Not Plugging In

[Guitar Cowboy]

I have a Bose L1 compact that I use infrequently. When I practice, I typically don't bother to plug-in even though its super easy set-up with the L1. When I play at my monthly open mic night , there is already a sound system in place. I am wondering if I am doing my guitars or Bose a disservice by not plugging them in often enough. Should I make a conscious effort to practice plugged-in to give everything a proper workout? I think in writing the post , I've answered my own question... yes , I probably should.

Any other  thoughts  out there? Thanks

[Earl]

Electronic equipment doesn't need a "workout" per se.  Modern solid state electronics are generally happy sitting for long periods.  Or even being left on for long periods (example:  I typically don't turn off my home stereo receiver except when leaving for vacation.  That habit might cost me an extra $10 a year in electricity). 

But you should probably plug in on occasion just to stay mentally current on how to set things up and stay accustomed to your plugged-in sound.  I have PA gear that comes out only a few times per year, and it works perfectly every time.  My electric guitar amp sat unused for seven years, but worked just fine recently when I pulled it out for a jam.  I did vacuum out the dust and cobwebs first.

The biggest issue in not using the electronics would be leaving old batteries in the guitar, DI boxes, guitar case accessory compartment, etc.  Batteries WILL eventually die and then leak into places you really don't want contaminated by chemicals.  If you plug in with some regularity, you'll figure out when batteries are dead.

[guitarsrsoawesome]

Aside from the technical issues of lack of equipment use, for someone who only gigs occasionally but wants to be ready for that gig, I think it's really good to practice on your PA at least once a week.  Going to play open mics, you don't want to get there and have to adjust to the different way in which the guitar will respond plugged in.  If you're singing, you also want to be accustomed to how the mic will respond differently than singing sans a PA, so that when you get to the open mic you're accustomed to mic'd singing.

That's just my take.  As a sports coach, I always say, you're going to play the game/match like you practice, so it's good to replicate the situation in which you're going to play live as close as you can so that when you get there, you're ready, and the situation doesn't seem foreign.

[Craig]

Like Guitarawesone said, also it's good to get familiar with the phase switch - you never know when you'll need it.

Craig