Buzz when turning vol down on my jazz bass

Stinger2k · #1 05-26-2010, 03:26 PM

I recently pick up a Geddy Lee jazz bass. I play with the vol controls all the way up. I noticed that when I turn either one down I get a buzz, and then when I turn it back up it goes away. Kinda seems like a ground issue but not sure. Could it be the vol control pots? Any idea's? I am sure I could take it back to GC, but not real confident on the repairs, especially if it is something I may be able to fix. Or, like my guitarist said.... It doesn't make noise all they way up, so what's the problem

But I really would like to have it quiet at all postions.
Thanks,
Steve

DanRJBrasil · #2 05-26-2010, 04:51 PM

single coil pickups are a bit noisy, grounding and shielding can reduce it, but not suppress.

johnboy65 · #3 05-26-2010, 04:59 PM

That's single coils for you. It's called a 60 cycle hum. If you have ever noticed "humbuckers" on guitars, that's what they're for. If it REALLY bothers you, look into some side by side or stacked single coils.

crucislancer · #4 05-26-2010, 05:02 PM

The pickups on the typical Jazz bass, including the Geddy Lee, are single coil, and as the previous post said, single coils produce hum. When the two pickups are at the same volume they cancel the hum, but when you turn one or the other down or up the hum reappears.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_coil#Noise_problems

Stinger2k · #5 05-27-2010, 04:26 PM

Thanks for the input and education on this!!