Guitar pedals are essential tools for guitarists, allowing them to shape their tone and create unique soundscapes. One question that often arises is whether it is bad to leave guitar pedals plugged in when not in use. In this article, we will examine the pros and cons of leaving guitar pedals plugged in and provide insights to help you make an informed decision about the best practices for pedal usage and longevity.
Pros of Leaving Guitar Pedals Plugged In:
- Convenience and Instant Accessibility: Leaving your guitar pedals plugged in offers the advantage of convenience. When your pedals are already connected to your pedalboard and plugged into a power source, you can simply power on your amplifier and start playing without the need for additional setup or cable connections.
- Preserving Pedal Settings: Many guitarists spend time dialing in their preferred pedal settings for various songs or genres. By leaving pedals plugged in, you can preserve those settings, eliminating the need to readjust each time you want to use them.
Cons of Leaving Guitar Pedals Plugged In:
- Power Drain: Guitar pedals often consume a small amount of power even when they are not actively in use. Leaving them plugged in continuously can result in unnecessary power drain over time. This can potentially lead to shorter battery life (if using batteries) or increased electricity consumption (if using a power supply).
- Risk of Accidental Damage: Leaving pedals plugged in increases the chances of accidental damage. If a pedal is left on the floor or in an easily accessible location, there is a higher risk of it being bumped, stepped on, or damaged by other equipment. This is especially true if the pedals are not securely mounted on a pedalboard.
Best Practices for Guitar Pedal Usage:
- Use a Power Strip with an On/Off Switch: If you prefer to leave your guitar pedals plugged in, consider using a power strip with an on/off switch. This allows you to easily turn off the power to all your pedals at once, eliminating power drain when not in use.
- Unplug When Not in Use: To prevent unnecessary power drain and minimize the risk of accidental damage, it is generally recommended to unplug your guitar pedals when they are not in use for extended periods. This is particularly important when you are not using a dedicated power strip with an on/off switch.
- Utilize Pedalboard Mounting: Mounting your pedals securely on a pedalboard can help protect them from accidental damage. Pedalboards with Velcro or hook-and-loop tape allow for easy attachment and detachment, providing a safe and organized setup for your pedals.
- Consider Using True Bypass Pedals: True bypass pedals are designed to completely bypass the pedal’s circuitry when they are switched off. This helps minimize any potential impact on the signal chain when the pedal is not in use, reducing the risk of tonal degradation or unwanted noise.
Conclusion:
While leaving guitar pedals plugged in offers convenience and preserves your pedal settings, it can also lead to power drain and increase the risk of accidental damage. By using a power strip with an on/off switch, unplugging pedals when not in use, utilizing pedalboard mounting, and considering true bypass pedals, you can strike a balance between convenience and pedal longevity. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences and usage habits. By following these best practices, you can ensure the optimal performance and lifespan of your guitar pedals.
