Differences in Battery Brands

[albass111]

I read in a 90's guitar magazine, that Eric Johnson can tell the difference between Energizers and Duracells in his pedals. I can imagine that a quality battery may have better performance than a generic, but that might be a myth. Do you guys have a brand preference or notice different characteristics with batteries? I guess this question is specific to preamps and pedals.

 

[mophead]

There is a difference for sure. Duracell has a copper top and Energizers do not.

 

[albass111]

There is a difference for sure. Duracell has a copper top and Energizers do not.

Yeah, I meant sonically, but I think that most of you know that.

 

[Mharris]

Being able to tell the difference sonicly between brands of batteries seems a little silly to me, but hey, you never know. Maybe I'm being naive.

 

[albass111]

Being able to tell the difference sonicly between brands of batteries seems a little silly to me, but hey, you never know. Maybe I'm being naive.

Yeah I agree, but have you heard Eric Johnson's tone? Seems like he'd be fincky. I have never heard anyone make an SG sound the way he does.

 

[jony]

The thing about Eric Johnson is that in his Fuzz Face pedal, the battery is part of the circuit. The Fuzz Face being such a simple thing electronically, every component has a larger say in the sound.

The Fuzz Face is very sensitive to batteries. For active bass electronics... I wonder if there is any real difference.

 

[tallboybass]

I'm a total non-believer in battery mystique, but after using lower cost alkalines and having them not last too long, there may be something to buying a quality 9V. I CAN tell the difference in a new battery and one that is getting ready to go away!

 

[tallboybass]

OK, inspired by this thread I went to Lowes and got an Ultralife battery. Now it chaps me to pay $7 for a 9V, but I'll let you guys know how long it lasts if there is any interest.

 

[lord toranaga]

what about rechargeable

 

[tallboybass]

ONE YEAR UPDATE:

The UltraLife battery is still in my main gigging bass. Had NO idea it had been a year though!

 

[fullrangebass]

AFAIK most rechargeable batteries do not provide their "potential" voltage. They are always a little below their nominal value. I may be wrong, though

 

[kbr]

I have Ultralifes in a most of my active basses. I put them in when I get them. I've only had to change one so far. The only problem is they're a bit bit bigger than Energizers/Duracells so I've found that some of the tighter battery cavitys don't fit them.