Ground hum? Think I found it, need some help - Ibanez EBH1005MS

[Sklrtle]

Do you have fluorescent lights? Some basses don't like 'em. Ditto with dimmers on lights.

We do have dimmers in the house, but I don't recall noticing any differences when I went into different rooms of the house.

 

[AWMN]

I have a new EHB 1005SMS and am having the exact same issue. Significant noise/hum that is not present with at least five other basses. The primary source turns out to be a dimmer with a bunch of LED bulbs on it but the fact it is so pronounced on this one bass and none of the others is concerning. I did some ground variation tests with a jumper clip and found nothing that worked. Continuity from bridge to ground but no difference at all when I am touching bridge/strings. I was already considering rewiring passive only as I am not an active fan and don’t like the sound of the preamp anyway. Super annoyed at the prospect of having to rewire and shield a new bass but it is so darn comfortable to play…. Watching this thread closely.

 

[themickster]

I have a new EHB 1005SMS and am having the exact same issue. Significant noise/hum that is not present with at least five other basses. The primary source turns out to be a dimmer with a bunch of LED bulbs on it but the fact it is so pronounced on this one bass and none of the others is concerning. I did some ground variation tests with a jumper clip and found nothing that worked. Continuity from bridge to ground but no difference at all when I am touching bridge/strings. I was already considering rewiring passive only as I am not an active fan and don’t like the sound of the preamp anyway. Super annoyed at the prospect of having to rewire and shield a new bass but it is so darn comfortable to play…. Watching this thread closely.

Rewiring will kill your warranty. Take it back to the shop before you open the lid.

 

[OldSchoolFlats]

I have a new EHB 1005SMS and am having the exact same issue. Significant noise/hum that is not present with at least five other basses. The primary source turns out to be a dimmer with a bunch of LED bulbs on it but the fact it is so pronounced on this one bass and none of the others is concerning. I did some ground variation tests with a jumper clip and found nothing that worked. Continuity from bridge to ground but no difference at all when I am touching bridge/strings. I was already considering rewiring passive only as I am not an active fan and don’t like the sound of the preamp anyway. Super annoyed at the prospect of having to rewire and shield a new bass but it is so darn comfortable to play…. Watching this thread closely.

In getting my first LED bulbs, and replacing the dimmer, I find you have to do some research to find bulbs and dimmers that work well together. Not all LED bulbs are dimmable, and some dimmer switches are not so good, or are not designed to work with LED lights.

 

[Sklrtle]

Update:

Just finished putting in shielding and wiring everything back up. The hum is quieter, but still there. It's almost definitely just picking up interference though. If I use myself as a meat shield and put the pickups to my chest the hum disappears.