buzzing & crackling

Ryan Magee (304)

Bass Equipment Forum
1/28/2012 2:37 PM

Apologies if this has been addressed before (had a
good sift through the forums though and can't seem
to find an answer).

Recently I've noticed my bass making a lot of
raspy buzzing and some light crackling. The
problem is more apparent when I have the treble
rolled up on the bass. If I minimise the treble
the buzzing is significantly reduced, also seems
to be more apparent when I'm not actually playing.

I'm thinking maybe a earthing (grounding) issue
but really don't know. I've ruled out leads as
I've tried a few, and I've ruled out the amp as
another bass I have isn't creating the same issue.

The bass is custom built and active (Carvin
electronics and pick ups).

I can't really recall ever hearing it so much and
I've done nothing new to the amp or bass so I'm
kinda stumped.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be really
appreciated. cheers.

Responses

Respond to this

Re: buzzing & crackling

1/28/2012 10:21 PM

Gar Whitenton (4960) wrote:

I think your thought on a grounding prob may be pretty close, if not dead on. First off, the reason the noise is louder when you turn up the treble is simply because it is easier to hear. Open her up, check for loose wires, or damaged wired, or, especially, bad looking or corroded SHEATHING over the wires. Also, go to a JapShack and pick up a can of contact cleaner. Spray it into the pots from behind - no need to remove the pots, then work them vigorously from low to high. Do the same for any and all switches. Also, jiggle some of the wires around whilst the bass is plugged in and the amp is on. Pay special attention to the PUPs

Respond to this

Re: buzzing & crackling

2/18/2012 3:04 PM

Jeff Foertsch (544) wrote:

grounding issue is close. as stated in another post. I'm inclined to think it's the tone cap, however without actually hearing the static, it would be hard to diagnose.

Respond to this

Re: buzzing & crackling

2/19/2012 5:50 AM

Kelly Marsh (11415) wrote:

Ryan,

I doubt your ground came loose. What I suspect is
dirty potentiometers. Clean your volume and tone
controls, and I think your troubles will be a
thing of the past.

Kelly

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Re: buzzing & crackling

2/20/2012 9:20 AM

Todd Ingram (16004) wrote:

i agree with kelly, a good cleaning may be in order.

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Re: buzzing & crackling

2/24/2012 5:07 AM

Ryan Magee (304) wrote:

Kelly & Todd
Cheers, I'll give that a go and see what happens.
Although I noticed at practice (in a different
location) there was very little noise coming from
the amp...could it be interference from some
electrical equipment in the room I usually have my
amp set up?

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Re: buzzing & crackling

2/24/2012 8:06 AM

Kelly Marsh (11415) wrote:

Ryan, if it changes from place to place, the next
thing I would suspect is the cable. After you clean
the pots, which is never a bad idea, try a different
cable.

Kelly

Respond to this

Re: buzzing & crackling

2/24/2012 8:27 AM

Ken Richardson (1322) wrote:

Based on the fact that you have done nothing new to the amp or bass -

My guesses are:

1 - clean the pots
2 - check the battery in the active circuit to see if its good
3 - grounding

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Re: buzzing & crackling

4/2/2012 5:49 PM

Ryan Magee (304) wrote:

seems to have helped changing the battery over
(well 2 as its an 18v animal). The interference is
still there but I only notice it in my bedroom
now, so Im guessing its the grounding and some
very heavy interference coming from other
electronic equipment in the room or the kitchen
which is directly below me.
Played it using the same cables etc in a few other
places with no trouble at all. all very bizarre to
me...think it would do no harm taking it somewhere
to get them to check the grounding professionally.
Thanks for the advice folks...I'll keep yez posted
on the outcome!

Respond to this

Re: buzzing & crackling

4/2/2012 10:59 PM

Charley Shipman (2699) wrote:

Do you have any florescent lights in your bedroom?

Just a thought...