Fresh batteries = happiness

[Grand Wazoo]

I've just changed the batteries on the Stingray 5 and on the Bongo 5HHp.

The one on the Stingray was fitted on Feb 20th 2008 and gave a very low reading of abt 0.5 volts, the ones (2x) on the Bongo fitted on May 5th 2009 only went up halfway on the test meter, giving 4.5 volts each.

I've fitted both basses with Duracell Ultra Mk3 and, oh boy! The Stingray suddenly developed a lot of bass and mids, while the Bongo turned into a slaying monster again. I've also tested the batteries on the 25th Anniversary 5HSS where the batteries were installed on Dec 21st 2009 and they are still giving the full 9volts reading so they're ok.

It's absolutely true, fresh batteries will give your bass a new power, distinct harmonics and whole lot of sustain, check them often, is what I say.

 

[Steamthief]

Good tip! I've been meaning to do this on my SR.

 

[shakinbacon]

I've just changed the batteries on the Stingray 5 and on the Bongo 5HHp.

The one on the Stingray was fitted on Feb 20th 2008 and gave a very low reading of abt 0.5 volts, the ones (2x) on the Bongo fitted on May 5th 2009 only went up halfway on the test meter, giving 4.5 volts each.

I've fitted both basses with Duracell Ultra Mk3 and, oh boy! The Stingray suddenly developed a lot of bass and mids, while the Bongo turned into a slaying monster again. I've also tested the batteries on the 25th Anniversary 5HSS where the batteries were installed on Dec 21st 2009 and they are still giving the full 9volts reading so they're ok.

It's absolutely true, fresh batteries will give your bass a new power, distinct harmonics and whole lot of sustain, check them often, is what I say.

0.5V??? I doubt it would have worked at all.

Are those duracells Lithium cells? I haven't heard of them

I have definitely heard a difference when using new vs old (but still alive) batteries, so I agree with you.

 

[Grand Wazoo]

No bacon, my ol' rasher! They are not lithium they are alcaline, perhaps not available yet in the US but widely here, they are the next best thing to lithium, and sorry my original post on the vaule of the Stingray volts (I've just realized it was a typo) should read 2.5 volts.

If you want a set of these batteries let me know and I'll post you some.

 

[RaginRog]

I can tell my Trans Gold SR needs a battery change...I never changed the original battery it (used) when I bought it a couple of months ago. I could tell my normally 1 & 4 position wasn't as crisp as I can usually get it...a little farty.

 

[shakinbacon]

No bacon, my ol' rasher! They are not lithium they are alcaline, perhaps not available yet in the US but widely here, they are the next best thing to lithium, and sorry my original post on the vaule of the Stingray volts (I've just realized it was a typo) should read 2.5 volts.

If you want a set of these batteries let me know and I'll post you some.

You're way too nice GW... thanks for the offer but I'm ok right now. I still owe you for the free picks (I've since given in and cut my nails... no classical guitar unfortunately)

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I've never had a battery go dead or weak on me... until this week. I changed my SR5 battery and, what a difference! Just like you describe. I am wondering if that might have affected my sound on my last gig which would have been at the end of the battery's life.

 

[Powman]

How much life are most of you getting our of your batteries? 500 hours? 1000 hours?

 

[keko]

How much life are most of you getting our of your batteries? 500 hours? 1000 hours?

I was testing whole last year and decide to change batt. in mine Sterling every 200 playing hours (aprox.) or 6 months, whatever comes first!
If You do so, You can't miss, even without measuring the voltage!

Those Duracell's alkaline are the best indeed!

 

[Powman]

Once every 6 months sounds like a good idea. Can't have them dying in the middle of a gig!

 

[Grand Wazoo]

Once every 6 months sounds like a good idea. Can't have them dying in the middle of a gig!

check my original post my single H Stingray's battery lasted from Feb 2th 2008 until April 20th 2010 and it was still playing fine albeit a lil' less powerful, now I play ALL my basses in rotation daily, none of them stays on the peg for more than a day, so go figure, oh and I always use those Mark3 Duracell Ultra since I've read some test in a nerdy techno mag that they won reviews over all the other competitors in the market today, so that must be one of the reasons. They really are out of this world.

 

[dmk]

Thanks for the post. Often the simplest things are the most overlooked. Off to check my battery.

 

[patobrujo]

totally right!! i recently changed the batteries on my bongo after 7 months of use... and boy you sure can tell the difference!! good topic Grand Wazoo

 

[drTStingray]

I actually quite like the extra compressed sound of a Stingray with a (not too) tired battery as well - does anyone else?

But I agree with this thread and GW - there's nothing like having new batteries - not sure whether the Duracell Ultra M3s are that much better than the regular ones - my local superstore stocks the regular ones in multipacks of ten whereas the Ultras are only available in single packs - quite a big price difference (especially when I was using them to power effects as well!).

The Ultra M3s are about £4-00 in UK (each!) - but they seem to get the job done well.

 

[Grand Wazoo]

I actually quite like the extra compressed sound of a Stingray with a (not too) tired battery as well - does anyone else?

But I agree with this thread and GW - there's nothing like having new batteries - not sure whether the Duracell Ultra M3s are that much better than the regular ones - my local superstore stocks the regular ones in multipacks of ten whereas the Ultras are only available in single packs - quite a big price difference (especially when I was using them to power effects as well!).

The Ultra M3s are about £4-00 in UK (each!) - but they seem to get the job done well.

Not if you know where to find them for £1.99 free delivery, matey
... see here:

1 DURACELL ULTRA M3 ALKALINE PP3 LR61 MN1604 9v BATTERY on eBay (end time 24-Apr-10 12:49:11 BST)

 

[drTStingray]

Thanks for that - v useful indeed!

 

[Steamthief]

I replaced the Duracell in my SR4 today, as the old battery had a "best before March 2010" label. Wow, the bass and treble response just jumped out after the swap, and the signal is also a wee bit hotter.

Once again, now I'm waffling on selling my SR to fund the purchase of a Classic Deluxe. I should probably just put a fresh set of strings on the one that I have and be happy that I have such a nice bass!