I've got an -81 (International Color Series) Stratocaster and over the years I have learned to live with the hum. A while ago, I bought a real cheap chinese Strat and it is totally quiet i sw pos 2 and 4! I can even sit on my combo playing and there is no humming whatsoever.

So, what's wrong with my Fender? Why is it humming in pos 2 and 4?

Most modern-style Fenders (and the various strat-styles from other manufacturers) have a reverse-wound middle pickup so they are hum-cancelling in positions 2 and 4. Older Fenders (and the vintage reissues) did not have a reverse-wound middle pickups so positions 2 and 4 have just as prone to pickup hum as positions 1, 3, and 5 - so there is nothing wrong with your '81 Strat.

If your guitar does not already have one, you can install Fender's full-size aluminum pickguard shield (P/N 0019699000) beneath the pickguard. As well, gently twisting together the wires from the control cavity to the output jack will help.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

hey peter,

welcome, i wont repeat what has been said but i will say, let us see that modern day classic.
that strat is going on 30 yrs. would love to see it.

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"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present."

oogway, kungfu panda 2008