Unexpected symptom of low batteries

[Aussie Mark]

As a matter of practice, I just change batteries when I change strings

That plan won't work for flatwound users. Even the best batteries won't last 15 years

So, any EBMM bass/es I'm taking to rehearsal or a gig gets tongue tested before I put it in the case. Works for me

[LawDaddy]

Just last night the battery went dead in my wireless unit during a gig - BRAND NEW JUST INSTALLED BEFORE THE GIG. :/

Just got quieter and q u i e t e r... no fizz, though.

[keko]

I opened a Thread about batt. life last year when I bought mine Sterling, so there's lots of informations about that matter, only difference is that Bongos have 2 x 9V batteries for preamp operation, so it means that preamp works on 18V power supply and 2 batteries will last longer!
(less current consumption when powered with higher voltage)

Here's link: http://www.ernieball.com/forums/musi...strl-5-hs.html

[John Kramer]

Has anyone used one of those plugs-into-your-bass battery testers? They run around $30 and are supposed to tell you how many hours are left. I know we live in an insane age of "convenience"---but they do sound handy.

[adouglas]

I can think of many better ways to spend $30.

- Several sets of new batteries
- A new set of strings

etc.

The tongue test will tell you if there's any juice at all in the battery.

The sound of the bass will tell you if there's enough juice in the battery to make the preamp work.

Who needs anything more than that?

Change 'em regularly, and keep spares in case you forget. End of story.

[John Kramer]

All good points. I do keep spares with me, and I do check with a battery tester at home periodically. I just had one of those irrational impulses to buy something new. As you note, there are better ways to address that!

[sitonmybass]

My battery tester will forever reside in one of my gig bags.

[Aussie Mark]

My battery tester will forever reside in one of my gig bags.

Mine resides in my mouth. Most of the time.

[adouglas]

Gene Simmons uses his to check car batteries.

[Duarte]

The tongue test will tell you if there's any juice at all in the battery.

I always get nervous before doing the tongue test, as if I'm gonna get a huge electric shock or something.

It is interesting if you put one part on your tongue and the other part on your tongue bar...