weird

[old_metal_head]

I have a single pickup fixed bridge signature MM guitar that has a custom Dimarzio pickup that is said to have a sound cose to the Virtual PAF.

So I've been playing it more and more, and the more I play it the more I notice a weird uncontrollable harmonic squeal. It's like the pickup is trying to be a microphone when not strumming and especially when palm muting.

Typically I play with my right hand close to the bridge over the pickup. I have to move my hand up away from the pickup on this guitar, which kills muting.

None of my other guitars do this, and this one does it al all volumes. If I crank my amp this squeal will tear you ears off.

Has anyone ever heard this?

Is it me or the pickup?

 

[beej]

Hmmm ... sounds like a bad pickup to me if it's gone microphonic. Maybe it needs to be re-potted in wax. I'd call customer support and see about getting it replaced.

 

[fogman]

Out of curiosity, which model guitar is it?
Also, not to insult but some people don't know the difference. It is a true Music Man guitar correct? Not an OLP!?

 

[old_metal_head]

Okay so it's a EBMM Benji green model. I didn't want to say that because the discussion would almost immediately turn south.

It's _really_ bad when I use my friends PodXT Pro. We were using the Pod to record to his PC and the sound was very noticable.

I can hear it when I play through my amp too.

Guitar --> George L's .255 cable --> Rect-O-Verb.

I'll try to post a sound clip later.

I have a TZ. Maybe I'll install that tonight too. I hate to bastardize a great guitar.

 

[fogman]

Okay so it's a EBMM Benji green model. I didn't want to say that because the discussion would almost immediately turn south.

It's _really_ bad when I use my friends PodXT Pro. We were using the Pod to record to his PC and the sound was very noticable.

I can hear it when I play through my amp too.

Guitar --> George'L .255 cable --> Rect-O-Verb.

I'll try to post a sound clip later.

I have a TZ. Maybe I'll install that tonight too. I hate to bastardize a great guitar.

I don't think there's anything wrong with the Benjis! They are still Music Man guitars!!! I don't want to turn this into a Benji thread but think a lot of forumites issue is that it's a Signature guitar with one pickup! No biggie. I think they're very attractive axes.
Anyways, back to your question!
Is the sound similar to feedback screetch?

 

[Raz]

Pup height

 

[NorM]

I agree with Beej and Raz. I think it's cool that you brought the issue up here for a quick "Am I crazy Check" but I bet the good folks at customer Service can straighten this one out for you using a little technique that Big Poppa calls "The Right Way."

I have never heard of this problem before but I am interested in knowing what the final problem determination is. All part of my live and learn policy. Thanks for bringing it up here and I look forward to finding out what the answer is.

The Benji I played screamed too. But in a good way. I think the description you gave is a little different.

Hopefully it won't take to long but you can bet it will be done right.
Beej is the man just cause he's super cool. I like his guitars too. and man he looks GOOD Healthy I mean.

 

[beej]

Why thank you Norm

That's a lotta love

 

[lock-ny]

sounds like a microphonic pup, its happened to me before with a duncan, not sure how or why it happens but it does, you need to replace the pup or have it repotted, maybe MM will send you a new one...

 

[old_metal_head]

Thanks people.

I lowered the pickup and it mostly went away, but so did the tone.

I think it was a combination of my playing and the harmonics of that specific pickup.

I think the point is moot now.

I droppd in a TZ. It's not F-spaced but it sounds far superior than the OE pickup.

More to my liking anyhow.

When I get some extra cash I'll buy the right one.