Ground buzz\hum Issue

[rappa29]

I know. I know. There’s all kinds of posts about all kinds of grounding issues. I’ve done a search but couldn’t find a solution for mine.

Here’s my issue in the simplest of terms:

Precision Special + DiMarzio DP126 + stock bridge = quiet

Precision Special + DiMarzio DP126 + Gotoh 201 = buzz\hum

And as we all know, when I touch the Gotoh, knobs or strings, the buzz\hum stops.

This didn't start happening until after I installed the Gotoh.

I know the problem is the wire that’s sticking out of the body under the bridge is not grounded.

I just don’t know how to fix it?

And I’m really wondering why it was okay with the stock bridge but now it’s not okay with the Gotoh.

So I guess I need to figure out a way to ground that wire to the Gotoh?

There’s only about an inch of wire that’s sticking out through a hole in the body. The wire is crimped so that it’s flat against the body. I can’t imagine it’s so flat that it’s not touching the bottom of the Gotoh. But who knows?

As always TIA for the wealth of knowledge around here!

[Baleen]

Your bridge ground wire is definitely connected. If it weren't, it wouldn't make a difference when you touched the bridge or the strings.

Why the bass hums with that bridge and didn't with the old bridge is perplexing. Perhaps a different material or mass of material? Or maybe the old bridge and/or saddles were rusted and didn't actually add the strings into the grounding equation - maybe they are an antenna now.

In any case, I would suggest two things:
- Shield the control cavity and the pickup cavities. Can't hurt anything to do a good shielding job. (lots of good posts on that)

- Try disconnecting the bridge ground for chucks. Don't rip the wire out, just insulate it with electrical tape so it can't contact the bridge. Of course, this means that your hands on the strings can never help in case of buzz, but it would be interesting to see if it's causing more harm than good.

I would definitely do a shielding job regardless. Once you get on a stage with light dimmers, etc. you'll want good shielding anyway.

Good luck.

[pkr2]

Originally Posted by rappa29

I know. I know. There’s all kinds of posts about all kinds of grounding issues. I’ve done a search but couldn’t find a solution for mine.

Here’s my issue in the simplest of terms:

Precision Special + DiMarzio DP126 + stock bridge = quiet

Precision Special + DiMarzio DP126 + Gotoh 201 = buzz\hum

And as we all know, when I touch the Gotoh, knobs or strings, the buzz\hum stops.

This didn't start happening until after I installed the Gotoh.

I know the problem is the wire that’s sticking out of the body under the bridge is not grounded.

I just don’t know how to fix it?

And I’m really wondering why it was okay with the stock bridge but now it’s not okay with the Gotoh.

So I guess I need to figure out a way to ground that wire to the Gotoh?

There’s only about an inch of wire that’s sticking out through a hole in the body. The wire is crimped so that it’s flat against the body. I can’t imagine it’s so flat that it’s not touching the bottom of the Gotoh. But who knows?

As always TIA for the wealth of knowledge around here!

My experience has been that an ungrounded bridge causes the exact symptoms that your bass has.

It could be that the wire needs scraping on the end of the wire till it's shiny. The wire has to be clean to make a connection.

Move the wire end under the bridge to a little different spot so it doesn't lay in an indention in the wood. Sand the bottom of the bridge to clean it. It could have a clear coat of lacquer that's acting as an insulator.

Good luck