• From: over yonder....in PA
  • Registered: 2009-02-09
  • Posts: 240

Topic: Will outlets and power strips alter tone?

This is just a quick question that I thought about sitting in class; it may be a well known fact, but I don't know anything about it. Will running multiple things off one power strip lower the power of each? For instance, if you ran 2 heads and 2 pedalboards off of one power strip, will each individual "gadget"'s quality be lowered?

"The way I like to look at it is....if that's the last time I ever got to play, I'd better give it everything I've got." -SRV

2 Reply by Sonicboom (edited by Sonicboom 2010-10-25 00:00:10)

  • Registered: 2010-07-09
  • Posts: 122

Re: Will outlets and power strips alter tone?

The short answer is no, all outlets get the same power UP TO the limit of the power strip.  However, some items plugged into a common power strip may be more susceptible to noise when other items are plugged in.  This can usually be fixed by using a ground lift adapter.  I don't recommend using these since the device will no longer have an earth ground - not smart.

Power strips and the like will not alter your tone.  If the voltage on the power strip changes (caused by fluctuations from the wall outlet), you will hear a difference in tone.

Guitars: '79 LP Custom, '01 Dickey Betts Goldie - 80 of 114, '00 Chandler Lectraslide
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  • Registered: 2009-02-24
  • Posts: 197

Re: Will outlets and power strips alter tone?

They will if you're Eric Johnson.   big_smile

4 Reply by TubeSaturation (edited by TubeSaturation 2010-10-25 07:46:45)

  • From: over yonder....in PA
  • Registered: 2009-02-09
  • Posts: 240

Re: Will outlets and power strips alter tone?

So basically, you just have to make sure that you're using an industrial type strip with a ground lift if you plan on running a bunch of stuff on it?

"The way I like to look at it is....if that's the last time I ever got to play, I'd better give it everything I've got." -SRV
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Will outlets and power strips alter tone?

basically if its really buzzy, i start looking for neon signs to turn off  lol

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Will outlets and power strips alter tone?

If you're running dual heads and more than one pedalboard, you might want to try and split up the outlets to which you're plugging everything in to avoid tripping a breaker.  2 heads in one outlet and the pedalboards into another.  OR one amp and pedalboard to each outlet.  If everything IS plugged into the same outlet and there is no additional noise than fine, nothing wrong with that.

As far as a ground lift, thats just using a 3 into 2 prong plug adapter on 1 of the amps if you WERE to get a hum or loud buzzing once everything is plugged in.  OR, some amp switchers have a ground loop switch on them that basically does the same thing.  -Seth

  • From: over yonder....in PA
  • Registered: 2009-02-09
  • Posts: 240

Re: Will outlets and power strips alter tone?

Very thorough; thanks guys. I don't intend on running 2 heads and 2 pedalboards though tongue I just tried to think of a rediculous example of what might be "overdoing" it.

Thanks again!

"The way I like to look at it is....if that's the last time I ever got to play, I'd better give it everything I've got." -SRV