Multimeter for Guitar And Related?

Hey Hexspa,

I have a couple relatively inexpensive digital multimeters (and several analog ones that I almost never use). Fluke is pretty much the gold standard but my suggestion is to save your money. I just looked at Amazon and I have to admit that the selection is overwhelming.

The one I use most is a brand called Elenco and I've have it for about or over 25 years. Here's one similar to it:

www.amazon.com/Elenco-M2666K-Multimeter-Kit/dp/B000261PI8/ref=asc_df_B000261PI8/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312177448019&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3056319933129667684&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021427&hvtargid=pla-570352738205&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=61495038909&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312177448019&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3056319933129667684&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021427&hvtargid=pla-570352738205

Milliamps and Amps (milliamps are just thousandths of an Amp) are useful to be able to measure but you're mostly going to need Ohms to read resistances in your guitar wiring and pots. Capacitance is handy too if you want to read a capacitor. You get voltage with all DMMs (digital multimeter) but you can actually read millivolts of AC voltage that your guitar pickups generate...but AFAIK, nobody does that much. You'll find some that also read frequency so that might be useful depending...

I saw a youtube awhile ago comparing a Fluke to a cheaper clone and the functional difference was negligible except the Fluke had a lifetime warranty.

Since you're just starting out, look for tutorials on how to use it (i.e. how not to destroy it by sticking the probes on the wrong thing at the wrong time) Like trying to read Ohms with the power on!

I know you didn't ask but having an oscilloscope and frequency generator are very handy for building stuff and troubleshooting. You can get software versions but I have old-school used ones. Don't worry about that now but you might put it on the horizon.

And then there's Harbor Freight! Several years ago, my son was interested in goofing around with something involving electricity and I got him a cheap (maybe $2 or $3) meter from Harbor Freight. He left it behind when moved out and I just found it and replaced the battery and it seems it's probably all you need...for now anyway. So I looked at The HF website and they have that one for $8 BUT.. the one for $22 is LADEN with features!:
www.harborfreight.com/11-function-digital-multimeter-with-audible-continuity-61593.html

So I was going to say if you get that $8 one you can "dip your toe in" and see how it goes BUT NOW, I'm saying "splurge" on that HF meter for $22 and you'll probably be good for the foreseeable future. And if you don't like it or it's DOA out of the box you can just bring it back.

Keep us posted on your preamp. Right now I'm working on an "Inline Mic Booster" kinda like a "Cloudlifter" if you've seen or heard of them. It's super simple. I'm just waiting for parts from www.taydaelectronics.com/ My son found this site when he was on a pedal building kick (he must have built 2 dozen or so different pedals) So check out Tayda for super low prices and cheap shipping on parts!