bertolini? bass pick-up question

[toyL]

I am not especially familiar with the active electronics on some of today's instruments, but, a nine-volt battery can only wreak so much havoc...I have a young bass-player friend who is getting a distorted response from his bertolini? pick-up...I haven't got my hands on it yet, but, from what he has said I'm afraid it's fried--he used to leave the cord plugged in at all times...I'm almost positive that this would be a no-no, as the battery would be conducting trons anytime the instrument is "plugged-in"...has anyone here ever fried a pick-up in this manner?...it actually still works, and sounds fine as long as he plays it softly...but, it does distort out when he thumps it...any suggestions ahead of time (before I can check it out) would be greatly appreciated...thanks, toyL--that's toil for work, and toy for play...

 

[virtual.ray]

Not to worry,it's not fried,just needs a new battery.You're right thinking that as long as the cable's plugged in,the battery's being drained,so spend a few bucks on a good alkaline or lithium cell and unplug that thing when not in use!

 

[toyL]

thanks for the reply virtual.ray...I'm pretty sure my bass player has tried a new battery...I think it could be fried, but, it may simply be a poor connection--high resistance--that's my guess ahead of time...I've checked out plenty of wiring on elec.guitars, and not very many of them have decent solder joints--let alone quality wire...I'll find out soon enough...

 

[OneLouder]

When I first got an active bass I foolishly left it plugged in. All it did was drain the battery. I dont see how this would fry the pickups tho.... if it did they would end up being fried through enough normal use wouldnt they?

 

[toyL]

it doesn't seem like a 9 volt battery should be able to do much damage, I agree...but, from how he describes the distorted response, I'm not real sure...I'm very interested to see "exactly" what's connected to those volts...