String Popping/Shorting Noise?

[vcs700s]

I own two basses, both Fenders.

One active P Bass Deluxe and one passive Standard Jazz Fretless.

I have noticed that they both do the same thing, especially after sitting on the stand for awhile in my basement.

When I touch the strings there is a noise, kind of a pop. It is worse on the jazz bass. It has passive pu's and the PJ is active.

I have checked the wiring on both basses and double checked the input jack and the ground wire to the bridge.

Everything looks good. One thing I just remembered. I play the PJ at church and do not have this problem. At church I deal with 60 cycle hum but that is another story.

Any ideas?

Help!

[jimbob]

Originally Posted by vcs700s

I own two basses, both Fenders.

One active P Bass Deluxe and one passive Standard Jazz Fretless.

I have noticed that they both do the same thing, especially after sitting on the stand for awhile in my basement.

When I touch the strings there is a noise, kind of a pop. It is worse on the jazz bass. It has passive pu's and the PJ is active.

I have checked the wiring on both basses and double checked the input jack and the ground wire to the bridge.

Everything looks good. One thing I just remembered. I play the PJ at church and do not have this problem. At church I deal with 60 cycle hum but that is another story.

Any ideas?

Help!

Could be: Moisture in the basement? The electrical circuit you are plugged into could be running into a TV? Bad Cable? Power Chord to your amp? The list can go on...it sounds like you isolated it to the basement so I would try a different outlet to start...it's a PITA but good luck in your search...

[bill law]

Vic
Your passive J bass is wired to be grounded when you touch the string (someone else can be more technical here)-they will discharge static electricity at times when you touch them and make that "pop" Just the way they are-it will also happen as static builds up on the pickguard (like when you drag you fingers on the guard as you pop and slap)
Not sure about the wiring of the other bass-
Bill

[vcs700s]

Another thing I thought of is that it is cold here and we are running our heat alot. We have a humidifier but the air is still drier than usual. I am getting shocked here and there when touching other objects and there is alot of static on the clothes etc. It is interesting that usually the popping on the strings is after the guitars hang in the stand for awhile, then after I play for a minute or so it goes away. Very strange.

Any other ideas?