How low can a battery get before it starts affecting the sound of a Single H SR5?

[backagain1]

How low can a battery get before it starts affecting the sound of a Single H SR5? Do you let it get half down before you change batteries, or do you change the battery sooner?

Thanks,

backagain1

 

[stu42]

I've found that the batteries will continue working fine until there is almost no charge left. You can hear when the batteries go bad because the sound gets distorted and fuzzy. It seems to come on fairly quickly but when I've heard it get that way I've checked the battery using the good-old tongue test and at that point you can't feel any charge from the battery - which tells me the battery is well and truly dead.

I always just keep a spare set of batteries in my case as a backup but I don't really worry about it. They're also quite fast and easy to change out.

 

[nv1564]

Perhaps I'm not perceptive enough but I seldom notice anything until the charge is circling the drain. Generally nothing is noticeable for me until the fuzz is overpowering

 

[five7]

Fuzz tone and then a high pitched squeal=done. Make sure your backup batteries fit. I had some duracells as backups and they were too long to fit. Luckily I wasn't at a gig! Went and bought some everready's the next day and they fit fine.

 

[groove]

How low can a battery get before it starts affecting the sound of a Single H SR5?

18 months, duracell 9v battery...average playing: 1h-2h per day.
Stingray Classic 5H

 

[keko]

I change batteries when voltage drops to 8.5 V (each, got two of them, 18 V reflex preamp), but that's me!

Probably preamp will continue work under that voltage with slight distortion when push hard, some guys even like that kind of tone!

 

[KevinM]

Here are a couple of faq's from the music-man website that may help you out.

The second question refers to rechargeable batteries but states that the minimum voltage is 8.4. If you have a multi-meter to test the battery strength you'll be able to tell when you are there or close. Like Keko said, he changes his at 8.5 before they get to the minimum.

How long does the battery last, and how do you know when it needs to be replaced?

Average battery life is 6 months. We recommend Duracell batteries as replacements mostly due to size inconsistencies between battery manufacturers. Do not leave your bass plugged in when you have finished playing, as this will drain your battery faster. Battery life of course depends on how often and how long you play. When the sound of your bass becomes distorted, it's ready for a new battery.

Can I use rechargeable 9-volt batteries for my Music Man bass?

We do not recommend rechargeable batteries for replacement in Music Man instruments for 2 reasons:
1. They do not put out enough voltage (at least 8.4 volts) to properly run the instruments. NiCad and NiMh "9-volt" batteries, even when fully charged, put out a maximum of 7.2 volts.

2. Even if they did work, rechargeable batteries only hold a charge for 1-3 months. Alkaline batteries, when fresh, can go 6 months or longer. We recommend Duracell for a good fit.

 

[backagain1]

Here are a couple of faq's from the music-man website that may help you out.

The second question refers to rechargeable batteries but states that the minimum voltage is 8.4. If you have a multi-meter to test the battery strength you'll be able to tell when you are there or close. Like Keko said, he changes his at 8.5 before they get to the minimum.

How long does the battery last, and how do you know when it needs to be replaced?


Can I use rechargeable 9-volt batteries for my Music Man bass?

Thanks to all for your help on this matter. The reason I asked was that I thought I detected a tiny bit of fading in and out and wondered if it could be because of a low battery charge. When I checked my battery on a tester that has three lights (green, yellow, and red), both the yellow and the green lights came on, indicating that the battery still had some juice, but it was starting to lose a little power.

Thanks,

backagain1

 

[tunaman4u2]

Great info. I found that the Home Depot Utilitech batteries dont fit. I grabbed Energizers & they are no sweat. I had Rayovacs & I was down to 50% battery life so I just switched em out & saved that old battery for a kids toy

 

[nurnay]

Fuzz tone and then a high pitched squeal=done. Make sure your backup batteries fit. I had some duracells as backups and they were too long to fit. Luckily I wasn't at a gig! Went and bought some everready's the next day and they fit fine.

Weird, EBMM recommends Duracell for that exact reason (other manufacturers have inconsistent sizes). I guess it's not just the others!

 

[five7]

I read that under FAQ, about duracells too. They were too long for my bongo though so I went with the ever ready's. They are working fine.