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Passive switching ?

CactusBass

CactusBass

Aug 2, 2009
609
0
#1
Hi,
I have an emg bqc system, to which the installer added pull pots that split the pickups. The controls are 4 knobs, to stacked, and the other two are volume and pull to split. I want to add a passive switch or something like that, so I can use without having a battery, or if battery dies...a couple of questions.

1. Is this possible?

2. Will i ruin my bass trying to install this?

Thanks?

Pickups are emg if that makes a difference...sorry im such a n00b at electronics stuff...
 
#9
Dont think it looks like ive got much of a choice. This thing seems to be eating batteries like crazy...any thoughts on that? Ive tried to keep it unplugged and it seems to be eating battery still...
 
#11
If the preamp (and the pickups) is improperly installed, it could be drawing current from the battery at all times. They are supposed to be installed where the jack acts as a switch. The 9V - terminal is supposed to go to the jack sleeve so that when plugged in, sleeve will go to ground, completing the circuit.

You need to go through the wiring and make sure there is no way for the battery to draw when unplugged.
 
#12
^ This is correct. AFAIK, the jack is meant to act as a switch, and when the cable is unplugged, there is no draw on the battery.

I see these threads where people complain about the basses sucking through batteries like a Vegas street worker, and I just don't get it. :D

I think that they're either not unplugging (or not unplugging as much as they'd like to think they are) when not playing, or their electronics aren't wired properly.

I am not lying or exaggerating when I say that a standard 9v will last me a year, easily. That's with almost daily playing, weekly rehearsals, and semi-regular gigging. Of course, I unplug religiously. YMMV. ;)

CactusBass, I'd recommend having the electronics checked out, and/or checking out some new pups that will allow for passive switching. My newest bass has active/passive switching, and I have found it to be quite a nice little feature (never had it on previous basses).

-K
 

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