»

[rabiusmaximus]

I have had some problems with my electric guitar and there is a slight buzzing that comes through the amp. This goes away when I touch the strings though, which leads me to believe that it is an earthing problem. I also just bought a brand new guitar which has the same problem! Does anyone know if I can sort this out myself and what the problem is? Ive tried earthing some of the pots in my guitar, but the buzzing still occurs.

[Gavlar]

If its happening on both guitars, wouldn't that suggest that the amp is the culprit?

Have you tried it through a different amp to check:?

[Bigsby]

Keep an eye on this, somebody else with the same problem:

The Gretsch Pages: Discussions: Pickups:

[rabiusmaximus]

I dont think it is the amp, because whenn i turn the tone pot on the guitar down it stops, but i'll try my guitar with another amp and see what happens!

[Old Gold]

Are you using a guitar with single coils per chance? The link by Bigsby above will likely help.

[rabiusmaximus]

nope humbuckers!

[Original Spies]

I get this, but it only occurs on my solid state practice amps at home. It never happens at practice rooms at loud volumes, unless I'm using something with single coils in it.

[Pudenfuhrer]

That is, unfortunately, just totally normal - you touch the earthed strings and help form a nice big Faraday cage. The bridge and strings will be earthed - but you aren't - that is until you touch the strings.

Basically - in touching the strings you help shield the guitar from monitor, mobile phone noise, high frequency lights etc

Ever see those basses with like a loop of metal covering the pickup - at the neck and bridge - right over the strings? Well that's why

I'd suggest getting a fine wire mesh phone box sized box - and earth it to your guitar - then play inside the box.

Sorry - seriously now - also check - when you get a lot of noise in your setup - that you haven't got your plugs on your amp and mixer on different wiring looms. If you can run everything from one gang lead - or you live in a more modern place that's cool.

If you must operate across two semi/unconnected earths always use a DI box or something like this with a Ground Lift function to disconnect the two.

As a final - sensible idea

They sell really nice cables - that have an instrument and amp end. The amp is connected to the earth and the instrument isn't -

Planet waves do one and you might try that..

[John W]

my mate went to the emergency room coz he had a massive electric shock once some place south of the boarder, coz something wasnt earthed, and the electricity passed through the mic through him and through the guitar, he could of died apparently,
little scarey story for you there lol

[soundian]

Originally Posted by John W.

my mate went to the emergency room coz he had a massive electric shock once some place south of the boarder, coz something wasnt earthed, and the electricity passed through the mic through him and through the guitar, he could of died apparently,
little scarey story for you there lol

The electricity would've went the other way, i.e. through the guitar, through him and earthed on the mic.