Fender Acoustasonic Guitar + Battery Life

[Wonks]

OK, just read its a Li-ion type.

[Dave.P]

Fair play to Fishman - came back to me with that part which is from the Fluence unit apparently.

https://fishmanstore.com/collections/ac ... 7880664259

[Wonks]

Fishman 1, Fender 0.

Well done, Fishman.

[Sam Spoons]

[Dave.P]

At least we know now and maybe this helps someone down the line.

[Wonks]

Though it does make you question the wisdom of having a limited lifetime rechargeable battery in such a guitar that relies exclusively on electronics. At some point in time, I’m sure the rechargeable battery will become unobtainable.

Thinking about it, you should be able to replace the rechargeable battery with a conventional one (and fit a battery box to the cover) as long as you disable the charging circuit (maybe just block the USB port) to prevent someone from trying to then recharge it.

And having a normal battery means that it could easily be adapted for remote powering.

[Dave.P]

A friend of mine joked last night when I was telling him this tale that maybe coming next is the Subscription Guitar.
Just a joke for now at least!

[BWC]

GaaS , don't give them any such ideas.

[resistorman]

A friend of mine joked last night when I was telling him this tale that maybe coming next is the Subscription Guitar.
Just a joke for now at least!

[Drew Stephenson]

A friend of mine joked last night when I was telling him this tale that maybe coming next is the Subscription Guitar.
Just a joke for now at least!

I felt a disturbance in the force. As if a million souls cried out in terror.

[Dave.P]

Well after all my faffing about I went out and bought one!
Initial impressions are extremely good and will post some links to recordings when I get a chance if anyone is interested.
For me, this fits the bill perfectly as something I can noodle on unplugged without too much noise as well as use for recording and hopefully live.
Also works well for that Townshend/Keef style too!

[Dave.P]

Couple of tests here - man I need to work on my picking again!

https://soundcloud.com/davepsonics/acou ... al_sharing

https://soundcloud.com/davepsonics/psyc ... al_sharing

[forumuser918214]

I haven't read much of this thread, but my 2 cents, having used one now for a month or so (Stratocaster Acoustasonic US made), is that this is an absolutely terrific instrument. I have owned lots of guitars and this is my favorite since it provides much of (but not all) the sounds and playability of my other guitars. It doesn't quite match the sound of my Larrivee thru a mic or play like my Parker, but it is only one guitar! Add to that the small size and light weight, it is perfect for me. I play Eric Clapton and Leo Kottke and this guy does both real well. in particular, tricky and high on the neck acoustic stuff becomes way more approachable. You can full-step bend on a dreadnought! Battery life is plenty enough for a practice session or a gig, just remember to unplug the cable or it will discharge when not played. And USB recharge is more convenient and cheaper than 9V batteries.

[Jimi D]

By the looks of the battery, this appears to be a replacement:

https://fishmanstore.com/products/fluen ... 7880664259

I could also see this being a potential modification to the back cover plate allowing for a 9v on the American models.

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Fishman/Fl ... 6575760.gc

[Wonks]

Hi and welcome, Jimi.

The Fluence replacement battery was discovered by Dave.P back in November last year (on the previous page:

Fair play to Fishman - came back to me with that part which is from the Fluence unit apparently.

https://fishmanstore.com/collections/ac ... 7880664259

Those battery boxes can be found much cheaper on Amazon/eBay (about 1/10 the price). There's nothing particularly special about them but they can vary in quality and the very cheapest often come without the battery connection + lead; just the box itself.

[useron]

Very interesting topic. In fact I have just bought a new Fender American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster and I was wondering exactly the same about the battery replacement in a few years. I don't want to throw away 1.700€ in only 4 or 5 years, so thank you for this really valuable information.

I have a couple of questions though. In the picture of the replacement battery it shows a kind of white plug for an easy replacement without soldering. Is that compatible with the american acoustasonic, so we won't have to cut the plug and solder the cables? The other question is related with the fact that the battery seems to be glued to the back plate, but the replacement is only the battery without the plate, so it would imply to unglue the battery before. Is that correct' Is there already any other replacement that includes the plate?

On the other hand I live in Europe. I don't know how easy will be to get one of these replaceents.

Thank you in advance!