Rechargeable 9V for active preamp

It doesn’t look like there’s been a topic on this in a few years, I’ve got my first active bass on it’s way and was wondering if there is a reliable rechargeable Li-on 9v solution that anyone here is using for their basses? I can feed the beast non rechargeables if I have to but I’d rather go the more eco friendly route if I can.

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I’ve found regular, non-rechargeable batteries to work well and last a very long time. I use them in all of my active basses, except for my USB-C rechargeable custom.

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Stating the obvious for anyone new to active basses, make sure to unplug your cord from your bass when not playing it so it won’t drain the battery.

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I use these batteries for my pedals and they work well. Tenergy 9V 600mAh Li-ion Rechargeable Batteries (4pk) w/ Charger - Tenergy

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Or, if your bass is equipped, have the passive/active knob pulled out (passive mode) … I keep my Jackson plugged in non stop… but I leave it in Passive mode :slight_smile:

But ya… leaving an Active plugged in normally sucks a batt dry in no time :stuck_out_tongue:

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I used to be good about unplugging them at night but I got lazy… I’m going to have to get myself back in the habit.

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Unplugging your cord every single time you stop playing is a great habit to develop, even if you can set the bass to passive. All of my active basses have that capability, but the only way I can be sure that everything’s OK with my bass is to unplug.

All it takes is forgetting to do that once to cause a preventable pain in the ass.

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Agreed … :slight_smile: ( I do make sure to check it tho before I put it on the stand. )

There are 2 types of rechargeable 9v. The high capacity and the low capacity “alkaline like”. I have both and I can tell you that they are best for RC stuffs and smoke detectors but not really for bass preamps. What’s best for bass I found is the 20 pack Duracell I got from Costco or the Energizer MAX from Sam’s.

In general the 9v should last around 300+ hours, the rechargeable 9v feels like it only last half that. I bought a dozen of the low capacity one but not very happy with the results and not to mention that it doesn’t fit all of the basses. It’s too fat for some.

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In California, they are forcing us to use Solar Powered bass guitars.

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That sounds like a fun mod! :slight_smile:

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Yeah, @Al1885, I have several battery-powered devices that specify only standard batteries should be used, not rechargeables. I would expect that onboard preamps generally fall into this category.

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I have had the same battery (el cheapo) in my BB734a for a year and it is still fine. Just unplug the cable and it won’t drain.

Seriously don’t sweat this, just buy Eveready or whatever.

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I didn’t get the memo but fully prepared to move anytime🤣

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Though having the pickguard made out of a solar panel sounds fun!?

So does having lasers on my pedalboard, but…

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image

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You never see those two in the same room…

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I was reading through this thread… and was about to go straight to the “frickin lasers” comment … LMAO!!

Glad I am not alone :stuck_out_tongue: :rofl:

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