Winter static

[grizzly59]

Goofy question- I have a Yamaha active bass, if the instrument cable is left plugged into the bass, the 9v battery drains. So I unplug the cable, which leaves the bare end of the cable hanging loose. In the winter I have some static walking around on the carpet etc. If I walk downstairs and fiddle with the cord to plug in the bass, I'm taking a chance on shooting a fat static charge into the amp if I forget to ground myself first. I could unplug the cable from the amp as well. Is there a best method to deal with an active bass + solid state amp + winter static? I know I should have a passive bass + tube amp and leave the cable plugged in, but hey, things are what they are.

Happy Holidays and thanks in advance for any help

 

[beans-on-toast]

Yes, you have to unplug the cord from the bass to disable the battery when the instrument isn’t being used. Yes, static can be shot into the cable under certain circumstances. The voltage and current can vary, it is also short lived. The input impedance of your amp is probably around 1 Meg ohm. That does a lot to dampen a static discharge.

Just unplug your cable at the instrument and the amp. Besides, if you leave the cable plugged into the amp and someone trips on it, the amp can be damaged. Play it safe.

 

[byacey]

Mix up a weak solution of downy fabric softener and water. Spray this on the carpets or flooring in the general vicinity of your amp. This helps to bleed off static charges as you walk.

 

[bholder]

Humidification. Fix the problem at the source.

 

[grizzly59]

Thanks!

 

[agedhorse]

Humidification. Fix the problem at the source.

Better for the basses too.

 

[bholder]

Better for the basses too.

Yup - seeds sprout when wet, but frets sprout when dry. Owie.

 

[MrLenny1]

Yes to, beans on toast, reply and if your still worried about
static ground your self to metal before handling gear.
FWIW I have never had an issue and live in a static
area and carpeting.