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Do you unplug between sets?

Do you unplug your active bass between sets?

  • Yes! I hate buying batteries!

    Votes: 123 71.9%

  • No! I have lots of spare batteries!

    Votes: 48 28.1%
  • Total voters
    171
ClassicJazz

ClassicJazz

Bottom Feeders Unite!!
Supporting Member
Sep 19, 2005
4,765
9,832
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Delray Beach, Florida
#1
I've always been, well anal when it comes to extending the battery life in my active basses. I always unplug the bass between sets rather than just keeping it plugged in all night.

I know the preamps don't draw too much juice, so am I being too anal?

What does everyone else do?
 
#4
I work for a band and I ALWAYS unplug every guitar/bass.
It wouldn't be the first time someone walks across the stage, gets stuck behind a cable and pulls the guitar out of a stand.
Not only for damage on the body, but also the electronics inside.
I can fix much before a show but if you pull out your electronics and the venue has no soldering iron you're screwed...
 
#6
I do the same thing out of habit. I always unplug if I take a break. That way I don't leave it plugged in if I'm practicing at home or long breaks. I know me and I need that kind of discipline. Last thing I want to do is wind up with a dead battery or have to change them before every gig. YMMV.
 
#8
I ALWAYS unplug between sets. I prefer passive basses, but like wireless. It's been a habit for many years - whether with active basses, going wireless...whatever. I often put my bass in it's case when on break, too. Not a bad habit ;)
 
#9
I play two basses, a 12-string guitar and keyboards. Unplugging ANYTHING sounds like a recipe for disaster. The only thing I know for sure uses batteries while plugged in are my 12 string, and my tuner. Both basses are passive, thank God.
 
#12
Lyske said:
I work for a band and I ALWAYS unplug every guitar/bass.
It wouldn't be the first time someone walks across the stage, gets stuck behind a cable and pulls the guitar out of a stand.
Not only for damage on the body, but also the electronics inside.
I can fix much before a show but if you pull out your electronics and the venue has no soldering iron you're screwed...
Click to expand...

The trip on the cable scene is my reason to unplug too. Even Passive. Usually I play G&L 2500 these days, which though it still drains the battery in passive mode if plugged in, at least lets you play in passive (and sound great too) if the battery does go dead.

But the real fear isn't batteries, (every active case has a spare) but the famous bumbler tripping over cables on the stage floor and taking your instrument(s) with him. Yes, if the worst happens I do have a back-up bass in the truck, but I'd just as soon not see my babies falling over.
 
#13
I always gig using my wireless and never unplug from the bass during a gig. I've never had a battery die on a gig. I only own active basses and I fortunately can afford to buy new batteries when needed. I also do not turn my transmitter off between sets for other reasons. Works for me, others surely will differ.
 
#16
Lyske said:
I work for a band and I ALWAYS unplug every guitar/bass.
It wouldn't be the first time someone walks across the stage, gets stuck behind a cable and pulls the guitar out of a stand.
Not only for damage on the body, but also the electronics inside.
I can fix much before a show but if you pull out your electronics and the venue has no soldering iron you're screwed...
Click to expand...

+1

For a while I even unplugged my amp head from the cabinet I gigged with. Literally minutes before going on a member of another band tripped over my cable set-up/amp and ripped the jack right out of the back of the amp. Had to run directly through the amp the whole show.
 
#17
bassbenj said:
The trip on the cable scene is my reason to unplug too. Even Passive. Usually I play G&L 2500 these days, which though it still drains the battery in passive mode if plugged in, at least lets you play in passive (and sound great too) if the battery does go dead.

But the real fear isn't batteries, (every active case has a spare) but the famous bumbler tripping over cables on the stage floor and taking your instrument(s) with him. Yes, if the worst happens I do have a back-up bass in the truck, but I'd just as soon not see my babies falling over.
Click to expand...

A valid concern, IMO - I pretty much always run wireless, so it's a non-issue for me...


- georgestrings
 

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