Strange Buzzing

[DruidsGlass]

Hey everyone,

I've noticed recently that my bass has developed a noise. It's something between a buzz and static. The weird thing is that if I put my hand on the bridge it goes away. I know it's not the strings responding to any vibration because placing my hand on them does not alter the sound. Any ideas what that is?

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

Hey everyone,

I've noticed recently that my bass has developed a noise. It's something between a buzz and static. The weird thing is that if I put my hand on the bridge it goes away. I know it's not the strings responding to any vibration because placing my hand on them does not alter the sound. Any ideas what that is?

Does it stop only when you touch the bridge or does it stop when you touch any other pieces of metal?

If it is just the bridge you will need to reconnect the ground wire that runs from the bridge to the electronics. The bridge usually just holds it is place with pressure, good chance it just slipped out but it may need to be re-soldered. If you have aluminum or copper tape kicking around I would add a little piece under the bridge to ensure a better contact.

 

[JustForSport]

Does it make noise when the strings are sounding, or also when they're fully muted?

Check the saddle springs- maybe one is slack or a string is touching it and vibrating.

 

[DruidsGlass]

Does it make noise when the strings are sounding, or also when they're fully muted?

Check the saddle springs- maybe one is slack or a string is touching it and vibrating.

It makes the sound regardless of whether the strings are vibrating or not. I've test with them muted, playing, and left alone. I checked the springs and found nothing out of the ordinary. When I am touching the bridge, I am touching the plate behind the springs.

 

[DruidsGlass]

Does it stop only when you touch the bridge or does it stop when you touch any other pieces of metal?

If it is just the bridge you will need to reconnect the ground wire that runs from the bridge to the electronics. The bridge usually just holds it is place with pressure, good chance it just slipped out but it may need to be re-soldered. If you have aluminum or copper tape kicking around I would add a little piece under the bridge to ensure a better contact.

Thanks, I'll check that out.

 

[JustForSport]

It makes the sound regardless of whether the strings are vibrating or not. I've test with them muted, playing, and left alone. I checked the springs and found nothing out of the ordinary. When I am touching the bridge, I am touching the plate behind the springs.

Given that, I have to agree with @DiabolusInMusic that it seems to be a grounding issue, and if not at (under) the bridge, then check the other end of the bridge grounding wire.

 

[twistd]

I have this same issue with a 2012 Fender Precision. When I touch the strings it goes away, so it definitely seems like a ground issue. Is this likely a loose ground connection somewhere? Where do I check first? Thanks.

 

[Turnaround]

I have this same issue with a 2012 Fender Precision. When I touch the strings it goes away, so it definitely seems like a ground issue. Is this likely a loose ground connection somewhere? Where do I check first? Thanks.

If the sound goes away when you touch the strings, it's not a grounding issue. It is likely a shielding issue. The bass is picking up noise from YOU. When you touch the strings, you ground yourself and the noise is drained away.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

I have this same issue with a 2012 Fender Precision. When I touch the strings it goes away, so it definitely seems like a ground issue. Is this likely a loose ground connection somewhere? Where do I check first? Thanks.

@Turnaround is correct, you have a shielding issue. A grounding issue would get more quiet when you touch the strings. The reason the OP's issue points to ground is because it stops when they touche the bridge only, yours stops when you touch the strings and probably any other piece of metal, including the bridge.

Give your bass a proper shielding job and the issue will stop. There are plenty of great resources on this site but if you have any additional questions you would probably be better off making your own thread, it will get more views.

 

[twistd]

I did not start a thread because I knew there were a million. I did do a search, and you two have been very helpful on the topic. I think it is shielding too. The sound would get worse when I rotated the bass. Of course, I can't get it to make the noise at all now. I will observe for a few days and see what happens. Thanks for helping with this.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

I did not start a thread because I knew there were a million. I did do a search, and you two have been very helpful on the topic. I think it is shielding too. The sound would get worse when I rotated the bass. Of course, I can't get it to make the noise at all now. I will observe for a few days and see what happens. Thanks for helping with this.

Glad to help, I hate unwanted noise. Your bass does need the shielding. The noise just will be more present in some locations than others, you may not even get noise in some environments.

There are plenty that don't consider RF interference as an issue, people just live with it. Even lots of techs will tell you this, which is wrong in my books.

If you decide to do the job do not buy your supplies from Stew-Mac, they are highway robbery. Use MG Chemicals Supershield, available on Amazon or from your local electronics supplier, and get copper tape from Ebay or Amazon, it can be found locally at stained glass supply shops. It can also be found as slug tape at hardware stores depending on your region. Slug tape does not have conducitve adhesive, which is something you want to get (ensure this when buying online).

 

[twistd]

Glad to help, I hate unwanted noise. Your bass does need the shielding. The noise just will be more present in some locations than others, you may not even get noise in some environments.

There are plenty that don't consider RF interference as an issue, people just live with it. Even lots of techs will tell you this, which is wrong in my books.

If you decide to do the job do not buy your supplies from Stew-Mac, they are highway robbery. Use MG Chemicals Supershield, available on Amazon or from your local electronics supplier, and get copper tape from Ebay or Amazon, it can be found locally at stained glass supply shops. It can also be found as slug tape at hardware stores depending on your region. Slug tape does not have conducitve adhesive, which is something you want to get (ensure this when buying online).

The MG stuff still ain't cheap, with the silver stuff over $100 per can. This is the cheapest I found on Amazon:

MG Chemicals 841 Super Shield Nickel Conductive Coating, 340g (12 Oz) Aerosol Can: Conductive Paint: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

I imagine $28 will cover a few basses. However, I think I'll start with the tape because the stock fender pickguard had tape and the WD one on there now does not. Thanks again for your help.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

The MG stuff still ain't cheap, with the silver stuff over $100 per can. This is the cheapest I found on Amazon:

MG Chemicals 841 Super Shield Nickel Conductive Coating, 340g (12 Oz) Aerosol Can: Conductive Paint: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

I imagine $28 will cover a few basses. However, I think I'll start with the tape because the stock fender pickguard had tape and the WD one on there now does not. Thanks again for your help.

The can runs me about $50 CDN after tax. It will do a handful of basses, however. I use a combo of tape and paint but it's really just a matter of personal preference, no material will make the bass any more silent.