Electrocution by amplifier?

　　It's possible to receive a severe, or even fatal, electric shock from an amplifier with a damaged AC power cord. If the power cord or plug on your amplifier look anything like the damaged one in the picture below, you are flirting with danger. Seriously. The ground pin on the electric cord is normally connected to the metal case of your amp. It is also connected to the metal ground of the instrument cable, and to your instrument. The bridge, strings, control pots, and other metal on the instrument are directly grounded to the amplifier. When working properly, the ground on the AC cable helps protect you from being shocked by 120 volts AC. That's easily enough power to hurt, or even kill you. If the ground pin on the plug is bent or missing, replace it. Also, if the power cable sheath is rotted or frayed, it is dangerous as well -- for obvious reasons. Some people cut the old end off the damaged cable and put a retrofit plug on it. While that is much better than having a damaged plug or cord, the best remedy is to have the entire power cord replaced. This is usually an easy and inexpensive repair, one that is well worth the money spent. I stock a large assortment of specially designed AC power cables for musical instrument amplifiers. These are made of durable and SOFT rubber, unlike the crappy stiff power cables sold at hardware stores. These are easy to roll up and put inside your amp, and they resist getting kinks in them. I even have special ones that are 14 feet long. How many times have you needed a longer power cord on your amp? Also, if you have a vintage amp with a 2 prong "death" cord, I can upgrade it to a 3 wire grounded cable, no problem. If you have one of these old amps without a grounded power cord, it's essential that you get this upgrade.

　　Give me a call with any of your amplifier needs, I'll be glad to help.

　　Bruce Gerard

　　Musical Instrument Electronics Specialist.

　　Location: CHICO