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new active basslines and cheap batteries?

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by superphat, Nov 16, 2001.

  1. Nov 16, 2001 #1
    superphat

    superphat

    Sep 30, 2001
    i just put in some new SeymourDuncan basslines Lightning Rods Active jazz pickups in my MIJ Fender Geddy Lee Jazz.
    have to say they sound GREAT!
    very very quiet,
    and very very smooth sounding, still with some bite.

    but i noticed that the output is not as hot as most other active basses.
    i noticed that the tech-guy used a cheap generic battery (new)... i'm wondering if this is not delivering the full 9 volts?
    or are these active Pups just not as Hot as other brands/models?

    any thoughts?
     
  2. Nov 16, 2001 #2
    Slater

    Slater Leave that thing alone.

    Apr 17, 2000
    The Great Lakes State
    SD Lightnin' Rods are intended to be more like active vintage pickups, so their output should be similar to passive pups, but with the smooth quiet tone that you're getting. A lot of active basses have a higher output because they have an active preamp, and not necessarily active pickups.

    I have a Lightnin' Rods P/J set of pups in my 4-string bass and I think they're great!

    I hope you continue to like the Lighnin' Rods in your Geddy Lee Sig. bass...
     
  3. Jan 24, 2008 #3
    GaryLC

    GaryLC

    Apr 6, 2006
    Scotia, NY
    This may be a stupid question, but I bought a MIM Fender Deluxe P bass that the original owner put Lightning Rods in. Does that mean there must be a battery under the plate? The output is much lower than any passive p-bass I've ever had, and they don't seem to be set too low in the body. As you can tell by my question, I haven't pulled the guard off yet, just wanted to ask before I did.
    If there is a battery, and it's dead, would I still be getting any output at all?
     
  4. Jan 24, 2008 #4
    DavidRavenMoon

    DavidRavenMoon Inactive

    Oct 20, 2004
    Yes, you need a battery. If it's dead you will get little to no sound from the bass. I'd check that battery out.

    And never use a standard (zinc carbon) or even heavy duty battery (zinc chloride). You need alkaline or lithium batteries for best performance. The battery should last a very long time as long as you don't leave the bass plugged in when you are not using it.