! An excellent model would be the ATK 1200 Prestige from Ibanez, made from carefully chosen woods and featuring powerful, precise pickups.

Thanks to their low impedance, these basses are appreciated for the almost non-existent loss of treble regardless of cable length, as well as less risk of signal degradation or other interference. However, if you amplify the high frequencies too much, you may hear an unpleasant but easily suppressed hiss.

We also like them for their ability to adapt to any kind of music, since it’s much easier to sculpt their sound even though it is, naturally, clearer and catchier than the sound of a passive bass. This last point is both an advantage and a disadvantage, as there are bassists who prefer not to have that slightly compressed sound. Music Man’s StingRay bass is excellent, being a near-legendary bass with lightened mechanics and extra refinements for remarkable playability!

One drawback to note is the fact that there can be some distortion problems with some effects pedals. But you’ll notice this easily if you test your bass well with the effects pedal you wish to acquire. And of course, you’ll need to pay attention to your bass’s drums, because if they die, the sound will die with them. So, if you’re playing live, be sure to take spare batteries or change it with your gig! Alternatively, you could opt for a bass with an active/passive switch to switch from one to the other, as the Yamaha TRBX604FM does.

Passive basses

The passive bass is the most widespread! When hesitating between an active or passive bass, we generally go for a passive one. Fender models such as the Player Precision Bass or the Player Jazz are perfect for beginners. Or the new American Pro II range, with its incomparable neck feel and new pickups. Of course, there’s also the Rickenbacker brand, which is a benchmark in Rock circles, notably with the exceptional 4003 Bass with its inimitable, versatile sound.

The passive bass has an authentic, warm and dynamic sound. With its passive pickups, this bass is not amplified and the tone control you’ll have, a low-pass filter, will only allow you to gently lower the high frequencies. But you keep the original tone much appreciated by purists.

Between active and passive bass, passive bass is simple, certainly, but reliable because you won’t have any worries about dead batteries or problems with sound authenticity. That lovely, slightly fat, punchy sound you often hear in rock or jazz.

Another advantage is that the passive bass will be designed with fewer components and circuits, so you’ll generally have fewer technical problems.

The downside is that the passive bass signal will be weaker than that of an active bass. But with the right amp and, above all, the right length of cable, you’ll be able to achieve a sound volume that rivals an active bass perfectly. Bear in mind that the longer your cable, the more treble will be lost, due to the relatively high impedance. However, this can be remedied with an external preamplifier with a buffer, and our in-store specialists will be happy to help you find the right tools.

Active or passive bass, now you know the difference and don’t have to worry about choosing the right instrument. And to test your future active or passive bass and get personalized advice, our specialists at Boullard Musique will help you acquire the bass of your dreams. The one that matches your budget and your expectations, but above all your needs!