electronic problem on a bass.

[Allen L Wall]

I have an Ibanez RD500 electric bass. Every 2-3 months without fail the bass goes dead and the only way I've found to fix the problem is to replace the 9-volt battery in the back. Let's say I'm not very good at doing things electrical so does anyone know what I might be able to do to fix the problem. Thanks for your time.

[Thomas James]

Sounds normal. Like your battery simply needs changing.  Am I missing something?

[Mike Kolb]

Yeah, if you're playing frequently, getting 2-3 months our of a battery is about right.... despite what the Ibanez literature may or may not lead you to believe.

The only two things I'd add are: (1) use good quality, fresh batteries and (2). don't leave the cord plugged-in to the jack when it's not necessary.

[Allen L Wall]

Thanks for your help. Nice to know I don't have to dive into the wires.

[Christian Johnson]

The battery is connected when it's plugged in

[Russell Vance]

Don't leave it plugged in (the output jack, when inserted into the output socket turns on the preamp)  and use long life good quality batteries like Duracells or Energisers (any Alkaline or lithium  are the best both for life and preamp headroom).   

[Paul Verticchio]

Hi Rusty.

I don't know about the Duracell batt's available in Oz, but the ones here in the States are really getting lousy. 

My main complaint is that they start leaking almost immediately.  We have FX pedals & active instruments coming into the shop with Duracell batt's & with a ton of corrosion caused by leaks. When we scrub the contacts & put in a fresh batt, they work fine. It's even happened in my tuners & pedals in as short as a week.

I've switched to Energizers and have not had one similar issue in over a year.  Same devices, same atmospheric conditions, etc. Hmmmmmmm?

And a big +++++ for Lithium batteries !!!!!

All the best,

P

[Russell Vance]

Hi Paul,

Duracells down here are made in China  - they seem on par with Energiser alkalines but who knows what arrangements the major manufacturers have these days.

I see a lot of US stuff is now made in Mexico and it's no longer wize to be wedded to a paticular brand because of past performance as they are now sourced from the cheapest supplier who rebadges in their own factory.  Anyway, for info,  we use Sanyo Alkalines (MIJ) because they are higher power rated than the others and Made in China Energiser Lithiums (which are, as you say-just great).   

This choice is a function of having to tech-support Radio Microphones systems which have,in the past and sometimes still, made heavy demands on batteries (Lithiums have largely solved this problem). 

Rusty.

     

[Thomas James]

... and keep an extra, or three, in your case at all times! Glad all is good.

[Paul Verticchio]

If you're getting 2-3 months out of any active bass, you're about 1-2 months ahead of the pack.

The bassists I work with change the battery every week or every gig, whichever comes first.  A great preventative maintenance schedule for you & your stagemates(:.

Best of luck,

Paul

[Len Biglin]

Also , I am often freaked out by guys who leave 2 or 3 batteries floating around in the guitar case , uncovered ! Batteries can cause a fire if they short out , I only know that because it happened in front of me , on my bench .

[Russell Vance]

Hi Len - no doubt about it!   If you think I'm kidding just try this:  change a 9Vt battery and put it in your pocket with your spare change - it gets hot, very hot, very fast - this is fun in the dark when you don't have a clue why you are about to go up in smoke!

[Ron frazier]

Un plug the thing when not playing it !! Batteries will last a long time if unplugged .  I tell my customers unplug if not in use and replace once a year to make sure it will work next time it is needed.

Ron