Battery life/EMGs

[Montelovesco]

I got myself a Steve Lukather HSS set - active EMG. I am plannig to put it in my Kramer - but the thing is not prepared for a battery, so there is no opening in the body. I wonder if I can simply put it under the pickguard - if the battery is longliving enough, and change it when I change the strings. Say a year or so. Any experience?

[Victor (Fret Friend)]

Batteries last forever so long as you remove the lead after you stop playing! The battery is only in use when a lead is plugged into the guitar (that's what the 3rd lug is for and why we use a stereo jack on actives). A battery should last over a year easy!

[Dave Scepter]

30 minutes ago, Montelovesco said:

I got myself a Steve Lukather HSS set - active EMG. I am plannig to put it in my Kramer - but the thing is not prepared for a battery, so there is no opening in the body. I wonder if I can simply put it under the pickguard - if the battery is longliving enough, and change it when I change the strings. Say a year or so. Any experience?

Yes... the batteries last a real long time... I've had a HSS set in my Jackson Soloist last for over two years now ~

[Montelovesco]

Thanks, guys. Let me see if the batterie fits in...

[murkat]

Energizer works best, longest for emgs

[Dave Scepter]

1 hour ago, Montelovesco said:

Thanks, guys. Let me see if the batterie fits in...

& if you're not able to mount it, at least tie wrap/wedge/double-sided tape it with some foam to keep it from banging around the inside~ 

[Jeff R]

Another idea that I've seen work if you really want to get creative ...

Set up your Kramer's trem to float or whatever with only two springs in/on the outer block holes/claw ears. Extend the 9V lead into the trem cavity from and through the claw ground line's hole (with EMG actives, you don't need that ground to claw anyway). Stick the battery in the trem cavity with a little adhesive velcro.

 

 

[Montelovesco]

2 hours ago, Jeff R said:

Another idea that I've seen work if you really want to get creative ...

Set up your Kramer's trem to float or whatever with only two springs in/on the outer block holes/claw ears. Extend the 9V lead into the trem cavity from and through the claw ground line's hole (with EMG actives, you don't need that ground to claw anyway). Stick the battery in the trem cavity with a little adhesive velcro.

 

 

Sounds  good, and may help to avoid routing... I will give it a try and let you know. Thanks!

[tomteriffic]

It's super important not to let that battery  accidentally ground itself while it's in there.  The case touching metal parts or (more importantly) circuitry can do it. I wrap mine thoroughly in electrical tape for this purpose and then wrap a little foam around it to keep it from getting knocked around.  The trem cavity is a good choice.

With EMG's the battery should last for a significant fraction of a glacial epoch.  Just unplug the guitar when not in use.

[scottcald]

When I ran EMGs the battery would last about a year, again make sure you unplug when not amplified.  wrap the battery in foam to put it in the control cavity or if it'll fit, use one of those U shaped clips and screw to the side of the cavity wall.  

 

[Montelovesco]

Did it. It fits and sounds great. Thanks for all your help!

[Armitage]

Just remember the name brand but made in China batteries tend to leak if left for long periods. It's the '60s all over again.