why are my pickups humming?

How can I prevent this..I'm playing through a squire strat through a pedal board into a fender HRD iii...what's causing the hum?

Plz no comments on buying a new guitar bc that is out of the question...id really like to fix it without spending more than $15 bucks

...meant to post this in pickups

Okay first of all, most strat pu's hum in the first place. To prevent this you can get different pickups, and shield the cavities.

Here's a tip:
Stay away from outlets and any electronics (that includes pedals and amps). A phone in your pocket can make it hiss. Point your guitar in different directions. Some directions will be silent, and the rest may hum.

Check your wiring and solder.

For 15-dollar bucks try humming along with them, but out of phase!

(or figure out how to shield them really cheaply - mebbe tinfoil and twist-ties)

First single coil pickups all have 60 cycle hum. When you eliminate it so far it effects the tone in a way that most would rather live with some hum.
A PickGuard shield from GFS, Fender or Callaham will reduce some. Shielding the body cavity with copper foil or shielding paint available at Stewart macdonalds will get rid of almost all if the rest if done properly. For the paint I like 3 coats and key each one dry completely before the next is applied. Don't forget the PG shield and run some paint up to the screw holes for the PG and a body cavity ground wire to the back of the volume pot. Problem solved.
If you just play at home find a grounded outlet that has no other electronics plugged in, that includes you PC, cell phone whatever. This will help a lot.
Good luck

if you are still around OP this may clear up what Dave and the rest are saying.
Hello Dave been awhile hope you are doing fine! still enjoy your pups very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:grin:

http://www.guitarnuts.com/wiring/shielding/shield3.php

Because they don't know the words...

You could get some shielding tape or paint for that and that should help a lot if done right. Also check all your connections and grounds like someone else mentioned. Single coils will make some noise, that is their nature.

if you are still around OP this may clear up what Dave and the rest are saying.
Hello Dave been awhile hope you are doing fine! still enjoy your pups very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:grin:

http://www.guitarnuts.com/wiring/shielding/shield3.php

Hey Fenson great to see you here. I am happy you still like the pups! I have some really cool new stuff I have been working on like a dual blade Johnny Hiland Tele set and a few surprises.