My electrifying performance

[roundthebend]

Never very comfortable as a frontman, but I was guitarist and singist in my last band. At one of our many local gigs at The Met Lounge I was struggling right from the start. Every time I went to sing I'd get a strange tingling in my lips.

Turns out that my guitar amp wasn't earthed or something - the 4-gang plug was dodgy - and I was receiving earthing it via my lips on the mic.

So, is it advisable to check the electrics at every gig? Anyone ever had a nasty jolt?

[Gojirosan]

So, is it advisable to check the electrics at every gig? Anyone ever had a nasty jolt?

Yes and no.

Buy an RCD: essential purchase for the "toilet" circuit.

[Guitar_Slinger]

WTF is a RCD?

Anyone ever had a nasty jolt?

I've had tingly lips before doing BVs in some pub gigs, which in my ignorance I put it down to sweat on my stubble.

Another time (about 12 years ago) the lead guitarist gave me 20 feet of non-earthed cable he didn't want, to replace the 6 feet earthed cable in my 2-way extension. I put it in the bin... sorry, Lenny.

[Gojirosan]

WTF is a RCD?

A kind of circuit breaker (residual current device).

[StageStruck]

A kind of circuit breaker (residual current device).

You can get the "plug-in" type of RCD that plugs into a normal 13A outlet quite readily from B&Q and the likes. Just plug in your extention lead into it and off you go!

Worthwhile getting your gear PAT (portable appliance test) tested too. That would show if any of your own gear is faulty too.

[sammo303]

I've had tingly lips before doing BJs in some pubs, which in my ignorance I put it down to sweat on my stubble.

[subwayband]

yep been there too!! minor shocks to the lips are not pleasent!!
Happened at a big biker rally last year-bit of a surprise cos it seemed a really proffessional set-up.

Also witnessed the lead singer of a band get huge shock from a dodgy monitor lead-nearly sent him flying and the poor guy seemed out of it after the gig-still finished i though!

[New Moon Amps]

Worth also getting one of those little plugs that checks the socket wiring. Again about a fiver from B&Q or similar places.

[Emperor Fabulous]

What do they actually check ? - and how do they work (preferably in detail, if anyone knows) ?

[deedee]

I take it from these comments, that some venues are not a fussy as gloucestershire ones are with PAT certificates then.