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Static crackle with coated strings

alexbib

alexbib

Supporting Member
Apr 8, 2009
208
206
Connecticut, USA
#1
So, whenever I use coated strings (specifically DR Black Beauties), I get an intermittent static crackle that gets amplified (not a hum as in this thread: coated string and grounding!?). Anyone has a solution for this? It doesn't seem to do it on all amps. It never happens with uncoated strings.

I've read that some people use Dragon Skin coated strings to solve these issues because the coating is conductive, but I'm confused because DR seems to say it's the same K3 coating as in the Black Beauties, simply in a different color...
 
#2
Put it this way, Roger Sadowski himself says that it's a problem across the board with string coatings and it's why he never used it on his strings. I'm not sure how to successfully eliminate all the feedback because of the material and the fact that all coatings take away from the organic properties of the metal on the pickups. If it's the strings themselves causing the interference then there's not a whole lot you can do about it. Hopefully it's actually something in your knobs or cable or one of the jacks. Those can be replaced luckily.
 
#3
alexbib said:
So, whenever I use coated strings (specifically DR Black Beauties), I get an intermittent static crackle that gets amplified (not a hum as in this thread: coated string and grounding!?). Anyone has a solution for this? It doesn't seem to do it on all amps. It never happens with uncoated strings.

I've read that some people use Dragon Skin coated strings to solve these issues because the coating is conductive, but I'm confused because DR seems to say it's the same K3 coating as in the Black Beauties, simply in a different color...
Click to expand...


Yes, afaik, all the coated DR strings use the same coating, just on different metals, and in different colors.

Not sure about the crackle, unless it's a pot or output jack (the most common reason for me), which it shouldn't be since it doesn't do it with uncoated strings; I've never had any sort of issues with the K3 coated strings.

Are you using them top-loaded, or string-through? I have heard of more people having issues with string-through....
 
#4
KaraQ said:
Yes, afaik, all the coated DR strings use the same coating, just on different metals, and in different colors.

Not sure about the crackle, unless it's a pot or output jack (the most common reason for me), which it shouldn't be since it doesn't do it with uncoated strings; I've never had any sort of issues with the K3 coated strings.

Are you using them top-loaded, or string-through? I have heard of more people having issues with string-through....
Click to expand...

Top-loaded. I've switched back to uncoated strings for now :(
 
#6
alexbib said:
Top-loaded. I've switched back to uncoated strings for now :(
Click to expand...

It's too bad you've not been able to figure out the issue, I really love the sound of the coated strings, especially the nickel-plated ones.
I have the neons on three basses (one active & two passive), and had Black Beauties on a fourth passive bass (they're getting swapped onto one that currently has neons).

Was the crackle similar to what you would get from a cable with bad connection in the jack? Different?
 

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