I am the orig owner of my USA 1978 strat. 8 years ago I replaced the pickups with Andy fralin pick ups. I had the pickup replaced by a reputable luthier. I still have my orig pick ups in my case. The guitar has always been fairly noisy/buzzy but passable/playable. I haven't played it too much but noticed the buzz alot lately. I tried a tele same amp same outlet alot less noise/buzz. What can be done if anything?

Is Andy Lindy's brother?

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

I meant lindy..I remember fralin though

Is the guitar equipped with an aluminum shield beneath the pickguard?

If not, you might install one. It's Fender P/N 0019699000.

HTH

Arjay

_________________
"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

Thank you. Appreciated.

Prob does not have a shield .. I had no idea to even ask about a shield at the time of the pickup swap... I thought that changing the pickups was the issue...

If noiseless performance is your goal, you may wish to consider other pickup options. There are many noiseless types available -- some from Fender, others from specialty manufacturers. Personally, I favor the DiMarzios.

Arjay

_________________
"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

Well I like the current pickups just don't know how to do what's required to put the shield on...any other options?

Also does fender sell the shield direct. I did a search on the part number but had some trouble locating the part from fender. Thank you

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Genuine-FEN ... 43b3b100cb

Arjay

_________________
"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

I just bought a '78 hardtail (hadn't been in the market for a guitar, but too good to refuse).. up until 1980, only the section of the pickguard surrounding the pots and switch was shielded. After that, the whole guard had aluminium shielding.

Even so, the pickups (from '77-'78) on mine aren't excessively noisy.. nothing that can't be accommodated by changing my orientation toward the amp. Are you sure all of the buzzing is coming from the pickups? If your frets are getting worn (as tends to happen after 30+ years!) your strings may be rattling and buzzing as well. Maybe the pots could do with cleaning. Might be worth taking the guard off and checking the wiring, see if there's anything up with the output socket.