Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: slammer on November 18, 2008, 02:24:00 PM

Title: Battery Life
Post by: slammer on November 18, 2008, 02:24:00 PM

Hi,
 
   How long of a battery life should I expect on a series 2 if I elect not to use the power supply?

Title: Battery Life
Post by: mica on November 18, 2008, 03:01:45 PM

20-30 hours tops. Long battery life is not part of the design of the Series I or II instruments.

Title: Battery Life
Post by: dela217 on November 19, 2008, 06:21:13 PM

I was getting about half that on my Series 1.  When they first start to go bad, the top end gets distorted.  Much like the sound of a blown tweeter.  When I heard that first tell tale sign I knew I had to switch batteries real soon.

Title: Battery Life
Post by: 2400wattman on November 19, 2008, 06:44:26 PM

I was'nt using the power supply with my old '81 Series 1 and never kept up with the actual usage on the batteries. Sooooo, during a gig they went south and my whole rig sounded like it was blown to hades-all 8 speakers! I use my power supply now and forever.

Title: Battery Life
Post by: spose on November 20, 2008, 06:32:17 AM

there's a big difference using the power supply over batteries IMO.
the power supply provides constant proper voltage. Batteries are dying as soon as you use them, may not be apparent at first, but after about 10  hours of use I can hear a difference. The batteries start distorting the sound very subtle at first, then more and more until they're dead. For my series instrument it's power supply first, batteries as backup only.

Title: Battery Life
Post by: terryc on November 21, 2008, 07:43:06 AM

I have a MK signature, I only change the battery when the sound does the fuzz thing, there is no PS for these models, I suppose you could develop one with a regulated transformer and tie wrapped lead around your guitar cable.
But then again the battery does tend to last a very long time(up to a year or depending on how many gigs you do)

Title: Battery Life
Post by: 57basstra on November 21, 2008, 07:53:28 AM

I was using my '78 6 string Series I Alembic guitar the other day with an old tube amp I was checking out (after I had acquired the amp.) I heard a high whistling sound and then POOF....nothing. I thought the amp was blown.
 
No t the prob: merely the battery giving up the ghost.....When it goes it's all gone.

Title: Battery Life
Post by: slammer on November 24, 2008, 02:28:02 PM

Thanks everyone.  This was really helpful.....I guess the rack will have to get heavier!!!
 
:-(

Title: Battery Life
Post by: georgie_boy on November 25, 2008, 06:58:51 AM

Have to agree with Michael on this one!!
If you get 10 hours.....you're doing really great
 
George

Title: Battery Life
Post by: mike13 on November 26, 2008, 04:45:05 PM

Try 9v Lithium,Duracell or Mallory,I've got two in my S11 that have done about 40 hours and have dropped 1/2 a volt