Hungry Bongo?

[Alvabass]

Hi everybody.

I've just come from a gig and I want to let you know something that happened with my Bongo: I arrived to the venue and there was a hired PA system which included a bass amp. I plugged my Bongo and after adjusting the amp's EQ, I noticed that the sound was distorted. I thought that maybe the speakers were bad, but even at low volumes it sounded bad, specially when hitting the strings hard. I started to think it was a battery problem, so I replaced them and the Bongo returned to its glory.

I have no problem about replacing batteries. Always have a fresh set in my bag. But the thing is: I received my bass in May 28th. It means two months of playing. Is the Bongo batteries' life that short? FWIW, I'm very careful about unplugging the bass (from the instrument' input jack, not the amp's) when not playing, even between songs sets when playing a gig. I just want to know if I have to include two 9V batteries in my monthly fixed expenses, but this doesn't seem normal to me. Thank you in advance for your input.

Edit: Just in case, I'm talking about the batteries which came with the bass (Duracells). This is my first replacement.

 

[Psychicpet]

weird, I've replaced batteries in my Bongo once and I've had it for a year and even when I changed them it wasn't because it needed it I just wanted to slap a new pair in it..... maybe the ones in there were old?

 

[Alvabass]

I've had it for a year

That's the time I'm used to have my basses' batteries working OK.

 

[AnthonyD]

I wouldn't worry about it - Probably won't need to change them again until Aug 2006...

 

[maddog]

Along Pete's thought, did you put fresh batteries in when you received the bass or did you just keep what was in it? Your explanation doesn't make mention either way and it could be that the batteries shipped were old.

To reinforce everybody else's experience with batteries, I've had a Bongo4 SC/H for about a half a year now. Popped in fresh batteries when I got it and haven't had to replace them yet.

 

[Alvabass]

did you put fresh batteries in when you received the bass or did you just keep what was in it?

This is the first time I replace batteries. Until today, I had the ones that came with the Bongo when I received it.

 

[bovinehost]

I don't know.

No se.

I replaced the batteries after a year, even though they were still functioning - I just don't want to have to worry about it.


Now I play a lot of different basses so it isn't like one bass is getting all the attention, but the Bongo I'm talking about is my main player, so.....

Could be that the batteries were just old when you got the bass.

I'd expect a lot more life from esas pilas.

 

[bassmonkeee]

Whenever I get a new bass, I always put on a fresh set of string and new batteries. Why deal with unknown quantities when trying to establish a relationship with a new partner?

 

[Mobay45]

Good advice guys! I was going to suggest that maybe he was practicing too much.

 

[Alvabass]

Whenever I get a new bass, I always put on a fresh set of string and new batteries. Why deal with unknown quantities when trying to establish a relationship with a new partner?

You're right. Didn't think of it. I assumed that a new bass should come with new batteries and maybe it isn't like that. Thanks again for the replies!

 

[Joe Nerve]

I had the same experience and concerns. My batteries crapped out after I had my Bongo about a month. Replaced them and they've been going strong fer about 6 months now. My Bongo spends about 10 to 15 hrs a week plugged in.

 

[paz117]

Hmmm, i play a Ray Bongos have more than one battery??

 

[maddog]

Hmmm, i play a Ray Bongos have more than one battery??

Yes. The Bongo has an 18V preamp.

 

[paz117]

Yes. The Bongo has an 18V preamp.

Wow thats crazy.

 

[bovinehost]

Crazy like a fox!

 

[armybass]

I had that happen on my Sterling once. The battery was new and I put it in but it went dead in a very short amount of time. I guess you can get bad 9 volt batteries too eh?

 

[mike not fat]

Received my bongo on oct. 2004 and I still have the stock Duracells in it. I regularily test (using a voltmeter) them to know when they have to be changed. I'm playing pluged 4 to 8 hours a week.

MNF

 

[LeftyLB]

We are fortunate that one of the members of our band is able to get hold of an unlimited suppy of 9 volt batteries from work, so we have got into the habit of probably changing batteries far more than is necessary. However, there is nothing worse than losing power mid song when one of the batteries somewhere in the chain dies. I would rather be safe than sorry, even if I had to pay for them.

 

[Alvabass]

Hi again.

Just for the record, I want to say that exactly 70 days after starting this thread, I've had to replace the batteries again because my Bongo started sounding distorted. Those were alkaline Panasonics. I've put some fresh Duracells now. I still don't get it because I NEVER leave my bass plugged if not playing. Even during the gigs, between song sets, I unplug it. As I originally said, no problem about including a pair of 9V batteries in my monthly expenses, but I think it shouldn't be like that.

 

[phatduckk]

might wanna call cuatomer service since its happened again and see what info they've got for you

good luck