active or passive bass? - heavy metal oriented

[Arjen]

Hi,
My question is about active or passive basses. I like power metal (Stratovarius, Nightwish, Ayreon..) and I would like to know what kind of bass guitar is suitable for that music. I know Nightwish bassist plays Warwick Infinity (Active), but is it an exception or the general rule? Also I´ve seen that a lot of Ibanez basses have passive pickups but active eq, what´s the difference (is it more punchy or someting like that)?
Thanks.

 

[frank_1]

I have any active bass. Active preamp on my bass DeArmond.

It just gives you a 'LOT' of treble, bass and mid control. For metal an active bass would be fine, but to get a pop-like feel I say get a Fender bass and just use the amp EQ.

It's either or. It depends on what sound you like; if you can buy an active bass and a passive bass try them both. If you don't want the latter then sell it on ebay. That's what I would do.

 

[barefoot]

Metal bass players tend to use active pickups for more "bite" - this is according to the tech I talked to at EMG.

barefoot