How hard is it to kill a pickup switch?
- Thread starter HolyDirt
- Start date
Robert S.
Super Moderator
What kind of switch? The inline plastic import switches do not take well to overheating. The switchcraft switches used in MIA Fenders and Gibsons are much sturdier.
I just worked on a LP Studio that had a hground hum like the one you describe and the pots speced out just fine and worked perfectly, except the one doing all the humming. Unless he baked an inline import switch it is more likely a bad pot.
I just worked on a LP Studio that had a hground hum like the one you describe and the pots speced out just fine and worked perfectly, except the one doing all the humming. Unless he baked an inline import switch it is more likely a bad pot.
thanks
Robert S.
Super Moderator
Connect an ohm meter across the bridge and the output jack and confirm zero ohms.
It could still be the switch. I would wire around the individual components to find out if it is the switch or the pots, but I'm guessing it is a pot. The switchcraft switches have steel parts and a good insulator but they can still go bad.
Tracking down a ground issue is a pain, but it can be done if you are methodical.
It could still be the switch. I would wire around the individual components to find out if it is the switch or the pots, but I'm guessing it is a pot. The switchcraft switches have steel parts and a good insulator but they can still go bad.
Tracking down a ground issue is a pain, but it can be done if you are methodical.
Artie
Peaveyologist
He may not have done anything wrong. I have the same problem with my Predator, and I know I did a good soldering/grounding job. 
The problem is much more pronounced, the closer I am to the computer. (Nod, nod, wink, wink.)
Coils and high-speed digital just don't play nice together. Ever try to listen to AM talk radio near a computer monitor.
ARtie
The problem is much more pronounced, the closer I am to the computer. (Nod, nod, wink, wink.)
Coils and high-speed digital just don't play nice together. Ever try to listen to AM talk radio near a computer monitor.
ARtie
I have exactly the same kind of problem with my LP studio and I start to get bored of it. I have changed ALL the pots and the hum is still there when I take off my hands from the strings. I have checked all that can be checked with an ohmmeter. I simply don't understand what happens.:17:
Now I have given up the search and just take my hands on the strings when I'm not playing. What else could I do?!
Now I have given up the search and just take my hands on the strings when I'm not playing. What else could I do?!
garublador
New member
ArtieToo said:Coils and high-speed digital just don't play nice together. Ever try to listen to AM talk radio near a computer monitor.
ARtie
I'm not sure it's as much the high speed digital as it is the CRT in the monitor shooting EMI everywhere. I've heard of lots of people getting the thin LCD screens to cut down on the hum when recording on computer.
Not that important to the subject, but just a little FYI.
HolyDirt said:
Really? All my guitars make more noise when I take my hands off the strings - so have any other guitars I've borrowed and played at home. But I live right by a radio mast, have a PC in my room, and a dimmer switch on the light (this adds a fair amount of noise when I turn the light down). As far as I can see, everything seems to be earthed OK.
Funny, but the problem isn't always there if I play elsewhere. Maybe external things come into play? I suspect the leads connecting the head to the cab on my amp are sh!t, so maybe this problem isn't necessarily to do with the guitar? I heard cheap mains adapters on effects pedals don't help either.
