Strat Static...Help!

[Scoot82]

I picked up my guitar today and started playing and I noticed a little static sound coming from my amp once in a while, not all the time though. I figured it was the amp and tried a different guitar and there was nothing. I checked all the cables and found nothing. So, I determined that it was my strat (standard mexi). The sound is barely audible and only occurs once in a while, but it is driving me absolutely mad. I also realized that when i picked up the guitar i had left it plugged into the amp and the amp was still on because i had to run and do something and didn't come back for like 2 hours. Could this have caused the problem? Anyone have any advice as to what is causing this sound or what I should do about it. thanks

 

[Laynestaley]

I get this all the time. Whit my computer monitor it's even worse, I have to turn it off to record. If possible, try to keep some distance between your guitar and your amp. I don't think there's much else you could do about it except learn to live with it or buy new gear .

 

[87PRS]

Scoot this could be just a simple ground problem. inexpensive guitars like the Mex strat don't have copper sheilding in the control section. Open up the back, take the lid off and see if there is any sheilding lining the cavity around the control pods, this is an easy fix. Also different outlets in your house can cause static noise depending on what else is hooked up to the circuit, try a different outlet. Of course computers make noise, they have a magnetic field around them and play havoc on the magnets in your pick ups. Like Laynestaley said there ain't much to do about it except try and figure out what is causing it at the source. Proper grounding and insulation on the instrument may be the cause.

 

[87PRS]

Also guitars and amps are left running 4-6 hours a night when gigging, so this isn't a problem.

 

[Scoot82]

ok, i will try these things...i also don't know if i am describing the problem right. It isn't like just constant static like when you have an amp near a computer. It is more like a clipping sound you get when recording too loudly, kinda poppy-sounding. I don't know if this changes anything. If i can't get rid of the sound, would new pickups get rid of it you think? thanks

 

[pennylink]

If you've checked for a possible ground problem, you may want to look for light dimmers somehere in the house, which can cause hum/static problems when they're switched on.

You might also find that changing the direction in which you hold your guitar in relation to the amp might help. Usually holding the guitar perpendicular to the amp will be quieter than holding it parallel to the amp. Same goes for computer monitors.

But assuming your Mexi Strat has single coil pick-ups, that could be a big part of your problem. Most Fender single coils are notoriously noisy, and not just the ones in their Mexican-made guitars. That's why the after-market pick-up business is booming! I replaced my Strat pickups with Kinman (noiseless) single coils specifically made for Strats, and all my annoying and frustrating hum problems are gone.

BTW, you don't have to open your guitar up to see if the cavity's shielded, because it's not. You can buy shielding paint or foil from a music store and do it yourself. For a small investment it might help your situation, and in any case it won't hurt anything.

 

[pennylink]

Scoot82, I was replying to your original post while you were posting about the "clipping" sound. Now I'm not so sure anything I told you applies, and I'm not sure what the problem could be.

If you bought the guitar locally I would take it back to the store to compare it to other Mexican Strats, and exchange it if necessary.

 

[Scoot82]

that's ok, thanks for the help though

 

[Phosphene]

im having the saem problem with my lespaul especially in treble mode. my outlets in my basement are not grounded, so im hoping that clears it up. I tried other cables, amps, speakers....its GOT to be the GROUNDING.....

 

[dch642]

Strat Static-it's not the ground

My Mex Strat (brand new) has a popping static problem as well. It happens only while playing. I found the source (not the cause yet) of the noise. Try quickly rubbing your fingers on the front lower part of the pickguard. It's the only way the static happens. I'm taking it in this week to see what repairs are possible. Sounds like it's an ongoing factory problem in which case I'll have to go to a different model. Good luck!