Help figuring out amp/guitar problem.

[benherron.rrr]

Hey, I've recently been trying to record my electric guitar, and am having problems with noise issues, which I know for a fact dont relate to the recording chain.

My effects/amp set up is this (chain in order) Guitar>boss mega distortion>boss acoustic simulator>digitech rp80>marshall dfx50.

The problem i'm having is with unusual amounts of white noise coming out of the amp, like a general buzzing which makes any kind of recording very poor quality, the problem is only current when using distortion, either through the effects chain or the on board distortion. I have tried the cables, bought new ones, and unlinking the effects chain, but the problem still persists. So I have been trying to mic a marshall 15watt. which I get very little buzzing. The amp and effects have never really been moved from my room appart from about 5 times when i've needed to put the amp in my car to record/practice elsewhere.

The second is to do with my guitar, Im using a gibson les paul studio which I've had for quite a few years now. I find switching the pickups sometimes fails, and I have to bump the guitar to get them working. which made me wonder if the problem with my amp noise could be a result of this, I know its probably loose wireing from being knocked around a little bit. But im not good at electronics in the slightest, and I find on cirtain frets on cirtain strings (cant remember which ones off the top of my head) They seem to sound a little dead, they dont ring out as well and seem slightly muted, could this mean I need the frets sorting out, or is it a setup problem. I have relplaced the strings about 2 weeks ago and I keep the guitar clean. any thourghts?

 

[leaningpine]

1) Try a different electrical outlet, there may be intermittent spikes going through.

2)The switch may be worn out, you can fix this by squeezing the contacts together, most of the time it works

3)The frets may need to be re-crowned or replaced if there are dead spots, That usually happens when one fret is higher than the other causing the string to touch the fret causing the mute, but also look into a neck adjustment as well, this can cause the frets to mute the strings if your neck is out of wack

 

[mjbphotos]

Are you using battery power or power supplies for the effects in the chain? When you remove the effects from the chain, (not just turn them off), does the noise persist?

Take the guitar to a tech who can go over it, replace any bad electronics, and adjust the neck, if needed.

 

[benherron.rrr]

Thats the obvious answer!! I will deffinatly try switching the amp into a different plug to see if that makes any difference, My effects are mains powered By one plug with an adapter so i can plug numerous devices into it.

Do check overs cost alot? as im a bit low on money at the moment, I have a feeling it may be the bridge, when I have taken off the strings the whole thing falls apart and through cleaning I may have adusted the saddle height a little. But I have no knowlage of guitars so it will be far better to get it looked at professionally