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 could find the solution to just about any equipment problem that arises 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 we were playing a set, I noticed that my guitar amp seemed to be losing power. The output had diminished to the point where I had to turn the volume up almost twice the normal level I play at just to be heard.
In my infinite wisdom as a seasoned professional guitarist, I naturally assumed that my amp’s preamp tubes were going bad and needed replacing, so the next day I ran out and bought some new ones and put them on. Problem solved… or so I thought.
The next gig rolls 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 normal, 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 took out the credit card and ordered a new one. matching valve set. bias 6L6, just knowing I’ll be back in business.
I put the new tubes in, go to the next gig and plug everything in, only to find out that the problem still exists. Almost no signal coming out of the amp.
With the concert scheduled to start in a few minutes, I started to panic. But then, like a ray of early morning sunshine, 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 right 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 been inadvertently turned down to almost zero.
I turned the knob back up to my normal playing 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 all could have been prevented if I had initially done what I always knew I should have done. Take a deep breath, take a 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 series of processors and effects pedals. Never assume that you instantly know where the problem is coming from to the exclusion of all other possibilities.
2. 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, then you know that the problem is with the amp or the guitar. Try connecting the guitar to another amplifier 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.
4. If you get a good signal when you plug your guitar directly into the amp, you know the problem is somewhere in the signal chain of pedals, cables, and effects processors that run between the guitar and the amp.
5. Isolate each pedal or processor with cables that you know is 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 string 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 with guitar rigs.
7. Reassemble the equipment one piece at a time and check the signal after each step. This will ensure that you will catch anything you 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 without your favorite pedal, but at least the show can go on!
As a fairly seasoned guitar player, I’m almost embarrassed to share my “DUH” moment with you. I’ve already gotten my fair share of ridicule from my bandmates for that, so why invite more abuse?
Hoping you never have to suffer the shame I have!
Enjoy!