• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Weird 9V issue with StingRay - Amazon batteries don't work?

GroovinOnFunk

GroovinOnFunk

Supporting Member
Apr 30, 2008
2,149
2,326
40
Nashville, TN
#1
Ok... So here's a weird one... I got to my gig yesterday and figured "just for preventative measures, let me swap out the batteries on my StingRay (special)." I've been logging a crapload of hours on it so figured it was probably about time.
So I put two completely fresh Amazon 9V batteries in... NOTHING. I have a brief moment of panic, the stupid battery compartment wouldn't open, but eventually I put the 2 9v Duracells back in and all was good.

Today I put 4 different Amazon 9V batteries on my battery tester. They tested full strength. I put them in the StingRay... Nothing!
Put the Duracells back in... Bass is fine.

Anyone else come across this? Amazon batteries not working in your StingRay?

(and yes, I checked that it was properly oriented, seated in the holes, all that good stuff)
 
#4
Warpeg said:
Did you use a basic battery tester or a multimeter to check actual voltage? I wonder if the Amazon batteries' voltages were too low. Beyond that, maybe check physical dimensions of the Amazon batteries and compare to the Duracells?
Click to expand...
Interesting! Used a very basic battery tester, not a multimeter. I guess the simple answer is "just stick to Duracells"... The extra $$ is worth the peace of mind on a bass that doesn't have a passive option
 
  • Like
Reactions: Element Zero, Pet Sounds, mcnach and 1 other person
#5
I've had mixed results with Amazon's 9v batteries in various things. Top of the list, the terminals have snapped off a few of them. On the other hand they've generally performed well for me in stompboxes and smoke detectors -- haven't tried any in an active bass.

The terminals breaking off is an instant veto though. Never buying them again because of that.
 
  • Like
Reactions: nivagues, Element Zero, fig and 5 others
#7
I picked up a Cort Space Bass - their Steinberger licensed model - that came from the previous owner with an Amazon Basics battery in it. The battery was VERY tight in the space provided for it (wedged into the control cavity) and swapping to a Duracell did change/improve the sound of the bass.

I don't go through batteries enough to justify trying to shave costs on them. Especially not at the risk of having issues.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JazznFunk
#8
JazznFunk said:
Batteries are one of those things I believe fully in buying from trusted name brands. Of all the things I wouldn't cheap out on, it's batteries. 'Amazon Basics' in general is a product moniker/line that has had a lot of issues when it comes to electronics associated with the name.
Click to expand...
Early on, the Amazon Basics line was often good. We have a Basics-branded paper shredder that's outshred every other shredder we've owned -- not that that we've had a lot of shredders, it's just that this one's worked where the rest would have overheated, jammed, or otherwise been less convenient than intended. Basics-branded computer cables and miscellany were also at one time good quality. Basics-branded items frequently appeared in The Wirecutter's recommendations, too.

Since those early days, though, quality's slipped badly. I haven't bothered with it in years.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Goatrope
#15
9v batteries don't have standard dimensions. They vary slightly from one manufacturer to another. Some have more rounded corners than others, as well. It would seem like the Amazons don't sit properly in the compartment and are not making contact with the terminals. I have been using lithium 9v's because they have a much longer life and don't need to be changed as frequently.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BassNugget, mcnach and RattleSnack
#16
Father Gino said:
If I recall correctly, some people have had problems with some battery brands in EBMM drop in battery boxes. Apparently, some batteries may have ever so slightly different dimensions.

I hate those battery boxes. I much prefer the old school unscrew the cover with a regular old 9v connector.
Click to expand...
Agree, that the battery boxes are annoying. I broke the tab on one with my meathook and had to replace it. Only the part from EBMM would fit, a generic box's screw holes are slightly off.
 
#17
Warpeg said:
Did you use a basic battery tester or a multimeter to check actual voltage? I wonder if the Amazon batteries' voltages were too low. Beyond that, maybe check physical dimensions of the Amazon batteries and compare to the Duracells?
Click to expand...

GroovinOnFunk said:
Interesting! Used a very basic battery tester, not a multimeter. I guess the simple answer is "just stick to Duracells"... The extra $$ is worth the peace of mind on a bass that doesn't have a passive option
Click to expand...

You guys are better than me on battery testing....I just stick it to my tongue :p
 
  • Like
Reactions: BTL, jerry, Geri O and 1 other person
#19
ardgedee said:
I've had mixed results with Amazon's 9v batteries in various things. Top of the list, the terminals have snapped off a few of them. On the other hand they've generally performed well for me in stompboxes and smoke detectors -- haven't tried any in an active bass.

The terminals breaking off is an instant veto though. Never buying them again because of that.
Click to expand...
Same here -- inconsistent results. A couple even began leaking after about a year in storage. I stay away from them now.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back