stevezapp Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 I keep on getting electric shocks from microphones - particulally when playing guitar at the same time. I get very close to the mic when singing, to the point of touching it with my mouth (i'll stop there to avoid getting too steamy). A couple of questions regarding this: - Is there any danger of me getting frazzled? Are there any remedies to this problem? Cheers, Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky4 Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Sounds like a ground problem. Don't wind up like Keith Relf! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amengle Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 It's most likely because of the active pickups in your guitar. If you don't have active pickups then you probably have a ground issue like the above poster mentioned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dynadude Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 It's a ground issue. Better get it fixed, or it could kill you. Not kidding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeRom Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Grounding issue as has already been pointed out. You might also want to put a wind cover on your mic. That will insulate it well enough that, if it stays dry, you won't get a poke. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGBENDS Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Didn't Ace Frehley get shocked in a similar way? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellion102792 Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Didn't Ace Frehley get shocked in a similar way? Happened to George Harrison too lol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zh2i32uJxM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky4 Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Sounds like a ground problem. Don't wind up like Keith Relf! Relf was electrocuted to death playing a guitar that shorted out due to a grounding problem Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevezapp Posted March 10, 2009 Author Share Posted March 10, 2009 :- Wow. I didn't think it was that dangerous. So is this likely to be a mic grounding issue, or something to do with my guitar/amp? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky4 Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 Wow. I didn't think it was that dangerous. So is this likely to be a mic grounding issue' date= or something to do with my guitar/amp?[/quote] Could be anything, I had a bad plug on my fridge a long time ago. If you touched the fridge door and the decorative ring around the sink at the same time, you would shocked, Big Time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeRom Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 Wow. I didn't think it was that dangerous. So is this likely to be a mic grounding issue' date= or something to do with my guitar/amp?[/quote] It's really dangerous. I'v been plugged into the same power outlet but thru different extension cords, power strips and got bitten. So just having the equipment at different ground potentials (ground loops) from the same feed can have exciting results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milod Posted March 11, 2009 Share Posted March 11, 2009 Back in the olden days with tube amps I'd get shocked every couple of gigs, it seems. Kinda bad when it's your lips getting the shock! It's a helluva surprise, for sure. But my tube amps then - and the one I occasionally use now - have a polarity switch that covered the problem. But I can't see that ensuring good grounding ever would be a bad deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevezapp Posted March 12, 2009 Author Share Posted March 12, 2009 Back in the olden days with tube amps I'd get shocked every couple of gigs' date=' it seems. Kinda bad when it's your lips getting the shock! It's a helluva surprise, for sure. But my tube amps then - and the one I occasionally use now - have a polarity switch that covered the problem. But I can't see that ensuring good grounding ever would be a bad deal. [/quote'] How would I go about grounding my amp or pa? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeRom Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 They probably already have a 3 prong plug or at the very least a polarized plug so not much you can do there if one of them doesn't have a ground switch. Easiest thing to do is have them plugged into the same (properly configured) electrical outlet. Other than that you can look into power conditioners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevezapp Posted March 12, 2009 Author Share Posted March 12, 2009 They probably already have a 3 prong plug or at the very least a polarized plug so not much you can do there if one of them doesn't have a ground switch. Easiest thing to do is have them plugged into the same (properly configured) electrical outlet. Other than that you can look into power conditioners. Good stuff. I'll give the same socket a try and if that doesn't fix it, i'll look into power conditioners. Many thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dynadude Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 How would I go about grounding my amp or pa? One of the best investments you can make, is a cheap outlet tester. They look like an extention cord plug with several led lights on the outside end. It will tell you if there is an open ground, or if the polarities are switched on any of the outlet wires. It's small enough to fit in a guitar accessory pocket in the case, and you can find them at most any decent hardware store. If the tester shows a problem, you're taking your chances using that outlet. Other than that, just make sure all your power cords are working correctly, and that power conditioner advice is golden, if you happen to have one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevezapp Posted March 12, 2009 Author Share Posted March 12, 2009 One of the best investments you can make' date=' is a cheap outlet tester. They look like an extention cord plug with several led lights on the outside end. It will tell you if there is an open ground, or if the polarities are switched on any of the outlet wires. It's small enough to fit in a guitar accessory pocket in the case, and you can find them at most any decent hardware store. If the tester shows a problem, you're taking your chances using that outlet. Other than that, just make sure all your power cords are working correctly, and that power conditioner advice is golden, if you happen to have one.[/quote'] Yeah, i'm think i'm gonna buy a conditioner. Would this one do the trick? It's the only UK one I can find, but says it's for HiFi's. I will take a look at outlet testers now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solacematt Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 It happens more I've found if your mouth or lips are any part wet. Never really got a little shock if my lips were dry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milod Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 ... I think you're getting very good recommendations from the guys who use bigger equipment than I do in more venues. Here's a true story that isn't about guitar "shocks," but can kinda explain the problem of poor ground. When we lived in Memphis, my wife was absolutely convinced we somehow had a "ghost" in the hallway near the heating/airconditioning closet. There were sparkles she'd see at night. A year or so later I was having problems with my computer power conditioner clicking off. Finally called the power company and they discovered the whole %@#%#@ house was left without a ground when previous owners did an addition. Funny thing? No more ghost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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