Fender BUZZ Bass.

kynoch · #1 10-23-2006, 12:08 PM

For some reason my Fender is making a really Loud BUZZ. I'll explain the Buzz. The Bass with the Buzz is a 3 year old Fender Jazz Bass (American Series). It buzzes when I turn either of the pick up volumes to half. If they are left full on they don't buzz and are a quiet as a mouse. I have checked through the electronics of the bass but I can't see any loose conections it all looks fine. Also when I touch the strings the buzz is less but still there. This buzz is killing me I don't know what is causing it and I have NO IDEA how to stop it. can anybody help????

ChrisPbass · #2 10-23-2006, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kynoch

For some reason my Fender is making a really Loud BUZZ. I'll explain the Buzz. The Bass with the Buzz is a 3 year old Fender Jazz Bass (American Series). It buzzes when I turn either of the pick up volumes to half. If they are left full on they don't buzz and are a quiet as a mouse. I have checked through the electronics of the bass but I can't see any loose conections it all looks fine. Also when I touch the strings the buzz is less but still there. This buzz is killing me I don't know what is causing it and I have NO IDEA how to stop it. can anybody help????

all passive Js are like that.

:-/

tplyons · #3 10-23-2006, 01:05 PM

Your bass is picking up electrical signals from your surroundings. Your pickups are a RWRP set (reverse wound, reverse polarity) and therefore when the volumes are equal, they act as a big humbucker, getting rid of all this hum that you hear.

It can be cured by switching pickups to individual humbucking J pickups, all though they take away some of the zing off the top end and having your bass completely shielded. The shielding will help, but not perfect it.

kynoch · #4 10-23-2006, 01:21 PM

Is it possible that the level of buzz depends on what electronical appliances are around it???

Stan Hinesley · #5 10-23-2006, 01:39 PM

Check the ground wire that goes from the back of your volume pot to the bridge (string ground), also the ground connection on your output jack.

~Stan

tplyons · #6 10-23-2006, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kynoch

Is it possible that the level of buzz depends on what electronical appliances are around it???

Yes. A CRT monitor or non-plasma/LCD tv will cause plenty of hum.

It's also possible that your bass is no longer grounded. Does the hum stop or get quieter when you touch the strings?

kynoch · #7 10-25-2006, 12:23 PM

Hey, you know what, I was playing my bass right next to my laptop and so on the advice about CRT monitors and non plasma/LCD TV's I turned it off and what do you know? the buzz dramatically decreased.....that was awsome!!!!

Then........

........I put my bass on the floor and damn the BUZZZ Increased like 100% it was insane......I guess under the floor there is some kinda electrical issues going on.......CRAZY.

I also checked the ground on my Bass and it seems (I have little REAL Knowlege) Ok and connected fine. soooooooooo..... Hmmmm.... I think its some electronical device or something that is causing the problem.

Stan Hinesley · #8 10-25-2006, 12:32 PM

Shielding the control cavity will help alot. A great source of information can be found here: Jazz Shielding Pictorial (Big Images Warning)

~Stan

kynoch · #9 10-26-2006, 04:59 AM

Hey Thanks thats a GREAT thread.....
......Anyone know where to get some of that copper foil?

Stan Hinesley · #10 10-26-2006, 05:18 AM

Just about anyone that sells quality guitar electronics parts. AllParts, Stewart MacDonald, me.

~Stan

kynoch · #11 10-26-2006, 12:35 PM

Ok......I will Get hold of some of that Copper Foil........I only wish I was in Florida and I would stop by "Has-Sound" and buy some off you..............It would make a change from this Rainy London weather......thanks

Stan Hinesley · #12 10-26-2006, 12:40 PM

Yeah it's pretty nice down here this time of year

~Stan

kynoch · #13 11-01-2006, 01:15 AM

Hey,

I found out another source of noise!!!!!!
I was playing my bass through a KORG Pandora (Not the latest one) and it made the Buzz. As soon as I went direct into my amp it stopped......Hmmmmmm.......even with the laptop on.

Could it be the KORG?????