4001v63 - source of microphone shocks?

[mfb]

I can only reiterate what leftyguitars and johnallg have already said - it could be static electricity (check the soles of your shoes if they are synthetic and the carpeting at the venue) or it could be a ground fault with the venue's wiring (in which case other members of the band are likely to experience the same thing).

Personally I have felt the static discharges myself accompanied with sparks when close to the mike, due to dry air and the venue furnishings together with synthetic soled shoes. Quite unerving to say the least.

Like johnallg, I would strongly recommend one of these "Gardner Bender Ground Fault Indicator Tester" or similar. Here is the full URL:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/sto ... 401+502726

Don't plug in anywhere without testing the venue's wiring first - it only takes a few seconds and can save some of your equipment, not to mention, your life (we have 240 volts here, and it sure jolts you a little ...).

[seyesbass]

This is one of the reasons that the EU brought in the regulations about electrical equipment in the workplace.
All venues/workplaces in the UK have to comply and have the necessary certificates to show that their equipment has been tested.
That said you can never rule out wear and tear at the venue and its always good to know your own stuff is safe before you plug in.
Check all your stuff at home before setting up.
Back to the original problem..
Static is often a problem and like the guys said if its just a light prickly shock then static could be the cause.
I would recommend checking all connections to the PA and also swap mics guitars and leads in case theres a snag there.
If theres mixing desk etc.. check all the plugs and sockets for damage.
You should be able to buy a basic mains testing kit at your local hardware store.
There may be a case here for having the venues electrical system and PA checked out by a qualified electrician if the fault cant be traced.

If in doubt DONT touch anything belonging to the venue until its been cleared by a qualified electrician .

Les Harvey was the younger brother of the late great Alex Harvey by the way.
Steve Howe from Yes stood in for Les at a Stone the Crows gig after his tragic death.

[jdogric12]

When I had the swing band in the late 90's I used a Shure 55 (aka Elvis mic) and I played a Casino and a Rick 360/12 and got shocked 10-20 times a night. Thankfully I haven't suffered a shock in years, but I use a Beta 58 and usually play piano or on rare dates I play guitar, I plug a Rick into the board like McGuinn. (The bass is completing a circuit through the mic to your face to the bass, etc.)

[leftyguitars]

If theres mixing desk etc..

A serious point that I didn't mention. Make sure that any 'Front of House' mixing desk and rack equipment is on the same phase of electricity as the stage equipment (this is absolutely essential), and (ideally but not essential) is on the same ring circuit. Generally I run mains cables from the stage to the 'FOH' position just to be 100% sure.

[leftyguitars]

Remember the words of "Piggy Malone" and "Charley Farley"...

'Death can be fatal'

[antipodean]

Remember the words of "Piggy Malone" and "Charley Farley"...

'Death can be fatal'

Hasn't this topic been "Done to Death" ?

[rickcrazy]

Disconnecting the string ground on your guitar would be a good idea, you know? Yeah, I'm aware that hum will promptly and gladly creep in, but thorough shielding of your guitar will get rid of it. On my 21 fret 4001 - currently the only Rickenbacker bass I own - not even the bridge pickup ring & handrest is grounded. Same for the neck pickup cover. Since both pickups on it are my own, they have their own shielding, thus grounding of the bridge assembly and pickup covers is not required. The bass is totally safe and hum-free in any situation. Cheers.

[mfb]

Hasn't this topic been "Done to Death" ?

Not by a long shock.

[admin]

I want to post quickly while this thread is still current.

Having faced a similar situation, Peter saved me much grief and from developing a phobia about using a microphone in the long run.

If your shock feels like it is pulling your lip into the microphone and it is a continuous shock, as Peter noted, I believe that it is the house wiring.

My friendly neighbourhood electrician solved my problem and while it wasn't cheap I avoided using my life insurance. Thanks to Peter for the alert.

[leftyguitars]

[johnallg]

..... and while it wasn't cheap I avoided using my life insurance.

Wouldn't that be your wife avoided using your life insurance?!!

[phlemmy]

jb, the real problem is your electrifying lips.

[johnallg]

jb, the real problem is your electrifying lips.

That's what SHE said!

[ben_brown]

...Have you the same shoes on as before you got shocks?

Chances are yes....

RedSneakers.jpg

[johnallg]

Okay, in light of John's on-stage experiences along with Peter's practical and excellent advice, I offer this picture of "It sounded like a good idea at the time":

ATT00009.jpg