Grounding issue??

[unclebass]

This has already been posted in hardware, setup, and repair, but thought this forum might have some info available as well. I have a MIM 5'er that has had a black Badass V installed along with Quarter Pounder pickups. On smaller practice amps, I am getting a buzz. It is the same buzz that I get with my Squier standard jazz, but when I ground myself either on the control plate or the strings, the buzz goes away. However, on my bass with the Badass, I am only able to ground out on the control plate, not the strings. Is it just the ground contact under the bridge that is bad, or is the Badass not able to complete a circuit? Is it just that the black coating keeps the circuit from being complete? If the bridge were chrome, I would have already checked it out, but I don't want to remove the bridge if it will be in vain. If I turn the tone down or play on larger amps, I do not have any issues. Hoping someone has experienced this and can give me some insight.

 

[Bassamatic]

I think that you have figured it out - it sounds like the black coating may not be conductive on the bridge, or perhaps the ground wire slipped back inside or is not contacting the bridge. I had one where the ground wire had been pressed deep into the wood by the first bridge, and when I replaced it, the wire just didn't press hard enough against the new bridge. I just moved it over a little, put the bridge back on and all OK.

It can't hurt to scrape the bottom of the bridge where the wire touches. If you have or can get a multi-meter, it would also be a good idea to check continuity for all your grounds to the output jack ground.

Good Luck!