Battery data

[adouglas]

Some info FWIW:

Just did the semi-annual battery/string change on my Bongo. (Slinkys, of course...none better.)

Just for grins, I decided to check the voltage on the old batteries, so naturally I did the highly accurate (and good for a cheap thrill) tongue test. Didn't light me up as much as I might have expected, so I pulled out the voltmeter.

They both read around 6 volts, give or take. The bass was still working fine.

I've been playing regularly but not heavily...say, a few hours a week on average, and I'm in the habit of unplugging whenever I'm not playing, even during a session or gig.

The batteries were fresh Energizers when they were put in.

Given that the FAQ calls for a three-month battery life, this seems reasonable.

Just another little bit of information from your uncle Andrew, aka Captain Obvious. Use it wisely.

 

[mynan]

Anyone know what happens if the battery goes dead? Not planning on letting that happen, but it could. Do you just lose boost or does it go completely dead? The reason I ask is because it's only happened to me once and that was with my old Peavey Cirrus. The thing was digital...and by that I mean it had a circuit board under the hood. Anyway, I was playing away and the last two notes sounded like farts and then nothing. It was completely dead

 

[tkarter]

When the battery goes dead your bass goes all honky sounding and stuff then quiet.

Was that a Fluke voltmeter you tested with there Andy Doug?

tk

 

[Oldtoe]

I know a Bongo no worky with dead batteries. Jack can confirm.

 

[spencer]

I have never changed a battery in my EB basses and they never went dead. BUT the longest I owned one was like 8 months..And I played hours a day..

 

[tkarter]

I have never changed a battery in my EB basses and they never went dead. BUT the longest I owned one was like 8 months..And I played hours a day..

tk

 

[bovinehost]

Yup, the Big Poppa Bongo - did those batteries know who they were dealing with? - went silent a few nights ago. Made some fuzzy noises and then - nada.

I'd noticed it wasn't sounding exactly as fabulous as it did before, so if you run into kind of a dull tone, go ahead and change the batteries.

Two new batteries and the thing sounds magical (again).

 

[Big Poppa]

spencer you dont need batteries for the classic tone

 

[tkarter]

If the bongo works with two 6 volt batteries. I ain't carrying spares LOL I have jumper cables.

tk

 

[midopa]

I recall my Bongo distorting whenever I hit the E string when the batteries last died. It was really cool, but it wasn't practical for what I was playing at the time. Eventually the distortion began creeping up other strings and getting more sensitive too. So ya, my experience has been they slowly fade and the bass begins to distort.

 

[bassmonkeee]

Piezos really don't like dying batteries. My fretted started to crap out, and when I really hit a note hard, the preamp would clip. At first, I thought it was my amp. Then, I noticed that the EQ on the Bongo wasn't quite as versatile as it normally seems to be. Batteries changed, all was fine.

Batteries last a long time, but when they go--they go quick. I try and swap the batteries out every 4 months, or so, now.

 

[b-unit]

Just tested the Energizer that came with my SR5 and its still full charge after a year of constant wanking. I'll change it anyway but so far am amazed at how long its lasted.

 

[adouglas]

FYI, I do have a piezo that is always in use. Don't know if this affects power consumption or not.

 

[mike not fat]

This thread make me realise that I must be using the same batteries in my bongo since more than 12 months...those things last longer than I thought.

MNF

 

[MingusBASS]

It's funny, but when my Bongo starts to sound "average", I know it's time to change the batteries. That usually takes several months but hot damn if those new Duracells don't perk up the tone.

 

[EBMM7181]

What brand of batteries does EBMM put into the basses before they leave SLO?

 

[tkarter]

What brand of batteries does EBMM put into the basses before they leave SLO?

Duracell


tk

 

[EBMM7181]

Duracell


tk

Thanks for the info.

 

[Vanni]

I have used the battery on my first SR for one year and half and more...
when I change it, I have used the same battery for my tuner and it working fine up to last year
it was a '98 battery (like my first SR)... can we call vintage?

Vanni