stewblack Posted July 21, 2019 Share Posted July 21, 2019 Can't seem to find the cause so I'm after suggestions. I get that classic sting when simultaneously touching microphone and bass strings. I get it with different basses, different amps, different effects, different extension leads, in different bands using different pa systems, in different venues. Sometimes it's sufficiently strong that I can shock my band mates if I touch them while holding my strings. Frankly I'm a bit fed up with it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurksalot Posted July 21, 2019 Share Posted July 21, 2019 (edited) You don’t happen to wear a full nylon based stage outfit do you and sweat a lot Edited July 21, 2019 by lurksalot 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted July 21, 2019 Share Posted July 21, 2019 (edited) There is a "potential difference" (= voltage difference) between the earth of your bass gear and your PA system. This could be caused by a bad earth, a wiring issue in the venue, being plugged in to two different ring mains and a few other issues too. As some equipment (like effects units) have no earth connection, you are essentially not grounded and this can also help create the problem. Ideally each piece of gear should be 'grounded' to the same earth potential - pretty difficult to all have just one earth lead connected to the same earthing connection, but that would surely solve the problem! (Multiple points connected to earth in your signal path can cause noise problems too which is also a pain in the backside!) Edited July 21, 2019 by Dood Grammar! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted July 21, 2019 Share Posted July 21, 2019 Is anyone using DIY or made up extension leads? Anyone using an orange cable (ie 2 ply, or no earth)? Buy a voltage/earth tester, about a tenner from Screwfix, and check every connection in the band. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinny Posted July 21, 2019 Share Posted July 21, 2019 Damn fine reason to buy a wireless! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mybass Posted July 21, 2019 Share Posted July 21, 2019 3 hours ago, chris_b said: Is anyone using DIY or made up extension leads? Anyone using an orange cable (ie 2 ply, or no earth)? Buy a voltage/earth tester, about a tenner from Screwfix, and check every connection in the band. Along with buying a mains safety trip plug.... 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewblack Posted July 21, 2019 Author Share Posted July 21, 2019 Thank you all I will follow the above advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pintspiller Posted July 21, 2019 Share Posted July 21, 2019 Does it only happen at one venue? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimBobTTD Posted July 21, 2019 Share Posted July 21, 2019 5 hours ago, Vinny said: Damn fine reason to buy a wireless! Yup. Take yourself out of any kind of electrical circuit and avoid the problem. I did this after some rather painful shocks from microphones in a rehearsal studio years ago. I have been using a Line 6 G30 since and have been enjoying not being shocked and also the freedom of not having a cable tethering me. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewblack Posted July 21, 2019 Author Share Posted July 21, 2019 Been gassing for a wireless but never had a good enough excuse... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted July 21, 2019 Share Posted July 21, 2019 So I'm guessing you've not been asked to PAT test your gear? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewblack Posted July 21, 2019 Author Share Posted July 21, 2019 1 minute ago, chris_b said: So I'm guessing you've not been asked to PAT test your gear? By who? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassman Sam Posted July 21, 2019 Share Posted July 21, 2019 59 minutes ago, stewblack said: By who? A lot of venues insist that you show them that your gear has a valid PAT test certificate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewblack Posted July 21, 2019 Author Share Posted July 21, 2019 8 minutes ago, Bassman Sam said: A lot of venues insist that you show them that your gear has a valid PAT test certificate. Never been asked, mind you most of my work is bargain basement gigs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oopsdabassist Posted July 21, 2019 Share Posted July 21, 2019 1 hour ago, stewblack said: Been gassing for a wireless but never had a good enough excuse... You now have your excuse....people have been killed, live on stage, because of this earthing issue. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted July 21, 2019 Share Posted July 21, 2019 1 hour ago, Bassman Sam said: A lot of venues insist that you show them that your gear has a valid PAT test certificate. Never been asked either. In fact many of the venues we play could do with their electrics checking! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_c2 Posted July 21, 2019 Share Posted July 21, 2019 I have a simple mains tester in the bag. If a venue's electrics looks dodgy, I would test it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewblack Posted July 21, 2019 Author Share Posted July 21, 2019 21 minutes ago, paul_c2 said: I have a simple mains tester in the bag. If a venue's electrics looks dodgy, I would test it. Got one on order 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassman Sam Posted July 21, 2019 Share Posted July 21, 2019 (edited) 1 hour ago, 4000 said: Never been asked either. In fact many of the venues we play could do with their electrics checking! If I show you mine, will you show me yours.😃 Edit for I blame @Teebs for the smutty enduenue in my posts. Edited July 21, 2019 by Bassman Sam 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4000 Posted July 21, 2019 Share Posted July 21, 2019 Just out of interest, any particular mains testers you’d recommend? Something like this? https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-ms6860d-socket-tester/91596?tc=VB2&ds_kid=92700022850517781&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_rl=1241687&ds_rl=1245250&ds_rl=1244066&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_sv66u3G4wIVxLHtCh3qVQV7EAQYAyABEgKiOPD_BwE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_c2 Posted July 21, 2019 Share Posted July 21, 2019 That's pretty similar to the one I have. I know its not brilliant, but its better than not testing it. (Not sure if it would give a false sense of security though!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maude Posted July 21, 2019 Share Posted July 21, 2019 Similar to the one I've got. They're so cheap and at least you know that the plug you're going to use is wired properly and has an earth. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itu Posted July 22, 2019 Share Posted July 22, 2019 Ladies and genitals, Have you ever heard about LifeSaver by Adrian Legg? Probably this issue has been discussed here in greater detail many times, but it is good to repeat it once more. Please study these: http://forum.metropoulos.net/viewtopic.php?t=41069 http://alexplorer.net/guitar/mods/shock.html This is a very good addition to any hi-Z ("passive") bass. It is even possible to reduce the circuitry by leaving the resistor out. Here is a suitable capacitor that fits well and costs nearly nothing: https://uk.farnell.com/vishay/440ls10-r/cap-0-01-f-20/dp/2342196 This does not solve all zaps, but at least they will not be lethal. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacko Posted July 22, 2019 Share Posted July 22, 2019 you could always avoid touching your mic. turn it up a bit and sing 6 inches away. stops it rusting with all that slaver too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teebs Posted July 22, 2019 Share Posted July 22, 2019 16 hours ago, Bassman Sam said: I blame @Teebs for the smutty enduenue in my posts. Oh! I see! Blame Teebs! I seem to get the blame for everything! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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