The VG Stratocaster uses Roland’s VG (Virtual Guitar) technology added to a standard Strat.
I have a short review here: Fender USA VG Strat
There can be a few problems with the VG part of this guitar but the most annoying thing is where the battery pack has been lost, because it is your fault. This can happen if you are not using the VG effects for a while and the battery pack has been taken out. Perhaps you have been using it a standard Strat, and why not. Attempting to buy a replacement is challenging and expensive. I needed to fix this for someone recently and came up with this solution.
When you open the battery compartment and the battery pack is missing the options are limited. You can:-
1 use it without the VG effects
2 search the net for a replacement (not an easy task)
3 find a different solution.
So, a different solution seems a good choice
The VG electronics needs 6v dc, this is normally from 4 x 1.5 AA batteries.
I found this on eBay and the size seems to fit and I was hoping that the two connectors would line up with the contacts in the cavity.
Well they sort of do line up but the polarity is wrong. However, the housing is a snug fit in the cavity which is nice.
Modifying the new housing is possible but a bit fiddly and time consuming.
Removing the battery box from the guitar shows the connections.
Changing the polarity is possible but then if the original battery pack turns up or a replacement found at some point, it could not be used in this guitar safely and could cause damage to the electronics if this was attempted.
The alternative is to use the connectors on the replacement box.
Parts like this, with a typical 9v battery connector are easily and cheaply found and they fit the replacement box exactly.
Fed through the housing and soldered to the + and – terminals provide a simple solution.
Wired and connected
A snug fit
And working
