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Guitar will do nothing but hum

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(@athompson808)
New Member
Joined: 13 years ago
Posts: 2
Topic starter  

I'm working on a Bently (an old LP copy). I've totally replaced all the wiring, pickups, etc.

Now it's just humming, unless I touch it (which sounds like a ground issue to me).

I've rewired THE ENTIRE THING 3 times.

I've re-soldered ALL THE GROUND CONNECTIONS more times than that.

I've checked the ground on the tailpiece several times. I've drilled a hole through the bottom of the tailpiece, and wrapped the ground around it. I've tried to solder it in. I unsoldered the wire and jammed the tailpiece up against it (the way it originally was).

I've scraped the jack to make sure it's got a good connection.

I've retraced my wiring over and over and over again. I've inhaled tons of lead smoke.

And still, it just hums. New wiring, new pickups, new pots. It all just hums.

Any suggestions?

I'm using 66/44 electrical solder (although the rosin core is getting all over everything, I seriously doubt that's what's causing the problem) and a 30w Iron (Though I have read 40 is better for soldering earth connections).

The only other thing I can think of is that the tailpiece lugs aren't conductive. I pulled them out of another guitar and maybe that ground was wired to the bridge lugs? I don't remember. Has anyone ever heard of this?

I hate wiring. More than anything.


   
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(@kent_eh)
Noble Member
Joined: 18 years ago
Posts: 1882
 

Can you post your wiring diagram?
And/or a picture of the control cavity?

Do you know the replacement pickups are good?
Do you know the replacement pots (especially the volume pot) are good?

I wrapped a newspaper ’round my head
So I looked like I was deep


   
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(@athompson808)
New Member
Joined: 13 years ago
Posts: 2
Topic starter  

Yes, I can. I just tried cell phone pictures but I don't think the resolution's gonna cut it so I'll try to remember to borrow my friend's camera tomorrow and get some on here.

The pickups should be good, I've had them working-at least the bridge, the neck is pretty new (from Ebay, so of course there's a chance of it being bunk but I think it's a stock someone sold since it still had the sticker on it).

The pots were brand new from stewmac.

Also, I forgot to mention-I'm new here, so hi.


   
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(@dirtyroger)
Active Member
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 10
 

Definatly bad ground!

Pictures would definatly help but i would advise to resolder all connections. I know its a little obivous but thats most likely your problem.

Guitar setup and repair!
http://www.dirtyguitarguide.com


   
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(@dirtyroger)
Active Member
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 10
 

Oh and check out this article it may help

http://www.guitarnuts.com/wiring/shielding/shield3.php

:D

Guitar setup and repair!
http://www.dirtyguitarguide.com


   
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