static crackle

[tpot28]

HI

I recently purchased a new 339 but it makes a crackling noise when I play chords or to be more axact when I release the chord

I returned the guitar and swopped it for another but this one is the same. I have tried different amps same noise, different guitars including A Les Paul No noise. I think that it is static but why is it only on 339's could it be the Memphis tuning. Has anyone else had this problem.

[RLM69]

I've had mine for a year and it still does it, especially along the neck. I don't know if it is the wood or what. I have used a dryer softening sheet on the pick guard and it does help. I have even removed the pick guard and tried it without it and it still does have static crackle. I am beginning to wonder if it is the electronics. Hopefully someone can give us a legitimate solution.

[Ken Rayba]

Hello, I had the same problem with my Telecaster. Did some research and it was static electricity that builds up. The solution was to place a "dryer sheet", like "Bounce" under the pick-guard and sure enough that took care of the problem.

 

I have three Gibson ES series guitars and none of them had this problem, so I don't know if this helps you or not, just giving you some information.

 

Rickie stated he used one and it did help, maybe a different placement of the sheet would do the trick.

[badbluesplayer]

Just take a dryer sheet like Bounce and wipe the pickguard. What's happening is that the plastic in the pickguard gets a static charge from your hand or something rubbing against it. The charge needs to get dissipated or whatever. So wipe it some with the dryer sheet and it should solve the problem, at least for awhile. Put the dryer sheet in a sealed baggie and keep it in your case so you'll have it when you need it.

 

The problem is worse in the winter when the humidity is low. Not so bad in the summer.

 

[Riffster]

My SG does this when I reach for the knobs and touch the wood around I get crackle, I knew it is static but I hope I can address the issue permanently somehow.

[Searcy]

My SG does this when I reach for the knobs and touch the wood around I get crackle, I knew it is static but I hope I can address the issue permanently somehow.

 

 

This will fix your problem Riffster.

 

 

 

As for the 339, I think it might be worth a try to use some conductive copper foil shielding tape on the back of the guard. First solder a wire to the tape because doing so after the tape is applied to the guard will melt the guard. Remove the pick guard and stick the copper shielding tape to the back of the pick guard. Then run the wire through the F hole and connect it to the any of the guitars grounds wires. That should give any static build up on the pick guard a path to ground.

 

Do you guys keep track of the humidity level in your guitar room?

[tpot28]

HI

Thanks for all the suggestions they seem logical ,I will see what I can do.

Thanks .Terry In UK.

[badbluesplayer]

I think the pickguards are more susceptible to static buildup when they're new. Once they get scratched up some it doesn't seem so bad.