View Single Post
  #2  
Old 10-12-2010, 07:30 AM
Turp Turp is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: likely somewhere I shouldn't
Posts: 3,168
Default

Active means the pickup has and powered (usually by battery) preamp that boosts the signal from the pickup.

Passive means the response from the pickup is not boosted which often requires some external boosting before amplifying through a powered preamp.

Regardless of the type system, an external preamp gives better control over a pickup's tone.

Here's another explanation:http://www.elevation-music.com/guqu.html
__________________
Martin 000-28EC, Taylor 12fret Cedar/Mahogany, Taylor GC8, Carvin AC275,
Takamine TC135SC, Yamaha APX5na
Reply With Quote