Strange noise coming from my SR4 07LE pickguard

[syciprider]

I don't think this is a CS issue. I think this is something I can fix on my own. I get this crackling sound from my amp when I pop my strings and my finger hits the PG. I can also duplicate it by tapping lightly on my PG. When I removed the PG I got all sorts of static like crackling while I was turning the screws. I also noticed that the PG had all sorts of static of it after I removed it (I could hear the static discharge onto my fingers.) How can I prevent static build up between the PG and the bass body?

Thanks

 

[the unrepentant]

That's weird, i've never heard of that before... you're getting static? i don't a clue what could be causing it or how to earth something like that... Does the PG have metal on the back of it or anything?

 

[syciprider]

No, stock EB PG. Surface static build up. Weird. It could be anything really. The clothes I wear, the way I walk inside the house (carpeted floors). I'm hoping someone else had this experience and knew how to prevent static build up in this case.

 

[jmbstudios]

Well, I have seen this in my old Fender Tele Deluxe. Static, but no crackling...

Now this was a very odd remedy that a well respected luthier gave me. And when he told me I thought he was crazy, but it worked.....

I dont know if they still make it, but there is an anti static spray used by computer techs, and also there used to be static cling spray...

Take the pic guard off, spray it, let it dry... Spray it on a cloth and wipe the cavity of the bass. You can also lightly spray it in the cavity and the wood under the pickguard, but be sure to let it dry before you plug it in...and wipe off the p'up.

Now.. I tried this and it worked. It may have been a freak thing, cause I still think it is a little over the top.

Also, check all of your wiring to make sure there is not a freyed wire touching something. Or if your ground comes up under the PG to contact the bridge(shouldn't, but might) check that.

Good luck.

jeff

 

[Ken Baker]

I don't think this is a CS issue. I think this is something I can fix on my own. I get this crackling sound from my amp when I pop my strings and my finger hits the PG. I can also duplicate it by tapping lightly on my PG. When I removed the PG I got all sorts of static like crackling while I was turning the screws. I also noticed that the PG had all sorts of static of it after I removed it (I could hear the static discharge onto my fingers.) How can I prevent static build up between the PG and the bass body?

Thanks

The above-mentioned static spray is effective, as is wiping down the guard with a static dryer sheet. Neither is permanent, but if the problem isn't ongoing it makes a great deal of sense to go that route. Ah, winter.

If the problem happens pretty much year 'round and you get tired of dealing with sprays or sheets, another method is to ground the pickguard. This involved applying copper shielding tape to the underside of the guard and connecting it to ground. This doesn't work for every bass because you need a way to get a ground connection to the control cavity without marring anything. It might be do-able if a tiny wire, or even a slice of shielding tape, can be fed down next to a pickup and on to the cavity.

YMMV and all that.

Ken...

 

[daangroen]

The above-mentioned static spray is effective, as is wiping down the guard with a static dryer sheet. Neither is permanent, but if the problem isn't ongoing it makes a great deal of sense to go that route. Ah, winter.

If the problem happens pretty much year 'round and you get tired of dealing with sprays or sheets, another method is to ground the pickguard. This involved applying copper shielding tape to the underside of the guard and connecting it to ground. This doesn't work for every bass because you need a way to get a ground connection to the control cavity without marring anything. It might be do-able if a tiny wire, or even a slice of shielding tape, can be fed down next to a pickup and on to the cavity.

YMMV and all that.

Ken...

that is a solution yes, but why should the solution be so hard, since this isn't normal it should be able to be fixed right? i would call CS to be sure, maybe they know an easy permanent solution.

 

[Psycho Ward]

I wouldn't play it in the bathtub till you get this sorted out.

 

[hankSRay]

just take the pg off and wipe it down with one of those anti static fabrc sheets like Bounce or Static Guard. The same thing happened to me with my old red sparkle when I put a new pg on.

 

[Kirby]

I have an 80's Spector that has the same thing with the back control panel. I use the dryer sheet method and it goes away. I have even re-shielded the cavity, just some gremlins in there I guess.

 

[syciprider]

The Bounce method worked!

The Not Bongo crackles no more.

 

[Brim]

sweet...good to know b/c I'm getting ready to tort my natural SR5. I will keep a Bounce sheet at hand if needed.