How to fix Ground Noise | Guitar Tech Tips | Ep. 8 | Thomann

Ground noise is very annoying but it can be fixed easily. Grab a Multimeter and find the source.
Kris walks you through the process in this weeks Guitar Tech Tips.
Enjoy!

Interesting bits and pieces:
0:00 Introduction
0:48 ground buzz:
0:58 how should ground be wired?
1:18 how to locate the problem?
2:01 testing for continuity
2:35 how to check the jack
3:47 soldering the jack
4:19 other possible reasons for noise
4:43 guitar fixed:
4:53 let's take it for a test ride :)
5:37 outtakes

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[garygrinkevich]

Just spent an afternoon trying to search for a ground problem and the buzz was because i have the amp plugged into a power strip with 2 computers, an A/C and a lamp turned on. i'm posting this to save someone in the future - check your external connections first and work inward from the outside starting with the jack first, it may save you a bit of effort with disassembly and reassembly.

[jpiatt]

I would like to make a small suggestion. The Continuity setting you used on the multimeter is actually a diode checker. It is applying voltage and the reading that is displayed is the voltage in which the diode biased and allowed continuity. Diode checkers will ‘Ring’ up to 40 ohms. If you are still having trouble locating the problem switch to ohms and see which component is reading high. This could save you from reflowing every solder joint.

[jasongomez]

One of the most informative tips! Just got a 7 string for a steal second hand. Boy was I disappointed when I plugged it in! This solved everything! Thank you so much!

[pchandrakant]

I just completed my first kit build and was getting a NASTY buzz and very low signal-to-noise ratio. I checked EVERYTHING and finally, after watching this, realized I had my jack wired backwards. Thank you!

[benbush]

excellent lesson! and put a smile on my face... I always wondered if that type of work was only done by cranky people! nope ... theres happy ones too! great job, appreciate you.

[AintS]

I don't know why I like watching people repair guitar issues... 🤔👍🏼
Forget the fact that I went to the Navy and university for electronics, I just like the videos!

[budgetguitarherogeartv]

Perfect timing. Was having this issue with one of my guitars and thought it might be the pickups. Will try the steps in the video. Cheers

[JameMakesNoise]

Keep in mind that on some guitars the metal components connect to ground by being screw onto a shielded pickguard. So if you can't figure it why something like a jazzmaster rhythm selector switch isn't grounding, it's because it's wiring is designed to be use with a shielded pickguard. If you don't wanna shield your guitar then you may have to run another wire to the jack

[eddierayvanlynch]

A lot of us have that one ax that's been "fixed" so many times we don't want it messed with...
This helps a lot. Kudos.
👍👍👍👍👍👍😎

[RobTube]

Thanks Kris, that solved my problem with hum, what about 1 or 2 videos about wiring pickups in the right way, I guess this would help many guitar home constructors

[RockGuitarVibes]

Funny, that's exactly what happens to my Friedman guitar a week ago. You've explained it very well 👍

[SonicSoundofDoom]

I was having not a hum sound but lots of static coming from my amps and evening computer monitors (plugin amp). I found this video and tested my pots, all worked fine but then I tested the Jack and nothing! It was connected however the ground wire and white wire were in the opposite space they should be in.
I switched them and tested as you mentioned and it worked! Now that static noise is gone. Thanks so much for this video!

[tiesundanfsboi]

Thank you very much I’ve spent almost 3 days trying to ground my HSS strat build excellent walk through 👌👌

[swikkis]

I put Mexican Tele Stock Pickups back in my Tele myself and they work. No major hum. But I do notice a little hum when I touch the strings and when I touch the pots (Steel knobs). Is this a result of cold solder joints? I also noticed two wires originally twisted together on the tabs of the switch in a couple places but when I reinstalled the pickups I soldered them separately since my cloth wire was too stiff to twist. Could this cause a but of a hum issue (its a small amount of hum).

[christianboddum]

Just discovered that my multimeter has continuity tester because of this video, thanks a million :-)

[hussamjamil]

Hi Chris, thank you for the tip regarding the cold soldering. My 2010 Squier Bullet Strat suddenly developed that grounding issue, everything looked fine, till a closer look at the middle pickup showed some very small electrical rust. Resoldered it and problem solved, i forgot about the cold solder connection completely. Much appreciated and happy rocking!

[dart]

When i opened my jack input the wire wasn't connected LOL. Thanks for this, I didn't even suspect the jack input being the problem.

[RobertEMason]

This video helped me trace and find a very annoying ground buzz. Your technique led me right to the solution

[VashStarwind]

Thanks man this video helped me a lot. I just redid some wiring on my guitar and it had a horrible buzz after, and i thought i messed everything up. Turns out my input jack wires were backwards. Sounds so much better.

[billpholde]

Thank you showing where the continuity setting is on a multimeter. It's amazing how many of these grounding/shielding demos assume everyone knows that!