Open string buzzing

hoodrow · #1 09-14-2009, 07:13 PM

(Mods: I wasn't sure which forum this should go in but I ultimately decided this one was best because it's a repair issue. If I'm wrong please move the thread.)

I recently acquired an EBMM Stingray off this forum. It sounds great except there is an awful buzzing noise any time I leave the strings open unless I am touching one of them or one of the knobs. It gets more dramatic the higher I crank the mids, too. It's almost unplayable at anything above a half-crank.

Does anyone have any idea what might be causing this and what it should cost to repair? Given what I gave for it I hope not too much

screaminglucy · #2 09-14-2009, 07:18 PM

is it a mechanical buzz like something rattling? or an electrical buzz like a grounding issue?

Jefenator · #3 09-14-2009, 07:32 PM

Sounds electronic as opposed to mechanical, based on the OP.

Could be the shielding for the electronics compartment - not sure how good the stock shielding is on a 'ray.

Or maybe one coil from the humbucker pickup got somehow disconnected. BCS a quick soldering repair. (Or even better if it's the 5-string maybe it's just in single-coil mode.)

Also, if you have a lamp dimmer running close by, that's going to make just about anything buzz like crazy when you take the fingers off the strings. (Simulates gig conditions with neon beer signs behind the stage.

)

That's all I got - hope you get to the bottom of it quick & cheap!

Swipter · #4 09-14-2009, 08:30 PM

Try plugging it in to another source or area. It may be electrical from the lights, say fluorescent, or some other interference from your house electrical. I've had this before from fluorescent lights and spots. It sounds like "frying eggs". I thought it was my bass until I got an expensive amp head/cab set-up...which took it away.

hoodrow · #5 09-16-2009, 08:08 PM

Just got back from the music store a little bit ago and the bass tech (yes, they have their own bass tech, I was stunned) said it was just the bass reacting to lighting as recommended in this thread. My house is like 115 years old and the wiring sucks. He said the pickups in Stingrays are really sensitive to light especially.

Thanks for the info guys! Sorry for the mispost.