Do Bakelite Guards Cause Static Buildup ?

I just put new pups and a new bakelite guard (Callaham) on an 82 JV Squier Tele. The guard has no shielding on its back.

I notice a sharp pop - like a static discharge - coming through the amp when I touch any of the typical grounded areas with my finger. If I touch one of these areas successively, the pop diminishes to nothing but will recur if I wait a few minutes.

Something apears to be generating static buildup - is it the bakelite guard ? If so, could someone suggest a remedy.

A common problem with a surprisingly simple cure- wipe the 'guard down with a dryer sheet (Bounce, Downy, Cling, etc.).

If you don't want to do it over and over again, sandwich one between the 'guard and the body.

Not only gets rid of the 'pop', but your Tele will be 'April Fresh'!!


-Michael
Charter Member S. Texas He-Man Emoticon Haters Local #316

Good idea, I keep one of those dryer softener sheets in my guitar case. I can give it a quick wipe when needed and it makes the case smell good. That poodle skin is stinky!! It actually seems to have cured the popping noise just from being in the case now that I think about it!

Not only gets rid of the 'pop', but your Tele will be 'April Fresh'!!


Thank you for the info Michael.

I've been lucky enough to have never encountered this problem before. Being somewhat curious, I'm wondering if someone can tell me how the charge actually gets built up. I see how case lining could contribute but outside of that I'm puzzled.

My Strat doesn't do this and this Tele never did it when it had a vinyl guard.