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Post subject: Telecaster pickguard emits static noise
Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2012 6:13 pm
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I have a Mexican Telecaster with several alterations made to it. I don't think the changes made are the cause of my problem. When I brush my finger tips on the pickguard, there is a static electricity noise. It happens on any amplifier. I have copper shielded the "pockets" of the pickups, the back of the pick guard and added additional grounds to go to the bridge plate and the control plate, all to no avail. This is not a buzzing or humming sound, rather a crackling sound. My luthier/technician had this problem with his also. He is just as puzzled by it as I am. I did have a set of Vintage Noisless pickups put on, but the crackling occurred prior to this and still continues. The only other changes made have been graphite saddles and a graphite nut to replace the originals and bored thru the body to anchor the strings to the back of the guitar instead of to the bridge plate. I have also "dusted" the pots with CRC electronic component cleaner. Does anyone have a similar problem or have a solution to this annoying phenomena?


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster pickguard emits static noise
Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2012 11:03 pm
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Bad wiring issue :oops:


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster pickguard emits static noise
Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2012 12:11 am
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Screening/earthing your guitar with copper foil or conductive paint is a good way to reduce electromagnetic interference, which is what gives the usual hum problem. However, the issue you've got here is electroSTATIC interference, generated as you rub your fingers across the plastic pick guard. If you lick your finger tips and rub them on the plastic, I bet the problem goes away temporarily, doesn't it? That's because static doesn't like moisture. The effect tends to be more noticeable in lower humidity conditions, for the same reason.

Some pick guards seem more susceptible to the problem than others - maybe there are different grades of plastic used? Anyway, there is a solution. Get hold of a tumble drier sheet - the sort you use to stop your clothes getting all clingy in the drier - and briefly rub it across the pick guard. This will get rid of the problem for a few days at least. And it'll make your guitar smell sweet, but that wears off pretty quickly!


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster pickguard emits static noise
Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2012 6:45 am
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stiggie_9 wrote:
Screening/earthing your guitar with copper foil or conductive paint is a good way to reduce electromagnetic interference, which is what gives the usual hum problem. However, the issue you've got here is electroSTATIC interference, generated as you rub your fingers across the plastic pick guard. If you lick your finger tips and rub them on the plastic, I bet the problem goes away temporarily, doesn't it? That's because static doesn't like moisture. The effect tends to be more noticeable in lower humidity conditions, for the same reason.

Some pick guards seem more susceptible to the problem than others - maybe there are different grades of plastic used? Anyway, there is a solution. Get hold of a tumble drier sheet - the sort you use to stop your clothes getting all clingy in the drier - and briefly rub it across the pick guard. This will get rid of the problem for a few days at least. And it'll make your guitar smell sweet, but that wears off pretty quickly!



My bet is on this one. Had a MIM Strat with a one-ply pickguard. Mainly in the winter when running the wood heat, I would notice the problem more. I used the dryer sheets and they help on a temporary basis.

Ended up doing some upgrades, three ply pickguard being one, and the problem went away. The only shielding I used was what came standard on the Strat pickguards. The pickups and the wiring stayed the same. Different grade of plastic, maybe I just got lucky.

Other than trial and error I don't know how you could predict which pickguard would be more or less suseptible? I guess I got lucky.

I would check your wiring too. You never know.


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster pickguard emits static noise
Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2012 9:35 am
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It's probably just static electricty, more likley in the cooler weather when our heaters are running.

Just try taking an antistatic sheet that you would use for your clothes drier and wipe down the pickgaurd area..

My Les Pauls do this from time to time, and believe it or not, this does make a difference.


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster pickguard emits static noise
Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:09 pm
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Had the same problem with a Tele deluxe. Was advised to take it apart every time I changed the strings and wipe it down with a fabric softener sheet. What I did was take it apart and shielded everything that could possibly be shielded....problem went away and I haven't messed with it since.....$1,800.00 and they can't shield them at the factory? C'mon give me a break......


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster pickguard emits static noise
Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2012 5:02 pm
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I'd say it could be a few things.Usually for a hum it could a bad ground,bad connection,input jack could be dirty,bad cable or maybe its just your amp or its jack :O The static could be a few of the things listed above too. Some people have even said their electrical wall sockets weren't grounded and that caused the issue for hum :) I would try the easy things first. If all else fails I would open her up and make sure the wires are all connected right and reconnect them. Maybe try a different luthier just for a second opinion? This is all just some suggestions to try and help I hope she gets fixed soon :)


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster pickguard emits static noise
Posted: Sat Dec 01, 2012 2:01 pm
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Thanks for the ideas. I believe that when I upgrade the pots to American made electronics, I'll also upgrade to some heavier wire at the same time. All connections are good. This has happened since the guitar was new, so there is a possibility of sub standard wire to and from the components. I'll also give the bounce sheets a try. Maybe even sandwich a dryer sheet under the pickguard. I wonder if I added some Downey to my guitar polish would work? :lol:


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster pickguard emits static noise
Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2012 5:19 am
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Why not :?:


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster pickguard emits static noise
Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 10:02 am
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I don't know, but I just bought a brand new one December 7th, 2012 and it's doing the same thing. The repairman at the music store where I bought it said it was static electricity in my body. I'm not buying it. I guess nobody from fender wants to comment on it so I guess we are stuck with static. If it keeps on this way I want be stuck for long I'll trade it for a Les Paul. But I think it's bullcrap. I almost bought a Les Paul if someone can't give me a better answer I guess it will be my next guitar.


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster pickguard emits static noise
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 7:58 pm
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not sure if anyone needs a fix to this any more, but this is what fixed that fingertip static for me. i took a anti-static bag, like computer parts come in...cut a section of the material to fit under the section of the guard where the static was building up...and i place the tail end of the plastic just under the control plate and ran the screw thru the plastic. plugged in and no more static.


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster pickguard emits static noise
Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2013 7:02 am
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bootyblues22 ,good fix ,I installed it yesterday. My ultra modded mex tele has been doin that for quite a while, not anymore,thanks


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster pickguard emits static noise
Posted: Fri Feb 22, 2013 7:23 am
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woot, good for you, I put up with that for a year, omg I hated it. awesome that it worked for you also....now knowing my fix wasn't a fluke, lmao


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster pickguard emits static noise
Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 5:26 am
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Hey folks! New to the forum. I bought a Modern Player Tele not too long ago and had some problem with static. I covered every available exposed part of the underside of the pickguard as well as the cavitiy with copper shielding tape. Now, the only time I get static is when using the Strat pickup. Anybody have any ideas?
Thanx!!!!


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Post subject: Re: Telecaster pickguard emits static noise
Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 5:31 am
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Hey folks! New to the forum. I bought a Modern Player Tele not long ago and had some problems with static. I covered every available exposed part of the underside of the pickguard as well as the body cavity with copper shielding tape. Now, the only time I get static is when using the Strat pickup. Any ideas?
Thanx!!!!!!


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