Shielding a Ric?

MaskedJackal · #1 01-02-2009, 02:06 PM

As is kinda expected of single-coil pups, my new 4003 has a bit of a hum sometimes. This really intensifies when I use my Sansamp Para Driver DI. Would shielding the pickguard with copper help? If so, what copper? And how does one go about this? Would an average joe be able to do it? Thanks a lot in advance.

mellowgerman · #2 01-02-2009, 02:09 PM

You can get special copper shielding tape.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electron...pper_Tape.html
Generally it's pretty simple to do. I just did my guild starfire's pickup cavity and it killed a considerable amount of hum.

MaskedJackal · #3 03-23-2009, 08:02 AM

Okay, I know it's been awhile, but I'm necroposting because I've contacted Emerald City Guitars about shielding my 4003. Dude says it will "help plenty, but not kill the hum entirely." Is this true? Has anyone ever completely killed 4003 hum? I've read this article on StewMac: http://www.stewmac.com/tradesecrets/...0052_shielding . I would think that if the shielding/soldering job was done as thoroughly as that Santana Strat, a true hum-slaying could be done. Help, anyone?

ko stradivarius · #4 03-26-2009, 09:21 AM

FWIW, I have my '06 4003 stripped down ready to shield. I was dealing with the hum until the last gig where the hum/buzz was absolutely out of control. Like a dummy I had only brought my Ric. I had to run home and get my jazz bass at the break because it was so bad.
I have a can of CuPro-Cote paint and some bits of copper tape left over from shielding my jazz bass last year.
My plan is to paint at least two coats in all the cavities(because its easier), using the tape on the back of the pickguard(because its cleaner), and using tape to make the connections between the pickguard and the cavities and the bridge pickup surround to the cavity. This is assuming I can use the paint on the copper tape to make sure there is continuity from the pickguard to the cavity.
I did a star ground on my jazz but I'm going to do the Ric in steps as I dont want to start mucking with the electronics if I dont have to.
We'll see what happens I guess.

walterw · #5 03-26-2009, 08:50 PM

shielding will reduce noise, especially the increased noise when you take your hands off the strings, but it will not eliminate single-coil hum.

i've modded my share of ric basses by taking apart the bridge pickup, pulling and flipping over the magnet (it's like a block of hardened tar), and reversing the coil leads. this makes the pickup RWRP from what it was before, and enables it to now cancel the hum when played with the neck pickup.

MaskedJackal · #6 03-27-2009, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

shielding will reduce noise, especially the increased noise when you take your hands off the strings, but it will not eliminate single-coil hum.

How is this possible to do with other single-coil pickups, then, ie a Tele's?

walterw · #7 03-27-2009, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaskedJackal

How is this possible to do with other single-coil pickups, then, ie a Tele's?

it isn't. shielding reduces, but does not kill, single-coil hum.