Tele popping/crackling noise

ttingley · April 26th, 2008, 03:40 PM

I can't figure this out. My MIJ Tele makes a popping/crackling noise when I move it around. It's fairly intermittent and unpredictable and does it in all pickup settings. When I wiggle (not turn) the volume or tone pots or pickup selector. It also seems to make more noise than normal when I tap on the body in all pickup selections (especially the bridge). Are my pickups microphonic or is it a grounding/shielding issue? The noise is obviously more noticeable when I am using higher gain amps or pedals. Help!!!

MulliganChebichev · April 26th, 2008, 04:15 PM

Read this and shield your body

Guitar_Ninja · April 26th, 2008, 08:28 PM

Does your bridge pickup have a baseplate? The baseplate on mine recently got loose and went microphonic. When you switch over to the bridge pickup does it make a loud, hollow pop? If the baseplate is loose you'll need to take off the bridge plate and drip wax onto the bottoms of the pole pieces, then push the baseplate back on. If there's any air between the baseplate and the bottoms of the poles you'll get that microphonic sound.

Geo · April 27th, 2008, 09:55 PM

It is most likely static build up so just spray with contact cleaner or
WD 40 in each switch position and move the switch back and forth
after to spread it around. Even the Fender Japan switches will accept it
with no problem.

April 26th, 2008, 03:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
ttingley NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Temecula, CA Age: 25 Posts: 1	Tele popping/crackling noise I can't figure this out. My MIJ Tele makes a popping/crackling noise when I move it around. It's fairly intermittent and unpredictable and does it in all pickup settings. When I wiggle (not turn) the volume or tone pots or pickup selector. It also seems to make more noise than normal when I tap on the body in all pickup selections (especially the bridge). Are my pickups microphonic or is it a grounding/shielding issue? The noise is obviously more noticeable when I am using higher gain amps or pedals. Help!!!

April 26th, 2008, 08:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
Guitar_Ninja Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Kingston, Ontario Posts: 1,517 6 Photos	Does your bridge pickup have a baseplate? The baseplate on mine recently got loose and went microphonic. When you switch over to the bridge pickup does it make a loud, hollow pop? If the baseplate is loose you'll need to take off the bridge plate and drip wax onto the bottoms of the pole pieces, then push the baseplate back on. If there's any air between the baseplate and the bottoms of the poles you'll get that microphonic sound. __________________

April 27th, 2008, 09:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
Geo Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hendersonville, TN Age: 59 Posts: 2,484 15 Photos	It is most likely static build up so just spray with contact cleaner or WD 40 in each switch position and move the switch back and forth after to spread it around. Even the Fender Japan switches will accept it with no problem. __________________ "Somewhere between culture and agriculture"

April 26th, 2008, 04:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
MulliganChebichev Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Eugene, Oregon Age: 18 Posts: 1,746 3 Photos	Read this and shield your body