Getting a S.U.B. go active or passive?

[R3MY]

This is an on going argument with myself.. I'm picking up an S.U.B. when I can sell some stuff and get the cash. I played one once, and fell in love and no other bass feels the way a MM does. I've decide on color (textured teal), 4 string, but I can't decide whether to get the X01 or the X02. Would the active elex have ne real advantages over the passive, or will the passive work fine? I keep telling myself the passive elex will do, but then a part of my brain kicks in and says get the active. So I can't decide.. please help!

 

[basspastor]

I had an active SUB and it was awesome. IMHO it is the only way to go if buying a SUB. Check e-bay or call around some of the larger stores. I think you can beat that price. I gave less than that for mine right after they came out.
I know of a store here in Texas that has a couple.(not teal) but they are very reasonable. e-mail me if you want their phone number and yes they do ship.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

I believe the SUB has the same pickup as the Sting Ray.

I recently converted my 3 Band EQ 1989 Ray to a 2 Bander and used the underside "obsolete" jack as an alternative passive bypass to the pre-amp.

I've done direct A/B comparisons by plugging into the 2 jacks while infront of the power amp with the same settings. The passive is excellent. Similar to a Precision Bass with the low mid punch but with the distinctive Ray flavour.

Matter of choice but passive is great.

I had the advantage of playing SUB Basses while at Open House. They're excellent instruments. So much so that I've decided on a SUB5 (plus others)

P.S. Forgot. Welcome to the Forum

 

[Mobay45]

Welcome to the forum!

I haven't ever played a passive SUB, but I did own a SUB 5 for a while and it was active. If it's the Stingray tone that you are looking for, I would imagine that you would need the active electronics to fully achieve it.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

I also luv Mustang cars.

Especially when Larry drives them and I'm a passenger and we're on a mission in SLO and the recliner doesn't work untill I find the adjuster on the floor and Larry's like doing a 120 MPH on the freeway and then he decides to open it out

Nyuk nyuk nyuk nyuk nyuk nyuk

 

[Randracula]

I would not overlook the S.U.B. Sterling as an excellent choice as well.

 

[Mobay45]

I also luv Mustang cars.

Especially when Larry drives them and I'm a passenger and we're on a mission in SLO and the recliner doesn't work untill I find the adjuster on the floor and Larry's like doing a 120 MPH on the freeway and then he decides to open it out

Nyuk nyuk nyuk nyuk nyuk nyuk

Thanks, Gav! I was too drunk to remember that!

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Fond memories of SLO my dear Texan friend

But I digress. SUB active or passive will be fine.

 

[Dr Stankface]

I also luv Mustang cars.

A Ford is the only way to go.

 

[higher1]

I own SR5's and a SUB 5... Both great instruments, but totally different beasts.
If you're looking for the SR tone you need active electronics in the SUB to get anywhere near that. The SUB seems to lack the ultra-low end of my SR5's, but plays very similarly.

And I know for a fact if you did a 'lil more research you could find your bass for MUCH less than 700 dollars brother.

good luck on finding your new baby!

 

[R3MY]

Thanks Guys! I appreciate all your help. I've checked out ebay, and I couldn't find any. They only had SR and Sterlings. I'm gunna search google later on tonite, and I'm gunna call guitar center and see what they have. There is a place about 20-30 mins from that sells passive S.U.B's for $599. So I'm gunna check them out. Appreciate all the comrodery and help. This is an excellent forum!

 

[pattiejay]

go SUB's!!
mine's active - can get a nice array of tones with just the 2-band - i sometimes miss having mid control, but can easily be made up for using your amp
i tried the passive one before the active - although it was nice, after hearing the active there was no question about it for me...

 

[JayAmel]

This is an on going argument with myself.. I'm picking up an S.U.B. when I can sell some stuff and get the cash. I played one once, and fell in love and no other bass feels the way a MM does. I've decide on color (textured teal), 4 string, but I can't decide whether to get the X01 or the X02. Would the active elex have ne real advantages over the passive, or will the passive work fine? I keep telling myself the passive elex will do, but then a part of my brain kicks in and says get the active. So I can't decide.. please help!

My guess is that the active version will be able to do more than the passive one, but maybe I'm wrong.

Now maybe my words will sound weird to some people here, but despite of its look and conception, my SUB5 has some kinda "vintage Ray" vibe. It actually sounds and feels VERY close to my old pre-EB SR4. Just has different material and... a B string.

But I am so much converted into active 5ers now that I may be a bit biased in my opinions.

Cheers
Jay