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Level 1

24 points

I keep getting shocked!

I know a lot of people on this board are knowlegeable about recording studios and equipment and was wondering if you could help me out.
I record with Logic Pro and a MOTU Traveler into a MacBook Pro. When I am holding my electric guitar when it is plugged into my guitar amp, and I attempt to touch my computer (to start recording, for example) I get an intense static shock. I'm not sure what the problem is, but it might be bad grounding in my room. I was wondering if anyone has experience with this and has an easy way to remedy the problem. You help is much appreciated.

Mac book Pro, Mac OS X (10.4.5), 1.83 GHz

Posted on Jun 16, 2006 9:21 PM

22 replies

Jun 19, 2006 1:06 PM in response to tele_player

not on a guitar I used to have a while back... got the shock when I touched the strings... but not in his case I guess, just when he touches the computer. (No I don't have that guitar anymore LOL )

Jack Q Author

Level 1

24 points

Jun 19, 2006 1:14 PM in response to Jack Q

Thanks everyone for all the help. Basically, I went out an bought TWO surge protectors to plug in all my gear. These two Surge protectors are plugged into the same outlet in my room. Now, I have no shock whatsoever. One of the outlets in my room was a Two-prong, ungrounded connection, so I think this was the problem.I'm glad I got this all figured out.
By the way, I have really nice Guitar (Rick Turner, Model 1)that I was experiencing the shock with, so the guitar was never in question as being the problem!
Thanks again everyone.

Jun 19, 2006 1:21 PM in response to Band On The Run

Yes, if you got a shock when you touched the strings, it's because the strings are wired to the shield of the cable, which is, as I wrote above, the normal setup. This setup is fine, as long as it's plugged into correctly wired, properly functioning equipment.

PowerBook and MacBook Pro (aluminum cased Mac laptops) are prone to shocking the user, when powered by the two-prong power adapter. By design, these Macs will have an AC voltage of about 1/2 the line voltage when they're not grounded by a three-prong plug. It's weird, but it's normal. Fortunately, it can't deliver enoough current to do anything but cause an annoying tingle.

Jun 19, 2006 1:25 PM in response to Jack Q

Just a cautionary anecdote:

Many years ago, as a fledgling producer, I was working with Keith Relf (The Yardbirds for old timers - like me - who remember) with a project from his band Armaggedon. He was putting together his home studio in his basement - a very different undertaking than today.

He'd been noticing a few mild shocks and noise. One day he stood on a gas pipe in his basement, formed a perfect ground, and was electrocuted.

Get an electrician.

Soon.

Jun 19, 2006 1:25 PM in response to tele_player

So the solution, I think, is to treat it like any static electricity shock you know you're gonna get: Tap Mac with knuckle first because you don't feel the electric shock 😀 (Ok silly solution, or no solution really, but at least it doesn't hurt lol )

Jun 19, 2006 1:26 PM in response to John Alcock

Thank God there was no gas leak too... yikes! boom!

Jun 19, 2006 1:29 PM in response to Jack Q

hehe sorry didn't mean to diss your guitar 🙂

What power surges did you get? Belkin?

Glad you're not getting whacked anymore.

I would get someone (unless you know how) and change both recepticles in your wall so they're both 3-pronged. It's just $2.00 for the plug, and you can ground them to your junction box or something... I'm not electrician, but it can be done cheaply.

You'll live longer 😀

R

I keep getting shocked!