New MM Cutlass is noisey

[Zer0ed]

Hi folks, I'm new here and wanted to first say hello to everyone here. I just purchased a new MM Cutlass (white) but I'm a little taken a back with how sensitive it seems to be to noise. It honestly doesn't seem any quieter then my normal Fender Strat, isn't it supposed to be? I tried a new 9V battery but it made no difference. The buffered output circuit (tone wise) seems to be working but I'm disappointed with regard to how noise sensitive the guitar seems to be. It actually at times seems noisier than the Strat. Aside from that fact, I just love the guitar! BTW, I'm using it strictly for recording via Computer, DAW, plugins etc.... Would appreciate hearing some feedback regarding this issue from other Cutlass owners out there? Thanks in advance.

 

[jones4tone]

Greetings. I'm not a Cutlass owner (yet), but just wanted to say welcome to the forum, and congrats on the new guitar!

I'm sure others here will weigh in on the issue you're experiencing shortly.

 

[Fro]

My Cutlass is noticeably quieter than my Stratocaster. I wouldn't be exaggerating by saying mine is dang near silent. It's not 100% noise free, but it's close to it.

 

[Zer0ed]

My Cutlass is noticeably quieter than my Stratocaster. I wouldn't be exaggerating by saying mine is dang near silent. It's not 100% noise free, but it's close to it.

That's disconcerting. Then something is not right here. I'm using the software amp emulation package called S-Gear and it's noticeably noisier with some patches then with my Strat.
jibasscatcher: Even with pedals it's much quieter then your Strat? Anyone have a phone # for the MM Support line?

 

[xjbebop]

Didja make sure your battery isn't weak? (assuming the Cutlass uses one...)

Contact | Ernie Ball Music Man

 

[Zer0ed]

Didja make sure your battery isn't weak? (assuming the Cutlass uses one...)

Contact | Ernie Ball Music Man

As I mentioned in my first post I installed a new battery just in case that was it, but no difference.

 

[Flash Gordon]

Check the ground in the wiring! Welcome to the forum, too!

 

[mikeller]

I'd call customer service. Mine is very quiet as well.

 

[TripHazard]

Likewise - dead quiet, although I'm only using it into an amp

 

[mikeller]

Have you tried it into an amp? Perhaps you are picking up noise from the computer/or monitor?

 

[Zer0ed]

Have you tried it into an amp? Perhaps you are picking up noise from the computer/or monitor?

Hi, thank you folks for responding. I've considered it might be picking up noise from the computer/monitor but it still should be better at isolating that noise then a normal Strat no? I don't own an amp here since I do all my writing/recording though software amp emulation packages. I'm also in that business.

 

[TripHazard]

Hi, thank you folks for responding. I've considered it might be picking up noise from the computer/monitor but it still should be better at isolating that noise then a normal Strat no? I don't own an amp here since I do all my writing/recording though software amp emulation packages. I'm also in that business.

I think best thing is drop a line to customer support - maybe even record a sound sample so you can send it them to hear.

 

[Zer0ed]

Update: I was able to find another white Cutlass online today, purchased it, and got the added bonus of saving local sales tax on it as well, which out here in AZ is 8.1%. I'll keep you folks updated with my findings when the new one arrives. I have to tell you I absolutely am in love with this guitar! What a monster tone machine!

 

[mikeller]

Good luck - hope it all works out. Let me ask you - does the noise diminish any if you walk away from your PC? I know I mentioned this early - but I get some noise even with humbuckers in my man cave and attribute it to something in the room. Not sure if its the computer or battery backup or what?

 

[Zer0ed]

Thanks. Yes it does diminish. I guess I'm a bit surprised that with its shielding and circuitry that it isn't less susceptible to this type of noise then a normal unshielded Strat.

 

[mikeller]

Guitar picking up computer noise? - Home Recording forums

 

[Zer0ed]

Update 2: The new Cutlass has arrived and after checking it out I'm happy to say it doesn't exhibit the same noise issues as the first one. This one is pretty much dead silent.

 

[Fro]

And I'll bet it sounds great.

 

[mikeller]

Excellent news!!!! Good deal

 

[Zer0ed]

Yes, now that the noise issue is no more it sounds even better!