Potential Earthing Issue?

[bassatnight]

Folks,

I have just sold a cheapish J&D Fretless bass via you tube, the buyer has just mailed me to say there appears to be an earthing issue (detailled below) the bass was fine when it left me so not sure if its had a knock in transit, there are no apparent knocks on the bass to testify to that.

Any ideas as to what may be the problem and the best way to tackle it?

[i][b]when plugged in, when I turn the lowest knob (if the guitar is propped up vertically - I assume it controls the high end pick-up), there's an electronic buzz. When I touch the tuning pegs or the exit point of the lead, the buzz disappears, so it must be an earth thing. I have tried different amps, different leads and also checked that my fender strat works fine through all leads and amps.[/b][/i]

Cheers,

Steve.

[Ou7shined]

Certainly sounds like an earth wire has come loose. It can't be confirmed until the control plate has been lifted and the 'lectrics have been looked at. If it is the case then a quick bit of soldering will fix it.

[icastle]

[quote name='bassatnight' post='1027302' date='Nov 17 2010, 08:52 PM'][i]when plugged in, when I turn the lowest knob (if the guitar is propped up vertically - I assume it controls the high end pick-up), there's an electronic buzz. When I touch the tuning pegs or the exit point of the lead, the buzz disappears, so it must be an earth thing. I have tried different amps, different leads and also checked that my fender strat works fine through all leads and amps.[/i][/quote]

Yes that sounds like an earthing issue.
As the machine heads are obviously earthed, it sounds like an "under the scratchplate" problem - so pretty easy to get to and fix if you can wield a soldering iron.

[bassatnight]

Cheers guys, I'll pass this info on. The guy is being cool about it so hopefully I won't end up reversing the sale and taking a wack on the sale.

[Al Heeley]

y'know it can sometimes only come to light if you have dirty electricity on the ring mains the amp's plugged into? By dirty I mean dimmer switches on lights, fluorescent tubes or proximity to fridge - these can really give rise to bad earth hum problems. May be worth Having him recheck it with amp plugged in, in a different room of the house away from the said culprits.

[LawrenceH]

I have to say all my stock single coil basses have buzzed like angry bees if next to anything electrical, and this is often alleviated by my touching the strings - meaning I'm earthed through the guitar. I'm sure this could be improved by careful shielding and earthing but it seems pretty normal based on my experience. Could well have an earth issue, but otherwise maybe he's just got a very well-shielded strat?

[xilddx]

Very clever thread title, don't you think?