#1
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Testing batteries
For those who have a/e guitars that take 9v batteries, I'm just wondering if I'm the only one who 'tongue tests' the battery. I always tell myself that one day I'll get a battery tester, or throw my pocket sized multimeter in the gig bag. Nonetheless, for the last 7 years I've been getting zapped.
Anyone carry a battery tester? If so, at what voltage do you change batteries. Also, fwiw, I'm opposed to Ni-Cad or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries since a) they probably won't fit my battery box, and b) when they go dead, it's usually without any notice. My alkalines will let me know either with a distorted sound through the pickups, or a lower than normal output level.
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As my username suggests, huge fan of Yamaha products. Own many acoustic-electric models from 2009-present and a couple electric. Lots of PA too. |
#2
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Drop a fiver on one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...hps_bw_c_x_3_w You’re right to be wary of non-alkalines. I once seriously blew a showcase gig when I tried using a lithium 9v. Fit my Martin’s battery slide but did not make electrical contact. Extremely embarassing. Had to borrow the headliner’s guitar. I thought I was gonna die from shame. |
#3
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This ZTS Battery tester will test your batteries under a load which is the correct method for testing. It also gives you a readout indicating how much battery life is left.
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#4
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You're not the only one. I've done it for years and since it works great, there's no need for me to spend money on anything I don't need. Lick on....
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#5
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Since I was a kid. 🤣
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#6
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Well sure everyone has done (or still does) the tongue "test." If you can seriously tell how many amp-hours you have left in a 9 volt battery within 25% with your tongue you have a serious talent you should be exploiting besides guitar playing. I always bring spare batteries with me, and I find if I change batteries once a year (just like you do your CO and smoke alarms) they never go dead during a gig.
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#7
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i don't test.
I dont install 9v battery boxes internally in my guitars. hate em. as a matter of fact i own only one tuner (that stays home) that takes a 9v battery.so when my batteries (AA)in my wireless unit go dead it's about 30-45 seconds to change them out. yes i wait till they die during a gig. always keep some close by. everything else i have either runs off phantom or 120v. pedals are all pugged in . no batteries in them. |
#8
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Interesting and curious indeed.
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#9
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so how do you do it ?? how do you know how many amp
hours are left. if you have to play a 4 hr gig. and you have 4.5 amp hrs left do you change it or take a chance.? seem like a waste of time and angst to me. mine die i change them. i don't play with springsteen. my audience does not care if i take 30 seconds to change out two aa batteries. i take longer to tune up. again mine are not internal to the guitar. i won't own that type of system unless it's a flip door kind of thing. i usually get 4-5 gigs out of a set of lithium aa batteries. most of the time i can hear when it's going to die and change them between songs... most of the time Last edited by varmonter; 01-13-2018 at 03:59 PM. |
#10
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Testing batteries
Any guitarist playing in front of an audience has to deal with your battery conundrum. The simple answer is Rechargeable 9V Batteries. Insert a freshly charged battery into each guitar before a gig and you'll never have the problem of having one fail during a performance. As with all batteries rechargeables have a life span. They should be cycled out of service based on their use. You should ALWAYS remove batteries when you’re not using them. Exploding batteries can cause a lot of damage.
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Taylor V-Class 814ce, 717e BE WHB, 520ce, 454ce, 420 Cedar\Maple, T5z Classic Martin D18E Retro Cordoba C10 Crossover Emerald X20 Rainsong H-OM1000N2 Voyage-Air VAD-04 Custom Les Paul Hot Rod Deville 410, Fishman Loudbox Performer Last edited by BT55; 01-15-2018 at 10:00 PM. |
#11
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DD Gibson J-45 TV (LR Baggs Lyric) Gibson J-45 Legend Gibson J-50 (K&K Pure Mini) Martin D-35 (Trance Audio M) Gibson J-35 Vintage (Trance Audio M) Martin 1937 D-28 Authentic "Aged" |
#12
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I was just starting to write a post saying that someone should come up with a device to measure battery life without me having to unstring my guitars.
And then this... Quote:
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#13
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Hate to be a stick in the mud, but I use a voltmeter.
I know, no fun in that. |
#14
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Quote:
Doesn’t taste as good. 🤣 |
#15
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