Control Plate amplified when tapped!?

When I touch the control plate or tone and volume controls on it the sound is amplified. It also happens when I touch the bridge plate, and even when the volume knob is turned all the way down.
This implies some kind of loose connection but I was wondering if anyone had any ideas/tips about what it might be and what I should do before I get the screwdriver out :O

Cheers

Implies reverse polarity probably to me. ;)


This implies some kind of loose connection but I was wondering if anyone had any ideas/tips about what it might be and what I should do before I get the screwdriver out :O

Cheers

What sound? confused by you're description of it happening when the volume knob is turned down. If the wiring has the correct polarity, and the bridge/strings/control plate are grounded, you should hear less hum/noise when you touch the strings or knobs or control plate or neck pickup cover - that's the function of the string ground. However, if you're getting a louder buzz or hum when you touch things that should be grounded, then you might have the hot and ground reversed somewhere like at the output jack.

I think he means like microphonic tapping sounds.

microphonics. all hi-z electric guitars have that to some degree.

The actual sound of the tap to one of the metallic parts is amplified, it's quite strange.

The actual sound of the tap to one of the metallic parts is amplified, it's quite strange.

MICROPHONICS - not at all strange or uncommon.

If your polarity is correct the capacitor may have become microphonic. Get a meter and check for continuity between all the things that are supposed to be earthed, especially the output jack ring. As Viscaster suggested, may have reversed the connections on the socket.

If you tap with different things ( wood pencil, plastic pen ) does the pitch vary?