Why do some guitar pickups hum and how to fix it?
If you’re a guitarist, you’ve probably experienced hum from your pickups at some point. It’s a common problem that can be frustrating to deal with. But why does it happen, and how can you fix it? In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes of pickup hum and provide some solutions to help you get rid of it.
Causes of Pickup Hum
First, let’s talk about what causes pickup hum. Hum is an unwanted noise that is usually heard through the amp. It can be caused by a variety of factors, but the most common cause is electromagnetic interference (EMI). EMI is created when the magnetic field of a pickup is interfered with by an outside source.
There are many possible sources of EMI, including:
– Fluorescent lights
– Computer monitors
– TVs
– Dimmer switches
– Power transformers
Some guitars are more prone to hum than others. For example, single-coil pickups are more likely to hum than humbuckers. This is because single-coil pickups have a weaker signal and are more susceptible to interference.
One way to test whether your guitar is prone to hum is to turn up the gain on your amp and touch the strings. If you hear a buzzing sound, that’s the hum. It’s important to note that some hum is normal and unavoidable, especially in certain settings (such as playing on stage with high-powered amplifiers).
Solutions to Pickup Hum
Now that we know what causes pickup hum, let’s talk about how to fix it. Here are a few solutions you can try:
1. Shielding
One of the most effective ways to reduce pickup hum is to shield the inside of your guitar’s control cavity. This involves adding a conductive material (such as copper foil) to the cavity walls. The conductive material acts as a shield, blocking out unwanted noise.
To do this, you’ll need to remove the pickguard or back plate on your guitar. Then, clean the inside of the cavity with rubbing alcohol and let it dry. Next, cut the copper foil to size and apply it to the cavity walls, making sure to leave a few inches of overlap. Finally, solder a wire from the foil to the ground on your guitar’s output jack.
2. Grounding
Another common cause of pickup hum is a grounding issue. If your guitar’s ground wire is disconnected or damaged, it can cause unwanted noise.
To fix this, open up your guitar’s control cavity and inspect the ground wire. If it looks damaged or disconnected, you’ll need to replace it. Cut a piece of wire to size and solder it onto the ground lug of your guitar’s output jack. Then, wrap the wire around the other components in the cavity and solder it to the back of the volume pot.
3. Use a Noise Gate
If shielding and grounding don’t work, another solution is to use a noise gate. A noise gate is a device that cuts off all sound below a certain level. This can be especially useful if you’re playing high gain music, as it can eliminate unwanted noise when you’re not playing.
To use a noise gate, connect it to your guitar’s effects loop or stompbox chain. Set the threshold to the level you want to cut off, and adjust the release time to match your playing style. Once it’s set up, you should notice a significant reduction in hum.
4. Use a Hum-Canceling Pickup
If all else fails, you can try using a hum-canceling pickup. These pickups are designed to eliminate hum and are available for both single-coil and humbucker guitars.
The most common type of hum-canceling pickup is the humbucker. Humbuckers use two coils wound in opposite directions, which cancels out the unwanted noise. Single-coil hum-canceling pickups use a similar design, but with a slightly different winding pattern.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pickup hum is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common cause is electromagnetic interference, which can be caused by fluorescent lights, computer monitors, and other sources. To fix pickup hum, you can try shielding your guitar’s control cavity, grounding the wires, using a noise gate, or using a hum-canceling pickup.
While some hum is normal and unavoidable, these solutions can help reduce unwanted noise and improve your overall playing experience. Keep in mind that these solutions may not work for everyone, and it’s always best to consult with a professional if you’re having persistent issues. Happy playing!
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