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Static Electricity from Coated Strings

WoodyG3

WoodyG3

May 6, 2003
6,647
268
68
Colorado, USA
www.toucantrackclub.net
#1
Has anyone else noticed a bit of static like sound occasionally from coated strings due to static electricity? I live in a very dry climate, and I guess a little friction on the coated surface of the Black Beauty strings I am using on one bass is causing some tiny bit of static electricity that the pickups are picking up. At least, that's what I think it is! :confused:

I can't hear it in a band context, so it's no big deal, but I find it interesting.
 
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#4
That's funny, I was noticing a barely audible static sound coming through my bass awhile back whenever I would be slapping. I found the cause was my right hand knuckles brushing against my laminate pickguard. It only seems to do this with my Sadowsky and my Roscoe Beck, both of which have exposed pole pickups. I don't notice it on my Lakland which has the covered pole pieces. Weird.......
 
#6
lwender said:
That's funny, I was noticing a barely audible static sound coming through my bass awhile back whenever I would be slapping. I found the cause was my right hand knuckles brushing against my laminate pickguard. It only seems to do this with my Sadowsky and my Roscoe Beck, both of which have exposed pole pickups. I don't notice it on my Lakland which has the covered pole pieces. Weird.......
Click to expand...

Rub a dryer sheet on your pickguard and see if that helps your problem. Static buildup on plastic pickguards is fairly common.
 
#7
WoodyG3 said:
Has anyone else noticed a bit of static like sound occasionally from coated strings due to static electricity? I live in a very dry climate, and I guess a little friction on the coated surface of the Black Beauty strings I am using on one bass is causing some tiny bit of static electricity that the pickups are picking up. At least, that's what I think it is! :confused:

I can't hear it in a band context, so it's no big deal, but I find it interesting.
Click to expand...

I know this is a terribly belated reply but yes-- I noticed it occurring on my white 1985 Aria Pro II ZZB Deluxe Explorer style bass after I replaced the original metal strings that came on it with the DR Neon White coated strings, having bought it used. I also have a black Aria pro II, same model and year, with the same pickups, but with traditional uncoated strings, that did not have that issue, or any of my other basses with regular strings.

I verified this after replacing both pickups and electronics in the white one, trying a brand new Mogami high end cord, and partially disassembling and cleaning my bass amp!

The pickups in my white bass were on the weak side, and I don't really miss them-

With that said, MJS Custom Pickups will drop right in the odd size pickup cavities of these basses with no problem and look good if you use their black EMG-style covers. In my case, I replaced the original P style split-coil configuration with an inline split single in the neck position and a standard double coil bass hum bucker in the bridge position.

I still get the transient static fizzy sound on occasion, but I now know it's not my bass' or equipment's fault, but that of the coated strings. But they sure look good on that bass!

Contact info should anyone want to replace theirs-
MJS Custom Handwound Guitar and Bass Pickups – Handwound Custom Guitar & Bass Pickups
 
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