Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Thomas "Duck" Petry on February 2, 2016 at 1:46pm

Sounds like the problem might be in your amp if the pickup was properly pre-wired.  I'm sure others here know more about wiring stuff then I do.

Permalink Reply by Jim Dickison on February 2, 2016 at 3:11pm

Is your bridge (and strings) grounded?

Permalink Reply by Robert Killen on February 3, 2016 at 6:32am

That last option also increases the possibility of getting hit by lightning. Which would be pretty awesome!

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on February 3, 2016 at 10:46am

That pickup isn't wax potted, so it will be noisy to begin with. Your problem could be a ground issue like a bad solder joint or a missed joint like the bridge/tail piece. The jack, pots, bridge/tail piece and pickup ground should all be linked together.

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on February 3, 2016 at 10:55am

In addition, Un-potted pickups can pickup stray radio signals, noise from fluorescent lights and even ceiling fans.

Could also be a bad cord or an amp problem. Process of elimination: will other guitar/CBG work ok with same cord and amp?

Permalink Reply by Jim Dickison on February 3, 2016 at 5:52pm

That's not true... Un-potted pickups can pick up physical vibrations, such as audio feedback and physical movement (i.e. if you tap the box or pickup and hear it through the amp because it's microphonic.) Potting reduces physical movement of the coils. It has zero effect on radio or electrical noise!

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on February 3, 2016 at 7:48pm

My 60's MIJ semi-hollow body guitar had large unpotted single coil pups that were microphonic. I was playing my guitar, layed it on the bed with the amp still on and the controls where I had them, to go downstairs and get a drink. When I came back upstairs I heard talking coming from my room through the amp. Was either a talk radio show or CB radio from nearby highway, but yes it can happen. Worked like a antenna I guess.

Permalink Reply by Thomas "Duck" Petry on February 4, 2016 at 4:25am

I know that the voices aren't real, but they have some pretty good ideas anyway.