Static Shock When Playing

[AhlyxMU]

These past few weeks, I’ve noticed that the fingers on my right hand will often feel this faint static shock sensation when touching the pickguard or pickups on my bass. Concerned that it was a sign of an underlying problem, I took my bass to a local technician to check it out. He found no issues with the electronics on my bass and said it was correctly grounded. As for any problems with the amp I use (a Fender Mustang Micro), he doesn’t believe it to be the source of the problem either. He thinks the material of the pickguard causes the static shock sensation and recommends I occasionally rub it down with dryer sheets. However, I was wondering if there was another solution to this problem. Any thoughts? 

[SamIAm]

If it not hours and hours between these sensations, perhaps try playing it for a time not plugged in to see if that makes a difference.

 

Sam x

[rmorris]

The pickguard effect is a thing. Esp when material is worn / shiny. Or you may be charging up yourself ? Patent leather shoes ? Nyion Carpet ? Shiny floors ? etc ...

Edited August 24, 2024 by rmorris

[MartinB]

I've never had shocks, but I've had crackling sounds when touching the scratchplate of a guitar where that scratchplate is quite large (e.g. Jazzmaster). It's easily fixed by adding some conductive tape to the back of the scratchplate, and making sure that this is grounded - e.g. run another bit of tape out of the body cavity where there is shielding or conductive paint, so that the two are in contact when the plate is screwed on.

Edited August 25, 2024 by MartinB

[rmorris]

Yes. It happens mainly when the "plastic" pickguard has become "shiny" through friction from playing contact . Also noticed when touching / brushing (isolated) pickguard screws. The conductive tape / grounding method works. For a quick temporary fix try wiping pickguard with anti-static wipes rg Tumble Dryer sheets. For a permanent fix - non-pickguard instruments 🤣