9v battery for active bass

[UrthCrimson]

I am searching for a 9volt battery for my Bass, which will work well while I take some time to research. I pretty much want one shipped quickly from Amazon. One I'm considering has the maximum mAh output of 1300. Another one states it's designated for electric instruments, that it will produce less noise, and has good reviews in this respect, however the mAh output is just 1000. Which of these should I go with?

And for the long term, what are the best 9 volts to go with for an active Bass?

 

[mikeswals]

Get regular old skool 9v. They last much longer before dying.
Rechargeable die very quickly once they start discharging.

I can get 1 to 2 years on a 9v (Duracell or Energizer).

 

[SteveCS]

...
maximum mAh output of 1300
...
however the mAh output is just 1000
...

Most on-board preamps draw can be measured in single-figure mA, and the internet will tell you that, for example, the StingRay preamp draw is something like 44uA. So either of those should give you a few hundred hours on a single charge. But I am with @mikeswals on this one and recommend sticking with regular Energizer or Duracell. They last a very long time but, more importantly, they degrade very gracefully - you will hear plenty of subtle clues long before anyone in the audience hears anything. As such you get plenty of advance warning and opportunities to change, thus avoiding the embarrassment of sudden and complete discharge in front of an audience.
On the other hand, there is an argument that rechargeables, at least some technologies, sound better for longer because, following an initial drop, the voltage does not fade until very late in the discharge cycle. A supply that stays consistent means a longer period of useable headroom and more consistent sound week in week out, but when it comes, the 'death slide' is short and steep.

 

[Geri O]

I am searching for a 9volt battery for my Bass, which will work well while I take some time to research. I pretty much want one shipped quickly from Amazon. One I'm considering has the maximum mAh output of 1300. Another one states it's designated for electric instruments, that it will produce less noise, and has good reviews in this respect, however the mAh output is just 1000. Which of these should I go with?

And for the long term, what are the best 9 volts to go with for an active Bass?

You didn’t mention a desire for a rechargeable 9V, and I advise to stay away from them for now. Other might recommended them and that’s fine. My experience with them was not good.
I’ve seen no discernible difference between Duracell and Eveready 9V batteries. And they are readily available at whatever Wal-mart or other department stores, hardware stores, drug stores, etc.

9V batteries are a simple subject with no real gain to be had by over-thinking them.

 

[Bitterdale]

I am searching for a 9volt battery for my Bass, which will work well while I take some time to research. I pretty much want one shipped quickly from Amazon. One I'm considering has the maximum mAh output of 1300. Another one states it's designated for electric instruments, that it will produce less noise, and has good reviews in this respect, however the mAh output is just 1000. Which of these should I go with?

And for the long term, what are the best 9 volts to go with for an active Bass?

Any alkaline 9v will suffice. Avoid batteries labeled “heavy duty” or “general purpose”.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

The last 34" scale I owned was active. Bought it with a Duracell already in it, used it for about a year and 1/2 before selling it when my first Musicmaster was playable and sold it with the same battery still in it.

And maybe off topic but the first wireless I ever had was a Nady and it used 9v's. Always used Duracell's and got 9-10 hours out of one, much longer than any other battery.

 

[Jeff K]

I just use Duracell (or Energizer if I'm out of Duracells). Not sure HOW long they'll last, but I change them in my active basses every 6 months when I change the clocks. Easy to remember that way.

 

[jd56hawk]

Wouldn’t dream of using anything else.

 

[Killing Floor]

Is that you, EJ? Just go to Walgreens and get a battery.

 

[CletusMarley]

I've had the same battery in my Stingray for 2 years.

 

[songwriter21]

I am searching for a 9volt battery for my Bass, which will work well while I take some time to research. I pretty much want one shipped quickly from Amazon. One I'm considering has the maximum mAh output of 1300. Another one states it's designated for electric instruments, that it will produce less noise, and has good reviews in this respect, however the mAh output is just 1000. Which of these should I go with?

And for the long term, what are the best 9 volts to go with for an active Bass?

It's a 9v...just grab a Duracell.

 

[1960jbass]

EBMM recommends Duracell for their active instruments and that's what I use and keep some spares in my gig bag.

 

[songwriter21]

Wouldn’t dream of using anything else.

Bad thing about lithium batts, as I learned from my in-ear packs, is that they don't fade gradually. They go from full power to no power with no warning...no visual meter getting lower on a transmitter/receiver...just a big "SURPRISE"!

 

[jim nolte]

I always felt that Energizers sounded better than Duracells, a more pleasing top end ,less harsh, sustain for days, makes the bass play like butter with less dead spots and better balance on a strap, if you’re playing a Stingray though you’re better off with a Ray-O- Vac

 

[RGerhart]

Wouldn’t dream of using anything else.

These are great, but expensive. I use the AA version for my IEM pack, and they last easily twice as long as standard AA batteries.

 

[Jefenator]

I've been getting 12-packs of industrial Duracell or Energizer from a reputable eBay seller. Much cheaper than buying 1 or 2 at a store, long life, no issues...
Check for the expiry date (a good seller will guarantee a few years out) and test for voltage when they show up.

 

[lug]

Danelectro DB-2 Vintage 9V Battery (2-pack) | Sweetwater

Adds more "mojo"

 

[WillyW]

I just use whatever is in the smoke detector

 

[39-Bassist]

Wouldn’t dream of using anything else.

This! It's lasted VERY well with my active components.

 

[Razman]

I always felt that Energizers sounded better than Duracells, a more pleasing top end ,less harsh, sustain for days, makes the bass play like butter with less dead spots and better balance on a strap, if you’re playing a Stingray though you’re better off with a Ray-O- Vac

Weight?

I use rechargeables in my wireless unit and have learned about how long they last. For practice I try to burn the rest of the juice up but for playing live I only use them so many times. When they go I get a loud "pop" from my unit; additionally the life meter doesn't work with them. I live with it to save $$.

Regarding batteries in my basses, I use Duracells and change them out every few years. If I haven't played a bass in a while I may check voltage. They last so long even just sitting there it's not been an issue. Old batteries get used in the wireless units during practice.