A few words about 18650 Lithium Ion Batteries

Why 18650 batteries?

All of our AcoustiFex pickup systems require battery assistance in two manners – one is to simply power the DSP inside the preamp that creates the digital effects.  This requires very small amount of current from the battery to operate the preamp since the sound will be reproduced louder by an amplifier or PA system.  But the second need of the battery is to drive the AcoustiFex transducer. This transducer is essentially a small speaker vibrating against the wood of the back of your guitar. So obviously this requires a great deal of energy to physically “hammer” the guitar to recreate the digital effects created in the preamp.

Using 9V or AA batteries would drain the battery over a short period of time so even with rechargeable versions of these would minimize the usable playing time of the preamp.

What is an 18650 Battery?

An 18650 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery is a relatively new battery type being welcomed due to the increasing need of higher power devices like laptops battery packs, high lumen flashlights, vaping devices, and cordless tools.  Note the requirements of these products are sufficient current to power these heavy-duty devices and to supply that power for extended periods of time.

Different types of 18650 include button top* (like a AA battery with a “cap”) versus flat top. Acoustifex requires button top.  And protected versus unprotected. Protected batteries have circuitry built in to prevent “over charge”, heat or “over discharge”, over current and short circuit.  We recommend using the protected type of battery so check with the manufacturer specs to be sure.

18650 batteries are available in a wide range of current supply (rated in milliamp hours or mAh). In general, the more mAh, the longer the battery capacity or battery life. The 18650 cell has voltage of 3.7 volts and has between 1800 mAh and 5400 mAh.

A higher number means that the battery can store more energy, so it has a higher capacity. Of course, this also means longer battery life for a given usage.  Think of this like a gas tank in a car.  The larger the tank, the longer it takes to refill but once full, the bigger tank will last longer.

Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware)

Unfortunately, as 18650s are becoming increasingly popular, there are a growing number of scam companies making overstated marketing specification claims. Some ratings may claim up to 9600 mAh which is most probably exaggerated.

Other products may simply be priced too good to be true.  These typically no-name, counterfeit versions are inferior in stated ratings, and may even pose dangerous situations. Check ratings and reviews for accuracy before making your buying decision.

All AcoustiFex preamp systems are equipped with authorized and tested 18650 batteries which are tested and certified by testing agencies and Kepma USA maintains all Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) reports, United Nations UN38.3 certification and other safety certification documentation on file.

*Some of the “Button Top” styles feature an “add-on” piece of metal that’s shrink-wrapped to the battery during the labelling process. In essence, it’s a flat-cap battery with an add-on. Because its just a “contact only” connection, it may be necessary to “rotate” the battery when it’s installed to get a good proper electrical connection between the AcoustiFex terminal, the “cap” and the battery itself.