Solving Guitar Noise, Buzz and Hum
Overview
Whether you are practicing, rehearsing or performing, we often hear noise, buzz or hum coming from somewhere! In this article we will show you how to identify and solve common unwanted noises from your guitar. If you make it through this entire article and the noise is still there, it may be coming from your amplifier or pedals. Keep reading to learn how to solve 6 common guitar noises, buzzes and hums!
Distortion from Low Battery
Solution: Replace Battery
Batteries are usually found in guitars with active electronics. Acoustic guitars with a preamp or built in tuner will eventually need their batteries replaced. Usually, when your battery starts running low, your signal will start to sound distorted but it can also squeal or drop in volume.
Pro Tip: Rechargeable batteries output a lower voltage than disposables and can cause numerous noise issues. We recommend using name-brand, disposable batteries.
Buzz from Active Electronics
Solution: Attenuate Frequencies
If your guitar has active electronics (or requires 9v battery power) you may notice a high frequency buzz. This is typically the self-noise from the electronics and varies across different models. The easy solution is to reduce the noise with an equalizer.
You can easily find the offending frequency by boosting different bands on your EQ. The more you remove that frequency, the less prevalent that noise will be in your signal. Keep in mind that this will affect your sound, so you’ll need to find a balance between eliminating noise without losing all of your tone.
Single Coil Pickup Hum
Solution: Attenuate Frequencies
Single coil pickups are naturally a little noisy. Just like active electronics, the simple solution is to remove the troubling noise/frequencies with an equalizer. Another option is to use a noise gate pedal that will automatically mute your guitar when you are not playing.
Noise from Dirty Power
Solution: Power Conditioner
When you’re a musician on the go, you never know what quality power you’re going to get! If your speaker/pedal board/PA system does not receive clean power you are likely to experience power interference. Remove unwanted interference from stage lights, dimmer switches, and other devices on the same circuit with a power conditioner.
Bad Ground
Solution: Repair Ground
If you’re hearing noise, buzz or hum that’s as loud or louder than your guitar, you may have a bad ground inside your guitar. If your guitar has this issue the ground will need to be re-soldered.
Breakup from Bad Cable
Solution: Repair or Replace Cable
Cables can take a lot of wear and tear when gigging. Prevent cable damage by wrapping them them well. Look out for kinks and sharp bends that may break your cable.
Sweetwater Guitar Workshop
Our Guitar Workshop is great at fixing these problems and so much more. If Sweetwater sells it, we can service it!
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