Feedback issues (?)

[paranoid70]

So I was at rehearsal on Sunday and I was getting some pretty nasty feedback. I use a Fender Cyber Twin (2x12) amplifier, it was set to about "4". The room was setup with a small PA, several mics, and a few other guitar/bass amps.

When I was playing my 20th Silo I got some really bad feedback when playing with the neck pickup. For some reason it was totally fine with the bridge pickup. I don't play much with the pups split, so I didn't try that.

I don't quite know what the deal is with that. I never had these issues before, but the last two practices have been really nutty. Tonight I plan to bring both my guitars and see if I get the same response with my SS.

Any suggestions? Even obvious ones are welcome.

 

[Lou]

How close are you to your amp?

What kinda feedback are you getting? Uncontrolable squeals or 'normal' feedback.

Sometimes a pickup will vibrate and cause feedback. This can usually be fixed by removing the pickup ad placing some foam below the pickup and reinstalling.

 

[paranoid70]

How close are you to your amp?.

Pretty close actually. There isn't a lot of room in our jam space.

What kinda feedback are you getting? Uncontrolable squeals or 'normal' feedback.

Good question, both I guess. It can really squeal if I am not muting the strings.

Sometimes a pickup will vibrate and cause feedback. This can usually be fixed by removing the pickup ad placing some foam below the pickup and reinstalling.

Interesting. Does it affect the overall sound much?

The thing that strikes me odd is that I didn't have that problem for several months. I hate to think I need to do something to the guitar itself, I love the way it sounds otherwise.

 

[Lou]

Sounds like you are just too close to the amp - especially since when you mute the strings it stops. Neck pickups are further from the bridge and it's easier for them to drive a string and cause feedback (That's why they put sustainer pickups there). I don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

[mbgreene]

Are you getting the noise plugged into any other amp or at any other space?

I'd give CS or your dealer a call. It may be a wire issue, possibly something loosened up. When I got my first AL a few years back, it had a squeal from just the middle pup (less noticeable in the notches and nothing from neck or bridge) when I first opened it up at the shop I bought it from. It was the same through several amps we tested it on. We called CS right from the store, in fact I think we talked to Scott himself (and let him hear it over the phone) and sent it back. I believe something had come loose during shipping. Fixed it up and it's been righteous ever since

 

[paranoid70]

I bought the guitar used off Ebay, so it's all my responsibility. I will call CS if I determine the guitar really is the issue, but I don't know if it is just yet. There is also a shop in town that does really great repair work. I do tend to think it is "operator error" and not faulty wiring in the guitar. However, I will A/B compare it with my SS (and maybe even my SUB1) tonight.

I just thought it was weird that the neck gave feedback but not the bridge. Lou's explanation does sound reasonable though.

I haven't tried different amps lately. I have been really busy working like a dog fixing up my house, so band practice is the only time I have been playing as of late. It's a nice diversion that's for sure. I should try it out on my other amp as well.

 

[sith]

are you using elixir strings by any chance?

 

[paranoid70]

I tried it again last night and the feedback was there, but only in the neck pickup of the 20th as I mentioned earlier - the bridge was fine. The other guitar player says it's too much reverb causing it.... (I think he just hates reverb). I didn't have too much time to play around with it because the other guys were really getting sick of listening to my feedback.

So, I started using my Silo Spec instead and had no issues at all. I am not sure if it is a single coil vs. humbucker thing for the neck pickups, but the SS was just fine. Next time I'll try to A/B my 20th and my SUB1, they both have HH config.

It may have alot to do with being close to the amp (and perhaps the PA speaker?), but I never have the issue with the SS or the bridge pickup on the 20th, so it is pretty strange.

And, no I don't use Elixir strings. I have used EB Super Slinkys since I started playing in the mid 80s.

 

[candid_x]

Probably a sympathetic harmonic that just happens to act with the bassier frequencies of your neck pickup. The chrome cover might also contribute to it. Pre-potted humbuckers (covered) were known to squeal like pigs. I doubt there's "anything wrong" with the 20th, just a combination of elements, prolly.