Author Topic: What's wrong with my wiring (Read 8889 times)

Jimijazz · « **on:** July 20, 2006, 09:19:57 PM »

I wired up my Tele with some country boys, and I think I have a problem, but I'm not sure where. The output seems quite low, but this isn't the main issue. The main problem is that when I have the amp set high (volume/gain) or turn on my fuzz factory, when the volume is down completely, I can still hear sound coming from the guitar. It isn't hum or anything like that, but I can still hear myself playing. It doesn't do this on any of my other guitars so something is wrong somewhere.
Is there anything that would cause this? If it was wiring, I'd have thought it would affect it the other way (less sound, rather than more sound so to speak). Could it be a dodgy pot, or should I just take it to a repair shop and be done with it?

Thanks in advance

HJM · « **Reply #1 on:** July 22, 2006, 10:35:19 AM »

Check your grounding - pay close attention to the volume pot lug that should be joined to the pot chassis and to ground, sounds like it isn't making a good connection.

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #2 on:** July 22, 2006, 05:45:03 PM »

if the volume pot on your guitar doesn't actual return to 0ohms at one end of it's travel then you may have the problem you describe - my mate actual used this 'problem' to get his clean tone with his EMGs

:twisted:

Jimijazz · « **Reply #3 on:** July 25, 2006, 10:55:08 AM »

Quote from: HEAVIER THAN HELL

if the volume pot on your guitar doesn't actual return to 0ohms at one end of it's travel then you may have the problem you describe - my mate actual used this 'problem' to get his clean tone with his EMGs

:twisted:

Can I check this using a multimeter on the pot without unwiring it, or do I need to remove all the wires attached to it?

daveirl1 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 01, 2006, 03:23:52 PM »

i have the exact same problem with my cb's, i just plugged it in today, i have no idea how to fix it, have you found out how to fix it yet? and everytime i touch any metal on the guitar there is a massive humm, even the strings!

daveirl1 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 01, 2006, 06:36:51 PM »

i just found out from tim that i have to wire a ground wire from the bridge plate to a pot, i just tried doing this, but my solder won't stick to the bridge!

headtheball · « **Reply #6 on:** August 01, 2006, 09:48:42 PM »

That's something of a bugger in these type of jobs alright.

Here are a few things that *might* be the problem. (with solutions)

1. The bridge plate is very large and dissipates heat rapidly, hence, it's a proper bugger to solder onto. Try "Spot Heating" the underside of the plate with the soldering iron, or, better yet a small blowtorch, then rapidly soldering (just a quick "tack") the wire (pre-tinned, of course) on, and then finishing it up with additional solder.

2. The plate is plated with chrome, and the solder won't "take" on this surface. Simple enough. Whack a patch of it with some heavy grit sandpaper and solder onto the resulting "wound".

3. Your solder is, to use a technical term "shitee". Buy some better solder. No idea what "Better" is. I'd ask a plumber.

That's all I can think of. Apart from a mad notion involving a drill, a pop rivet and a spade terminal, should all else fail.

Jimijazz · « **Reply #7 on:** August 01, 2006, 10:42:45 PM »

but surely it's all grounded to the bridge through the bridge pickup and screws? What good would an extra wire do?

daveirl1 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 01, 2006, 11:48:37 PM »

i just soldered it up, the solder i was using wasn't the best, (thanks headtheball) but the hum hasn't gone away, it's driving me insane!

CaffeineJunkie · « **Reply #9 on:** August 02, 2006, 12:39:20 AM »

Quote from: daveirl1

i just soldered it up, the solder i was using wasn't the best, (thanks headtheball) but the hum hasn't gone away, it's driving me insane!

i know it's a long shot......but are you standing next to a huge flourescent light when you plug in??????

daveirl1 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 02, 2006, 12:53:41 AM »

nope, it is the wiring

headtheball · « **Reply #11 on:** August 03, 2006, 05:52:30 PM »

We at headtheball Industries aim to please.

daveirl1 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 03, 2006, 10:20:39 PM »

i fixed it yesterday, thanks to the ball

headtheball · « **Reply #13 on:** August 04, 2006, 05:43:25 PM »

You'd never know when next I'd be thirsty and in Straffan...

Jimijazz · « **Reply #14 on:** August 04, 2006, 05:58:23 PM »

Well I spoke to Allparts yesterday regarding the problem - I said I've checked the wiring and measured the pot against a multimeter, and it wasn't reading to zero at all (technical term?). They sent me a new one today so I'll check it when I get home and rewire the guitar and let you all know how I get on.
I also ordered some copper shielding tape, so I'm going to do my pickup cavities. Can't do the control cavity as it's a thinline and I can't reach all the areas.