FirstBass Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 I've done a test with a multimeter on my Yamaha BB734A and it seems to draw 6mA when plugged in. Tweaking EQ or altering volume makes no difference to the draw. Being a tightwad I recently bought some USB ported rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries and thought "that'll do a treat" They are horrfic! They hiss like crazy when the top end of the eq is turned up. I tried them in an MXR M80 and they made it screech when the distortion was selected. Bum...... Put a "normal" battery back in and hiss be gone. I've bought a couple of Varta rechargeable 200mAh batteries (NI-MH) and these seem to be much better with no hissy fits So I guess the question is - what rechargeables have fellow basschatters found reliable and long lasting in their basses? If the bass only draws 6 milliamps then i'm hoping to get a few hours between charges, but I guess we will see. I'll keep a spare nearby for the next few gigs 😉 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cliff Edge Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 I always understood rechargeable batteries were not suitable for active guitars and have never used them. However my guitarist friends Acoustasonic has one as standard that charges through a usb socket next to the output jack. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBunny Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 I've tried rechargeables and my main gripe is that they go from "hero to zero" rapidly and without the degrading if normal alkaline batteries. Decided to stick with "normal" batteries as they last an eternity. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisba Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 Rechargable batteries, and especially Lithium ion ones, have a slightly different voltage, which may cause problems. Probably why they're deemed unsuitable. I also find they don't hold charge as well when not being used. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleabag Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 I dont have active basses anymore, but when i did, i always used rechargeables of any make and never had a problem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tauzero Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 I recently bought an active bass which was working fine. I checked the battery and it was dated 2016 (I thought I might as well replace it). Batteries in my various active basses live at least 5 years so I just carry on using alkalis. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimR Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 You need to find NiMH 9v batteries which come as 8.4v or 9.6v. Lithium Ions are only 7.2v or 7.6v. Alkaline batteries are 9v when you test them under no load but will drop quite a bit depending on load. Most applications requiring a 9v battery will still work happily down to 7v. Probably not an active bass though. 😆 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FirstBass Posted August 24, 2023 Author Share Posted August 24, 2023 Interesting - thank you all The only reason I asked was because my bass ate 2 "normal" batteries very quickly. I didn't leave it plugged in.... I will do some experimentation Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimR Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 Sounds like a bigger issue somewhere then. How did you measure the current? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FirstBass Posted August 24, 2023 Author Share Posted August 24, 2023 I fitted the battery so only the negative terminal was touching the contact in the housing. I then set up my multimeter and touched the leads in series between the positive terminal of the battery and the positive terminal in the housing I read 6mA using this method. Seems about right to me (what do i know 😁) The reading dropped to zero when the 1/4" jack lead was removed from the bass Maybe I was just unlucky with 2 batteries, but i'm not the first to experience this from a few google searches Odd.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Islander Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 The most reliable rechargeable battery I've found would be a Sanyo Eneloop. I've used them in all sorts of things and never had a problem with them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casapete Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 Was a while ago when I tried rechargeables, and came to the conclusion that I was best sticking to standard Duracell ProCell 9v batteries in my bass. These can still be had for around £14 for a box of 10 on eBay. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franticsmurf Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 On 24/08/2023 at 16:41, BassBunny said: I've tried rechargeables and my main gripe is that they go from "hero to zero" rapidly and without the degrading if normal alkaline batteries. Decided to stick with "normal" batteries as they last an eternity. This happened to me years ago with a cheap rechargeable (I forget the brand). I had tested it pre-gig and it was fine but it gave up the ghost towards the end of set 1. Every since I've used alkaline batteries and I've never had a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FirstBass Posted August 26, 2023 Author Share Posted August 26, 2023 I'm definitely being swayed 😁 I will do a test with my Varta rechargables Even if I have to swap one every gig it's no bother The Energizer Alkaline that's currently in there just measured at 7.37V !!! (Best before Dec 2022 - oops) I'm surprised it's not given up yet! Thanks for your input on this Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard Smalls Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 I use rechargeables in my ACG - it seems to eat batteries so I thought this was most cost effective. It lasts about 4-6weeks, I can tell when it's running out because it produces all sorts of weird sounds and feedback until changed! By contrast, my Wal and Parker basses both last for well over a year, and my Lightwave needs plugging in after about 12 hours of playing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 Lakland always recommended not using rechargeable batteries. So I never did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 I just use normal ones. I get 18 months at least with my EMG equipped basses. They should definitely last longer than a few weeks and months if it is unplugged! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfretrock Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 On 24/08/2023 at 20:08, GlamBass74 said: I fitted the battery so only the negative terminal was touching the contact in the housing. I then set up my multimeter and touched the leads in series between the positive terminal of the battery and the positive terminal in the housing I read 6mA using this method. Seems about right to me (what do i know 😁) The reading dropped to zero when the 1/4" jack lead was removed from the bass Maybe I was just unlucky with 2 batteries, but i'm not the first to experience this from a few google searches Odd.... Only ever had a SR500 active bass. Seems hard to flatten the battery (but did not leave plugged in on standby). I read a little under 1.5mA using same method, so a lower drain bass. It is pushing it a bit to design electronics to run on 9V, 18 would be better. So rechargeables, NIMH and Lithiums are too low a voltage for a 9V circuit to function as designed. Incidentally, I bought a "trail camera" a few years ago. It came with some Energiser Ultimate Lithium batteries and these were recommended by the manufacturer, worked better than Duracells which were rubbish. It was the highest spec Energisers. These are not rechargeable so you get the full 9V, higher capacity. might be worth trying but maybe 6mA is a high discharge bass. I have a headless Ibanez, I'll get it out and measure it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfretrock Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 Ibanez EHB1000 (new toy) measures 1.3mA. Might be worth trying the Energiser Lithiums but looks like you have a higher drain active. Anyone else measured the current? Easier way is get a Stereo plug and connect current meter betweet ring and tip. That will turn the bass on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfretrock Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 SORRY that should be connect meter between RING and SLEEVE ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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