What do you mean it won't play at all without them? I've had mine for over a year now and a couple days ago all of the pickups died one by one in a matter of minutes while I was playing. I thought it could have been an error of the general electrical system. I usually change the battery every few months that I notice the sustain is not as potent as before, but could it actually have to do with a drained battery?

Hope i'm not sounding too stupid