Page 1 of 1
Jazzmaster probs
Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 10:31 pm
by Dronefacemcgee
yoyoyo
Having an issue with my Jazzmaster making a scratchy static sound whenever I play. It only happens when I play a note or strum a chord, two of the wires from the pickups going to the tone pot were cut when I received it but I rigged them up so they would work and I assume this connection is causing the problem. I plan on rewiring it anyways so if that's it it's not a big deal.
Also doe's anyone have a cure for s squeaky spring arm? If I put some 3-in-1 oil on it will I be okay?
Re: Jazzmaster probs
Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 11:37 pm
by Decibill
Did you try a different cable...? Any static when you move the cable at the jack...? Try opening the guts up (take the pickguard off) and gently move the wires around as you play to track down if its a wiring issue and where the issue is. Then just try reflowing the solder joints before doing anything major. Oil on the arm will do the trick.
Re: Jazzmaster probs
Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 11:50 pm
by Dronefacemcgee
I have changed cables so that can't be it. I'll definitely wiggle the wires around then and see what happens. thanks!
Re: Jazzmaster probs
Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 11:06 am
by spacelordmother
I also had a problem with noise resulting from static buildup on the pickguard - it could be solved with better shielding, but I rubbed it down with a dryer sheet (which are anti-static) and no problems since!

Re: Jazzmaster probs
Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 4:33 pm
by DarkAxel
If i could hijack your thread - i'm wondering how to get rid of the loud popping sound i get at one point when i pull the arm down
it's quite loud and can be heard through the amp, which is both cool and annoying
anyone had the same problem? maybe it's the spring?
Re: Jazzmaster probs
Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 7:50 pm
by Holy Schnikes
I've had the static crackle from many a Femder pickguard. Generally occurs in winter months and only when the fingers on my pick hand graze the guard while playing. SUPER annoying! I've shielded one guitar which resolved it but dryer sheets work well too.
DarkAxel wrote:If i could hijack your thread - i'm wondering how to get rid of the loud popping sound i get at one point when i pull the arm down
it's quite loud and can be heard through the amp, which is both cool and annoying
anyone had the same problem? maybe it's the spring?
Is your trem a locking version? If so, do you properly adjust/check spring tension from time to time? If not that could be the issue...
Re: Jazzmaster probs
Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 9:16 pm
by Dronefacemcgee
DarkAxel wrote:If i could hijack your thread - i'm wondering how to get rid of the loud popping sound i get at one point when i pull the arm down
it's quite loud and can be heard through the amp, which is both cool and annoying
anyone had the same problem? maybe it's the spring?
No problem, I've actually been having this exact same problem.
Re: Jazzmaster probs
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 12:11 am
by Decibill
Yeah check the trem lock. Also it would be worth it to take the trem plate off and see if it is rubbing on the inside of the cavity, or if for some reason there is something inside there causing interference. You can also try lubing the trem spring. If all that fails, it could be the trem arm and collet connection.
Re: Jazzmaster probs
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 5:09 am
by DarkAxel
Don't have the locking version actually :/
but i can try different tension settings, cheers
Re: Jazzmaster probs
Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2014 4:41 pm
by V_____
spacelordmother wrote:I also had a problem with noise resulting from static buildup on the pickguard - it could be solved with better shielding, but I rubbed it down with a dryer sheet (which are anti-static) and no problems since!

Holy shit. I have been having this issue with a bunch of my guitars lately and was not able to track down the source of the problem (even rewired the whole thing more or less). I will have to try this. Did you rub down the inside of the guard as well or does it work if you only do the external?
I really should shield those things better...
Re: Jazzmaster probs
Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2014 5:36 pm
by spacelordmother
I just did the outside because I figured that's where the contact was happening, and it was all good so I didn't bother with the inside.
I hope it works for you!!
Re: Jazzmaster probs
Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2014 9:00 pm
by Holy Schnikes
Yeah, just rub the outside with a dryer sheet, does the trick in most instances. After winter subsides that issue usually disappears altogether for me.
Re: Jazzmaster probs
Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2014 1:13 am
by Dronefacemcgee
Now I'm having major JM problems
It reverted back to the state it was in when I bought and now it only works when I play on the rhythm circuit. My new soldering iron comes in tomorrow so I guess I'll re solder the connections I made when I first fixed it and if that doesn't help I'll be back to ask more questions in run on sentences.
Re: Jazzmaster probs
Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2014 11:26 pm
by Decibill
Eek. Sorry to hear man. Let us know what happens.
Re: Jazzmaster probs
Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2014 8:11 pm
by Nelson Instruments
If you don't have some you should pick up some "deoxit" contact cleaner.
The slide switches can get dirty and be problematic.
Not saying that is the problem but it could be dirty contacts.
Dirty contacts, bad solder joint(s), faulty component(s), any one could be apart of the problem.
What I sometimes do, if a problem just isn't evident, is pull the guard and flip it over.
With the guitar plugged in take a screw driver tip and touch the various contact points in the signal path (i.e solder joints, and contact points on pots and switches) work backward from the output jack through the signal path to the source (pickups)
Also if you have a multi-meter check for continuity on switches.
If you can't isolate a problem and signal is passed through all circuits and components then gently wiggle wires at their solder points to see if a wire is broken internally or loose in the solder joint and causing intermittent connection.
If you find a broken wire or bad connection repair/replace it and continue testing.