I recently gave my 5-string Deluxe Jazz Bass a major makeover. I swapped the original pickups for Nordstrand Big J Blades (warm & wooly wind), added an Aguilar OBP-3 preamp, replaced the old bridge with a Hipshot KickAss, and even threw on some cool black metal knobs.

The choice between active and passive bass pickups has sparked a perpetual debate among bass players. However, the decision between the two isn't...