REVEALED: How Long Do Batteries Last In Acoustic Guitars?

Is your electro-acoustic guitar equipped with active pickups?  Maybe you are worried about how long the batteries last.

How long do batteries last in acoustic guitars?

On average, the batteries in an acoustic guitar will last around 100 hours.  But to be honest, it can vary depending on a number of factors.

If we had to pick just one way to measure actual battery life in an acoustic guitar, we would say that it depends on frequency and intensity of use. There are many variables that can affect how often you need to replace batteries in your guitar and what type of batteries you’re using.

Most use 9 volt batteries but I have seen some with AA batteries as well.

Why Does My Acoustic Guitar Have A Battery?

The first thing to mention is that if your guitar has a battery, it is actually an acoustic electric guitar.  The battery is necessary to power the onboard electronics.  This means you can plug your guitar in an amplifier or for playing through a PA system at your next gig.

The biggest takeaway here is that most acoustic guitars that come with a battery are meant to be used exclusively for live performance. If all you want is an acoustic guitar, then why pay extra for features you’re not going to use?  On the other hand, if you are looking for an instrument that will provide amplified sound or other effects, this feature could be useful.

How To Extend Battery Life In Your Acoustic Guitar Pickups

There are a few ways to extend your guitar’s lithium ion batteries life span:

• Turn off unused features or use them at a low level .
• Choose lithium-ion batteries over alkaline batteries. (An alkaline battery doesn’t last as long and require more energy to produce the same volume.)
• Check the batteries regularly and replace them at the first sign of discharge. (Some people may not notice their acoustic guitar’s volume or active/passive feature/s has/have decreased. But if you have a decent guitar tuner you will be able to hear the difference.)
• Do not keep spare batteries loose in your guitar case or gig bag.

How To Change A Battery In An Acoustic Guitar

1. Unplug the guitar from your amp.
2. Open the battery compartment cover on the back of your guitar. There sometimes may be a small screw holding it in place. You may also have to remove a battery shield to access it.
3. Remove the old batteries and dispose of them properly.
4. Replace each battery with new batteries of the same type, size, and capacity. Put them in the guitar in reverse order. Make sure all parts are clean and free of lint before putting the cover back on.
5. Replace the battery compartment cover.

What Batteries Do Acoustic Guitars Use?

Most acoustic guitars use a standard square 9 volt battery.   They are available in retail stores, dollar stores, and online.

Can Active Pickups Work Without Batteries?

The active pickups in your electro-acoustic guitar will work without a battery, but they will not be as effective. Without a battery, you will not have microphone resonance and there is no pre-amp. In short, the sound won’t be as good as it would otherwise sound with a battery. When using active system without batteries, you can still use an acoustic pickup that shouldn’t require battery power to work properly.

Active vs Passive Pickups For Acoustic Guitar

If you are looking for acoustic pickups, you will notice that there are both active and passive types available.  Active pickups are usually better than passive ones, although this may depend on what kind of music you play.

Do active pickups work without batteries?  Yes. Just like passive acoustic pickups, they will work without a battery. However, they will not be as powerful without a battery.

Passive acoustic pickups are always on. They don’t have a tone control, although you may be able to control the sound to some extent with your amp or an acoustic guitar preamp. Passive pickups tend to be less expensive than active ones, although they aren’t as good at amplifying the acoustic guitar and producing a good tone.

Do Passive Acoustic Pickups Work Without A Battery?

Passive pickups don’t have a 9v batteries, rechargeable batteries or a preamp. They usually rely on the pickups that are built into the guitar itself. That means that you can’t turn it on and off, but it also means that you don’t need to worry about replacing batteries.

Conclusion

The biggest mistake that most people make is that they don’t remember to change the batteries on time. If you notice your acoustic guitar volume decreasing, you should replace the batteries right away. This will help extend their life and ensure that the instrument works properly when you need it most.