Small electric shock from steel?

[Tony Russell Davis]

Agreed - do not use the rig until it's checked out. However you could totally disconnect from the amp and see if you can reproduce the effect by squirming around on your seat before putting the bar on the strings. That will show up if static has anything to do with it. I used to get a belt from the car if I touched bodywork after sliding out of the seat. New underpants with no nylon content sorted that out!
If you find static, still get the electrics checked out!!!
Like Ken I also use a circuit breaker on a trailing socket, even in the house. In the old band the guys had a 1/4 in jack gizmo (called a "playsafe" I think) that went into the amp socket and took the guitar lead - for the same reason.

[Charlie Brown]

As other steelies have mentioned, it's definitely the amp, not the PS.

If you're playing through an old fender have the infamous "death cap" removed + install a new three prong power cord, that should get rid of the nasty shocks. Removing the death cap is a simple as clipping it off, but all electrolytic caps must be discharged before doing so, they store very very very high voltages, even after the amp has been unplugged.

However, if you're playing through a solid state amp I'd have that checked AND your grounding connections at home... Someone above described it perfectly - you're acting as the ground when you touch something like a mic, closing the loop...

Tell us a little bit more about your setup

[Mark]

Hi Brad

Regarding your electric shock problem; Yes, it could be static and that of course that would suggest your steel is nicely earthed. On the other hand, it could suggest your steel is not being earthed via the amplifying equipment you're using. I would recommend you have all your equipment PAT tested. This test specifically checks the continuity of the earthing and tests the earth connection at a much higher current than an ordinary multi-meter or continuity tester - the higher current is required to measure the earth continuity accurately. If you look in your local Yellow Pages you should be able to find someone local who will PAT test your equipment for a reasonable cost. If all your equipment passes then you should ask your electricity supplier or landlord to check the earthing of the dwelling.

Hope that helps

Mark