Just a general question regarding static effect on a strat, not sure if it's just 60cycle, but theres a quiet static pop when touching the strings. Not really much hum but more a very quiet static discharge pop, then less hum. the pop is very faint just wondering is this normal on a strat or is it a grounding issue?
Cheers

Yeah,it probably normal,some of mine have more static noise than others,mostly the ones with single ply pickguards for lack of shielding I think.I bought an aluminum full size shield to go under a 57 RI,because there was so much static noise from my hand rubbing on the guard,it stopped that but still picks up static from the neck.I think the finish has something to do with it also,but that might just be me...the Strats with a nitro finish are more static-y than the ones with the thick poly finish,at least mine are....but I might just be weird.

Sounds like static electricity build up. The old trick to get rid of it is to gently rub a dryer sheet on the pickguard. Works like a charm. I have to do this to my Telecaster and Gretsch Dou-Jet once a year in winter when the humidity gets real low.

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Obligatory gear list: Fender, Rickenbacker, Gibson, Gretsch, Vox, Martin, and more Fender.

I tried that (dryer sheet) several times but still didn't work,finally decided to do something else....

well the popping noise is hardly intrusive, i only really noticed it at all when i was playing it will real low gain, almost clean at low volume. just want to know if it ssomething that will damage anything on the guitar if i just leave it etc.

anyone? and is 60cycle hum the hum that goes away when you touch the string?