Subject: Re: problem: noise when not touching guitar
Date: 25 Jan 1998 00:00:00 GMT
From: tvogel541–(at)–ol.com (TVogel5415)
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Newsgroups: alt.guitar

I’m not so sure this guy has a grounding problem. I just recently purchased a
set of Fralin Vintage Hots (replacing a set of Duncan Classic Strat Stacks).
When I first plugged the guitar in after it was fully wired up and FULLY
GROUNDED, it exhibited a sharp buzzing sounding in a higher register (this
wasn’t 60 hz hum–it was really pronounced in the “notch” positions which was
very odd given the RW/RP middle pickup). I tried everything to stop the
buzzing, including checking the grounding about 50 times, making sure I had the
right volume & tone pots, etc.

I finally called Lindy and actually spoke to the guy! He agreed I had all
wiring set up per his specs. He also didn’t think this was a problem, since
this is what 50s single coils did. The bottom line was it was a SHIELDING
PROBLEM. Lindy warned me I would lose some of the high-end magic of his
pickups if I shielded the pickguard and body (with shielding paint). He said
“it would add to the capacitance of the instrument and would work very much
like turning the tone control down.” Needless to say, like the idiot I am, I
disregarded his professional advice and the results: Perfectly quite Fralins
that sounded much better in a non-shielded guitar (they were much brighter
before with more overtones). The guy was 100% right. Don’t worry about the
buzz.