ever one of those “DUH” moments? A time when the solution to a problem was staring you in the face, but you just couldn’t see it?
After more than 30 years as a guitarist, you’d think he’d be able to find the solution to just about any equipment problem that comes up on stage. In my years as a touring musician, I had pretty much seen it all, and I should know how to handle any problem or adversity almost like second nature, right? … Mistake!
My “DUH” moment started a few weeks ago at a concert. While playing a set, I noticed that my guitar amp seemed to be losing power. The output had decreased to the point where I had to turn the volume up to almost double the normal level I play at just to be heard.
In my infinite wisdom as a seasoned professional guitar player, I naturally assumed that the preamp tubes on my amp were going bad and needed replacing, so the next day I ran out, bought some new ones, and put them in. Problem solved… or so I thought.
The next gig comes around and I fire up my rig with confidence knowing I have new preamp tubes and everything is going to be great… Nope!
Same problem, my signal was maybe half the norm, and I was pushing the volume knob almost to 10 just to be heard!
Once again, my highly enlightened powers of deduction told me that since I had just replaced the preamp tubes on my amp, the problem must be with the power amp tubes, so I pulled out the credit card and ordered a new matching valve set. bias 6L6, just knowing I’ll be back in business.
I put in the new tubes, go to the next gig and plug everything in, only to find that the problem still exists. Almost no signal comes out of the amp.
With the concert scheduled to start in a few minutes, I began to panic. But then, like a ray of sunshine in the early morning, a moment of clarity took over and I decided to go back to basics and fix the problem like I learned to do many years ago.
When I started the troubleshooting process looking for cables to disconnect, the problem jumped out and hit me in the face. Looking down at my trusty Boss ME-50 multi-effects processor, I noticed that the “level” knob in the compressor section had inadvertently been turned down to almost zero.
I turned the knob back up to my normal gaming level and… voila… problem solved!
In the blink of an eye, several weeks of frustration (and expense) were wiped away and all was right with the world again.
And the sad part was that it could all have been avoided if I had initially done what I always knew I should have done. Take a deep breath, step back and fix the problem…”DUH”
If you have problems with your guitar equipment: no sound, low sound, harsh signal, unwanted distortion, etc. – here are some steps to track down the problem.
1. First of all, keep in mind that there are many things that can cause a problem. Especially with a guitar rig that uses a number of processors and effects pedals. Never assume that you instantly know where the problem is coming from to the exclusion of all other possibilities.
two. Divide the platform down to its lowest common denominator. Disconnect all pedals, cables and processors and only connect one cable from the guitar to the amp. If there is still a problem, or no sound, try another cable that you know is working properly.
3. If the problem persists, you know the problem is with the amp or the guitar. Try connecting the guitar to another amp or to a channel on the PA system to make sure it works properly. Instead, try connecting another guitar to your amp to see if the amp is working properly.
Four. If you get a good signal when you plug the guitar directly into the amp, you know the problem is somewhere in the signal chain of pedals, cables, and effects processors between the guitar and the amp.
5. Isolate each pedal or processor with cables that you know are working and try to determine which pedal might be causing the problem. It can be as simple as a bad battery in a pedal.
6. Check each wire in the chain to see if there is a loose solder connection or a bad ground on one of them. Faulty cables are one of the most common problems that arise in a guitar rig.
7. Reassemble the kit one piece at a time and check the signal after each step. This will ensure that you catch anything that was initially missed.
At this point you should have narrowed down the problem and at least be able to isolate it before the concert starts. You may have to go on without your favorite pedal, but at least the show can go on!
As a fairly experienced guitar player, I am almost embarrassed to share my “DUH” moment with you. I’ve already gotten my fair share of ridicule from my bandmates for it, so why invite more abuse?
In the hope that you never have to suffer the shame that I have!
Enjoy!