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.
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.
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.
I use these batteries for my pedals and they work well. Tenergy 9V 600mAh Li-ion Rechargeable Batteries (4pk) w/ Charger - Tenergy
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
But ya… leaving an Active plugged in normally sucks a batt dry in no time
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.
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.
Agreed … ( 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.
In California, they are forcing us to use Solar Powered bass guitars.
That sounds like a fun mod!
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.
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.
I didn’t get the memo but fully prepared to move anytime🤣
Though having the pickguard made out of a solar panel sounds fun!?
So does having lasers on my pedalboard, but…
You never see those two in the same room…
I was reading through this thread… and was about to go straight to the “frickin lasers” comment … LMAO!!
Glad I am not alone