While shopping for amps I am playing around at a local shop. Have a Strat plugged into a Tweed Blues Jr 4. They have this ratty in a good way Tweed amp. It’s sitting there without a price tag. It’s obviously a real 50’s or early 60’s “Tremolux”.

While sitting holding the plugged in strat. I lovingly paw at the old one get to the metal power switch feel a tingle. Think “that’s weird” touch it AGAIN to make sure im not crazy when the tingle in my thumb becomes an intense burn. “Hey dipshit you are electrocuting yourself” is the conversation in my head.

I check with the manager to let them know. He says yeah that’s basically exactly what you shouldn’t do. But the old one should not be left plugged in. Which it was.

Anyway, we all chuckle. I love the store. Wasn’t telling them to bitch and no harm was done. Now had I woke up the floor I might have been pissy.

The more you know gif. Lol

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Posted by FightinTigersDammit

Louisiana North

Member since Mar 2006

46425 posts

Posted on 3/29/22 at 5:36 pm to LSU alum wannabe

Don't go all Keith Relf on us.

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Posted by TheFretShack

Member since Oct 2015

1353 posts

Posted on 3/29/22 at 8:40 pm to FightinTigersDammit

Rule of thumb, never touch two "on" guitar amps at the same time. Guys who run bi-amp rigs where they are switching between multiple amps with A/B/Y boxes learn this quickly. I sure as hell did.

And do some Googling about what's called the "death cap" in Fender amps ... and why converting an old Fender amp to a modern three-prong grounded electric cord is STRONGLY, STRONGLY advisable.

How advisable? It's the only mod I can think of you can do to an all original 40s/50s/60s amp that will actually increase its value in the eyes of most players and collectors alike. Because it can then be enjoyed safely.

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