Bassmods EF4 - Active To Passive

markbmbass

markbmbass

Apr 19, 2012
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#1
Hi All,

I just scooped up an awesome Bassmods EF4 and love the way it plays. However, I think I’d prefer replacing the preamp and making it passive, possibly replacing the Bartolini pickups.

I like vintage sounding jazz bass pick ups, 60’s style basically.

if anybody has any suggestions on the idea in general and possible replacement electronics, I’d love to hear about it. I really don’t know where to start. I’m also unsure if the control plate is a direct swap to a standard fender style control plate.

thanks in advance for any feedback!
 
#2
Not sure on which pre amp the EF4 has, prob Bart, but iirc, it will be a 4 knob with side jack.
Wouldn't it just be easy running the bass in passive, depending on your pre amp config.
 
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#3
pepj said:
Not sure on which pre amp the EF4 has, prob Bart, but iirc, it will be a 4 knob with side jack.
Wouldn't it just be easy running the bass in passive, depending on your pre amp config.
Click to expand...

yes, the current preamp is 4 knobs. I just bought this from Guitar Center and when I pull the volume knob, there’s no sound at all. When the volume knob is pushed down, there is a signal which I’m assuming is the active signal.

As far as just playing it in passive mode, I don’t feel like the sound is as full and there’s also no passive tone control. So I’m thinking I just want to make it sound like a good passive, jazz bass if that makes sense.
 
#4
Volume pushed down is usually active, and pulled up passive.
Try twiddling the other pots, not the blend because that will work in both modes, but if the bass and treble is not enhanced, then maybe active passice engage mode is wired the wrong way around.
And therefore the battery is flat, hence no sound.
 
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#5
pepj said:
Volume pushed down is usually active, and pulled up passive.
Try twiddling the other pots, not the blend because that will work in both modes, but if the bass and treble is not enhanced, then maybe active passice engage mode is wired the wrong way around.
And therefore the battery is flat, hence no sound.
Click to expand...

Appreciate the suggestion. I’m gonna check that when I get back today.
 
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