Help! My Musicman LIII eats batteries

[MB400]

Having been a Musicman Luke BFR owner for quite a few years now, in August of last year I decided to add an LIII to my guitar collection and purchased an LIII HSS in Bodhi Blue from Merchant City Music in Glasgow (UK). The guitar arrived and I love it but it seems to go through batteries as fast as I can replace them. With my Luke guitar (EMG Electrics) I would generally replace the battery every 6 months ago or so, but I must have changed the battery in my LIII at least every month since I got it. Before anyone asks..... no I never leave the guitar plugged in, and since I have quite a few guitars the guitar is seeing no more than 6-8 hours of playing time between battery changes. Today I took the guitar out for an airing after it had lain unused in its case for several weeks (while I was recovering from an operation) and the battery was flat. This time the guitar had only seen 2-3 hours of play time. So it seems the guitar is draining the battery constantly - even when not in use. I use only new Duracell batteries. Has anyone else had this experience or have any suggestions? I am going to try removing the battery when not in use and see if this improves battery life.

 

[DrKev]

Welcome to the forum!

You have a full warranty so the music store in Glasgow will look after you. But I would also get in touch with Music Man's UK distributor (Strings & Things) or contact EBMM customer service directly (see links in my signature). They can help you trouble shoot and diagnose the issue.

 

[MB400]

Welcome to the forum!

You have a full warranty so the music store in Glasgow will look after you. But I would also get in touch with Music Man's UK distributor (Strings & Things) or contact EBMM customer service directly (see links in my signature). They can help you trouble shoot and diagnose the issue.

Thanks DrKev - I will follow up with both but just wondered if what I am experiencing is normal

 

[luiscesaripad]

No, it is not normal. I have a Luke 3 and since i purchased it in 2013 i changed the batteries 4 times only. And i play four times weekly for about 2 hours each.

 

[Fleeeep]

definitely not normal. i don't use the boost much, i do have the single coils levels boosted up but the battery lasts about 4 months with 8-12 hours a week use

 

[xjbebop]

My first guess would be the battery contact in the jack might be stuck, keeping the circuit 'closed' as if it was always jacked in. I've seen that in other guitars before.
I think those have a barrel jack which means it would have to be replaced.
But I'm just guessing..

 

[MB400]

Thanks to all of you for the prompt input. Sounds like this is indeed not normal! I have contacted EBMM customer service and will see what they say. Will also follow up with Merchant City Music.