Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by David L. on March 10, 2017 at 9:15pm

Hi Rose,

People usually ground the strings (like you suggest) if it is a single coil pickup. Being a single coil it will still pick up mains hum from nearby electronics - eco bulbs and computers for example, but grounding the strings does help.

Regards,
David L.

Permalink Reply by Rose Ericson on March 11, 2017 at 3:52am

Ok thanks I can do

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on March 11, 2017 at 2:10pm

Your strings should be grounded as David L said and they can be subject to RF interference from fluorescent lights,computers,fans, electrical wiring and switches in your house. Non shielded wiring in your git can be a problem as well as feedback from the space in the box. Bad cables or amp problems can also cause hum.

Regardless of all that, Single coil pickups give 60 cycle hum(noise) unless you have a noiseless pickup. So you'll have some hum to put up with regardless. There are ways around that, but it's involved.

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on March 11, 2017 at 2:18pm

Some things you can do to prevent problems.

Line the inside of your box with aluminum tape or copper shielding tape.

Twist your + and - wires to create a shield or replace with shielded wires.

Put a piece of double sided tape across the bottom of your pickup(cheap way to help with feedback).

Get rid of hum by installing a dummy coil.(Wiring another pickup that's rwrp of the other in series and has the magnets removed)

Permalink Reply by Rose Ericson on March 11, 2017 at 3:23pm

Thanks soo much. I will try to fix. Thanks for you help. I'm learning a lot with this first one. I appreciate your willingness to share info.

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on March 11, 2017 at 3:53pm

No problem. Ask away if you need help or suggestions.

Permalink Reply by Rose Ericson on March 12, 2017 at 5:05pm

So I have grounded the strings, I have shielded the inside and guess what.....the humm is gone!!!!! BOOM You guys Rock!!! Thanks to both of you for your help!

Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on March 12, 2017 at 5:20pm

Glad to be of help.