High tech shenanigans

[Bob Womack]

We use re3chargeable NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) batteries in all our wireless packs in the on-air TV studios where I work. NiMH has a discharge cycle very much like alkaline batteries but don't bleed out their charge when sitting unused. It makes more sense to keep a couple of sets of batteries and switch them out to charge than to have an onboard rechargeable battery.

Bob

[rschultz]

Originally Posted by srbell

There's nothing stopping anyone from using rechargeable 9 volt batteries in their current guitars. They're readily available, along with chargers. You could have several you keep charged, swap them out as needed, and recharge them all before a gig.

This. I use them in my Taylor ES-2. I bought a 4 pack, they Work great. Put a new one in each time I plug in.

[CodyToonz]

My newFender Telecaster Acoustisonic is rechargeable, Uses micro USB. Could charge it with a phone charger or back up battery pack in a pinch.

[MikeBmusic]

Originally Posted by shufflebeat

I've never really understood why, apart from tradition,we don't see more onboard preamps with balanced XLR out and running off phantom power. It seems like a jigsaw piece waiting to fit. I've tried to think of technical or practical reasons why it's not a good idea but haven't really come up with anything unarguable yet.

Because not all mixers/amps have phantom power. Some 'acoustic' amps only have one XLR input (for the mic, and a 1/4" guitar input). So you need to pack a powered phantom power DI 'just in case' if you are plugging into others' systems regularly. And would need to bring an XLR cable, for those who do have phantom but only have a 1/4" guitar cable. And the phantom needs to be shut off before plugging in, turned on after plugging in - too many bad ways for this to be a good idea unless you only use it with your own amp/PA.

[varmonter]

Originally Posted by MikeBmusic

Because not all mixers/amps have phantom power. Some 'acoustic' amps only have one XLR input (for the mic, and a 1/4" guitar input). So you need to pack a powered phantom power DI 'just in case' if you are plugging into others' systems regularly. And would need to bring an XLR cable, for those who do have phantom but only have a 1/4" guitar cable. And the phantom needs to be shut off before plugging in, turned on after plugging in - too many bad ways for this to be a good idea unless you only use it with your own amp/PA.

I always thought this as well.
But if youve ever caught your foot in a
cord you know how damage can occur
even with a 1/4 in jack. which comes
out pretty easily. An xlr not so much.

[varmonter]

Originally Posted by guitarman68

There is a British company named "pure acoustic" that has a nice system for many instruments. I have it installed in my octave mandolin by the luthier who built the instrument. He recommended it, and I'm happy with it. It sounds very natural without quack. Charged within a few minutes by an external 9V battery plugged into the input jack. Never tried it on guitars, but sounds awesome in my octave.

Here is the link: http://www.pureacoustic.com

These are mi-si as well. licsened to pureacoustic.

[Laughingboy68]

I have a MiSi pickup in my Furch. The rechargeable part using a capacitor to hold the charge, works amazingly well so far. I have had the guitar in its case for over a month and it still has plenty of charge. I always plug it in before I gig with it, but it has never failed me. Mine has an undersaddle pickup and a mic, with the pre powered by the MiSi. I was curious about it and have been pleasantly surprised at how good the system works

[shufflebeat]

Originally Posted by MikeBmusic

Because not all mixers/amps have phantom power. Some 'acoustic' amps only have one XLR input (for the mic, and a 1/4" guitar input). So you need to pack a powered phantom power DI 'just in case' if you are plugging into others' systems regularly. And would need to bring an XLR cable, for those who do have phantom but only have a 1/4" guitar cable. And the phantom needs to be shut off before plugging in, turned on after plugging in - too many bad ways for this to be a good idea unless you only use it with your own amp/PA.

All good points but all of which could be applied to P Powered DI boxes and solutions seem to have been found to address them (also - plugging in active electros means muting the channel anyway).

The tech evolution might have taken a slightly different direction of course and these might no longer be relevant.