Active Pickups

Normal, run of the mill pickups are consider passive. They require no external power source to transmit the signal. They are the most basic and classic pickup. However, active pickups use an external power source (like a 9V battery) to modify or change the signal before it is sent out. Because of the ability to shape and alter the signal, less winding is usually used, giving a "flatter" response curve. That makes them especially useful for getting a more consistent, less characterized sound.

Commonly used in bass guitars, they can also be used in any guitar. They require power, and when the battery fails, they no longer work.

View Active Pickups on Zzounds.com