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May 2002
Posts: 651
Location: Australia | As I have lots of gigs lined up for my new 1651, I thought it'd be a good idea to change the battery out for a fresh one. I thought that clip screw on the side of the bowl released what looked like a battery box but I couldn't find a way into it.
How do you change the battery ?
Someone please help this blithering idiot. |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 1138
Location: CT | Yes, undo the screw in the side of the bowl to release the box. Then slide the metal cover off and the battery is tucked neatly inside. Biggest problem in my opinion is trying to get the box mounted back on. Luckily these old pre-amps last forever. The old literature says 2,000 hours. I change mine every couple of years when a string change comes due. |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Brainslag, how right you are.
When we had the Denver OFC jam, it was decided to change out the battery on the 1581. I easily removed the case and changed the battery.
After fumbling uselessly for about 15 minutes, I gave up on reseating it properly and passed it over to Elginacres.....who after 5-10 minutes employed Sally's dexterious fingers and the two of them were finally successful.
I hope that 2000 hour estimate is correct! |
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February 2002
Posts: 1817
Location: Minden, Nebraska | I haven't found any way to get the battery box back in place for engaging the mounting screw without getting my full hand inside the guitar.
This is very difficult to do with strings on it.
It probably would take longer to provide a written description of how to get it back on than it takes to actually perform the task, but here goes: maneuver the battery box over against the side of the guitar with the left hand (assuming you are a righty) and press it tightly against the side. Turn the screw with a screwdriver, and you will feel if the screw is lined up with where it needs to thread. If not, move the battery box around a bit until you find it. You will feel the box snug up against the side when you have it right. It usually won't tighten completely, but it will hold the box in place.
It's a bit of a hassle, but a relatively easy job. |
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April 2006
Posts: 1138
Location: CT | Yes, the whole hand goes in the soundhole. you can leave the strings on, just loosen them up.I usually hold the screw down with my finger while sliding the box around the side of the bowl. Its easy that way to feel when the screw finds the hole. Then let go of the screw and grab the screwdriver(which was within easy reach) and give a half a turn. This becomes second nature after a while. I just did this and it took less than 5 minutes from string loosening to tune up. |
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September 2005
Posts: 3618
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Some people may not like the idea, but after having the battery-change issue arise a couple of times in the past, I just installed one of the generic battery-chance access compartments into the side of the bowl. All it took was a dremmel tool, soldering iron, epoxy, and a half hour of my time. You may not desire doing this on a collectable though. Just my input. |
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January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | I have an original 1651 and changed the battery last night. Loosen the low E string, slide your fingers in the space now enlarged by the loossened string and locate the battery box. Loosen the retaining screw one-half turn and pull the battery box out of the hole. Also, remove the screw (this is the key)! Remove the cover, replace the battery, and then fish the battery box back in through hole. Line the battery box hole up with the hole in the bowl, then push the retaining screw in and give it a half turn. Retune to the E string. I timed myself last evening and the whole process took exactly 28 seconds. |
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March 2005
Posts: 12755
Location: Boise, Idaho | He ran the stop watch with his third hand. |
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November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | NASGITAR... |
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December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Originally posted by ProfessorBB:
I timed myself last evening and the whole process took exactly 28 seconds. Wow That is a record.
The Elite's are easier. just remove the back a go.
It still is difficult to line up the screw with the box.
It takes my a 1/2 hour to find my screwdriver. :confused: |
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June 2004
Posts: 580
Location: NW NJ | Especially if you don't have it right near by when you start ... been there, done that. |
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May 2002
Posts: 651
Location: Australia | Thanks guys.
I did get the battery box out but the little sliding cover was on tight so I thought it'd be better just to ask before trying to force or pry anything.
....BTW, this is one great guitar ! |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 1817
Location: Minden, Nebraska | Sometimes those covers are really tight. I have used the screwdriver tip, but the cover doesn't go both ways. Or it didn't used to... :eek: |
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March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | It should slide off towards the end with the wires coming out..... |
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March 2003
Posts: 555
Location: Wooster, Ohio | Interesting, my main guitar now is my 87 collectors and I have had it for a while and the battery never goes down. My later guitars burn up a battery every month or two? I thought this was just another angelic thing about the 87, but I didn't know the older preamps didn't eat batteries.
Steve |
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How Do I Change The Battery ?
