Unexpected symptom of low batteries

**adouglas** · 02-22-2010, 06:41 AM

Several weeks ago I succumbed to temptation and bought a limited-edition Envy Green Bongo 5HS.

I've only played it a few times. Last time I pulled it out, in January, I noticed that the electronics were making some noise... not popping-crackling or hum, but random noise kind of like wind blowing across a microphone.

It was coming only from the neck single-coil. When I panned to the bridge pickup, it was perfect. Pan back, and noise. Wonky connection from the pickup, I thought, or maybe a bad pan pot. I resolved to call Customer Service for advice sometime after NAMM, but never got around to it.

Last night I pulled it out again to learn some new material. Obeying the advice of the wisest man I ever knew ("never overlook the obvious," he said) I put some fresh batteries in it. The ones it came with had some zap left according to my tongue, but had an expiration date of 10/2010 so they must have been a few years old at least.

Bingo. Noise gone. Issue resolved.

So here's the point. The old batteries did not cause poor sound from the whole bass. It was isolated in just one pickup, which made it appear to be a hardware problem and not a battery problem.

I have absolutely no clue why this might have happened, but thought I'd pass it along as an object lesson to make sure you've eliminated all the variables before calling for help.

**bizmarckie** · 02-22-2010, 09:18 AM

Snap! Thank you, thank you for posting this.

**danny-79** · 02-22-2010, 09:59 AM

Battery's can be strange like that, i generally change mine about once a year (needed or not) just to eliminate the possibility , i even put a date on them of when i changed it cause for the sake of the price of a new 9v .... keep em fresh

sitonmybass · 02-22-2010, 12:05 PM

I peek at the batteries in all of my 8 basses and make a list of each one's expiration date and keep it handy.

I am unable to easily open one of the battery boxes on one of my Bongo's. Any suggestions on how to open it without breaking/damaging it? Maybe after engaging the release button I can push inward on the bottom part hopefully bringing the box to its open position. Or possibly loosening the tiny screws that support the box?

**shakinbacon** · 02-22-2010, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by sitonmybass

I peek at the batteries in all of my 8 basses and make a list of each one's expiration date and keep it handy.

I am unable to easily open one of the battery boxes on one of my Bongo's. Any suggestions on how to open it without breaking/damaging it? Maybe after engaging the release button I can push inward on the bottom part hopefully bringing the box to its open position. Or possibly loosening the tiny screws that support the box?

I had a very tight battery box on my bongo too. I ended up opening each battery hinge, getting sandpaper and smoothing out the ridges on the box hinges (hard to describe) until it was easy to open and close. Works like a charm now.

I recommend fine grit and tape off the Bongo around the area so you don't damage the finish accidentally. I had the benefit of removing the box to work on it... I don't recommend that unless you are comfortable doing so.

**Grand Wazoo** · 02-22-2010, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by sitonmybass

I peek at the batteries in all of my 8 basses and make a list of each one's expiration date and keep it handy.

I am unable to easily open one of the battery boxes on one of my Bongo's. Any suggestions on how to open it without breaking/damaging it? Maybe after engaging the release button I can push inward on the bottom part hopefully bringing the box to its open position. Or possibly loosening the tiny screws that support the box?

I keep a file on my laptop with all the major details including strings fitted date and batteries in MS Excel as per the screenshot below:

**RaginRog** · 02-22-2010, 05:14 PM

allllaghhhaehhhh....You mentioned the tounge test. I do it also, and I swear; as soon as I read that I could almost taste the battery on my tongue!

**RaginRog** · 02-22-2010, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by Grand Wazoo

I keep a file on my laptop with all the major details including strings fitted date and batteries in MS Excel as per the screenshot below:

That's a good idea!

**Powman** · 02-22-2010, 05:38 PM

Originally Posted by Grand Wazoo

I keep a file on my laptop with all the major details including strings fitted date and batteries in MS Excel as per the screenshot below:]

That's such a Wazoo thing to do...very impressive!

sitonmybass · 02-22-2010, 06:28 PM

I use a battery tester; sure comes in handy since I use a wireless.

**AnthonyD** · 02-22-2010, 06:34 PM

Originally Posted by sitonmybass

I use a battery tester; sure comes in handy since I use a wireless.

Indispensable tool - Have mine with me at every gig!

**drTStingray** · 02-23-2010, 05:36 AM

AD thanks for posting - v useful to know.

Originally Posted by Grand Wazoo

I keep a file on my laptop with all the major details including strings fitted date and batteries in MS Excel as per the screenshot below:

GW - this is v impressive indeed - but now I know you drive an oil tanker or something similar I can see the resemblance - ship's log .... star date etc etc

Next time you're going past Whitstable Beach on a Sunday give us a toot on the horn and we'll wave to you

**SharonG** · 02-26-2010, 09:52 AM

Thanks, AD - I've noticed the same thing - the weird distortions I hear from a low battery are unpredictable, and not necessarily the same each time. I admit to not being organized enough to keep track, but I do always have fresh ones with me, just in case I start getting strange sounds..........

**kevins** · 02-26-2010, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by adouglas

Bingo. Noise gone. Issue resolved.

DONT YOU MEAN....[bad joke]BONGO. Noise gone. Issue resolved!?!?!?![/bad joke]

batteries going out make all kinds of weird noises. i must say though, i will never hear a fuzz effect as awesome as "dying battery stingray" fuzz effect