Grounding Buzz?

Jagman · #1 July 3rd, 2007

I just bought a used Bill Lawrence SwampKaster S (strat). It looks great and sounds fantastic! Except that it has a grounding buzz. Sometimes it goes away when I touch a string. If I touch the screws that hold the 5 way pickup switch, it will get louder then quiet, if I keep touching it. I'm kinda new at this so....Is there anything I can do to prevent it, or do I have to take it in to the shop?

Thanks,
Jagman

Andy S · #2 July 3rd, 2007

You mentioned you bought it used. Did the shop where you purchased it give you a warranty on it? If so, I would take it back to them and have look for it.

Sounds like a ground connection inside the pup cavity or control cavity has come undone. Should be a simple enough fix.

If they want to charge you, if you feel comfortable doing some minor soldering, take a look at it yourself. Go to Guitarnuts2.com They have lots of folks that can help you out there, as well as access to wiring diagrams to make sure you are doing it right.

But I would push the warranty issue first.

Best of luck!!

Andy S.

Jagman · #3 July 3rd, 2007

Andy,

Thanks for your reply. Actually the shop I bought it from is very good, Music City Guitar Outlet in Clearwater, Fl. It's my third guitar from them and they took the second one in on trade for this one. No formal warranty, but the owner is very concerned about every customer having a great experience. He had just taken it in on trade and didn't have time to check it out fully. I doubt I'll have a problem getting a repair or possibly a credit towards another guitar. Either would be fine as they have lots of good stuff to choose from.

Jagman

Jagman · #4 July 11th, 2007

I took the guitar back to the shop. No questions asked. The shop pulled the pickguard off and check all the connections. They found that the gound going to the selector switch was moving when the switch was moved. A dab of flux and a shot of solder later and all the buzz is gone. I was so happy I almost treated myself to a new tweed case. Maybe next week. The guitar sounds better now because the connection is solid so the pu's don't fade in and out. It's all good.

allthumbs · #5 July 11th, 2007

Coolio.