Mike wanted a simple straight forward Signature bass with plenty of power.He had started experimenting with an all passive NS-5XL bass and was loving it. So we kept that same all passive concept for his Signature basses.We have been making instruments at the same Korean factory since 1986.These are of the highest quality and craftsmanship available at these prices.Our Legend Classic basses are studio and tour ready and feature our Czech made TonePump Jr active tone controls and our SSD INC passive humbuckers.