Eliminating Static on Starfire 1V 12

[theonemanband]

Hello, there are many "suggestions" available online, but I was just hoping that some of you good folks here might have some sound advice that may be Starfire specific. (This doesn't happen on my Danelectro 12 string)
I am having "crackling" issues, that I believe are unrelated to the grounding on the guitar and seem to be related to touching the pick guard etc.
I am 100% sure that all the grounding connections on my guitar are connected correctly (double checked all through with multi-meter).
I would try copper shielding tape on the inside but that seems nigh on impossible to fit, as does painting with shielding paint but, is that not more for fixing for electronic/grounding issues anyway.

I am absolutely certain that the crackling issue is only static.
I have read of the "clothes drying cloth" suggestion but I would imagine that this is only a temporary "quick fix"?
Any one know of a more permanent solution (maybe a different pick guard material etc). Any suggestions much appreciated.

Cheers............Brian.

 

[GAD]

I've heard of static crackling on Strats but not on Starfire. Fascinating. You pulled the harness to test grounding? Impressive.

As a simple test if you remove the pick guard does the problem go away?

 

[theonemanband]

Thank you for your reply.

No, sorry if I gave the wrong impression. I didn't pull the harness out, merely checked ALL the grounding, between ALL the components, in All possible configurations, (& right from the input jack to the tuners)

Yes, the pick guard is definitely the issue, testing it by briskly rubbing it with the fingers confirms this. The problem is, I don't want to remove it as I use the pick guard as a finger rest in some fingerpicking situations.

I have tried aluminium foil (as suggested on some sites) on the back of the guard but alas, no improvement.

 

[AndyJ]

I had a similar issue with one of my Gretsches. A simple, no fuss solution (if you want to call it that) is to wipe down the pickguard with a dryer sheet before playing.

 

[Default]

That was an issue with some of the GSR guitars. One of mine ( the T-500 ) had a ground wire installed and still crackled. A dryer sheet fixed that too.

 

[Nuuska]

I have tried aluminium foil (as suggested on some sites) on the back of the guard but alas, no improvement.

Did you connect the aluminium foil to ground? If not it's surely no good. If yes - it should have some effect.

 

[theonemanband]

Did you connect the aluminium foil to ground? If not it's surely no good. If yes - it should have some effect.

Only in the sense that it was touching the pickup covers; not a hard wired connection.
Meanwhile, I am going to try the "anti-static dryer sheet" option and/or anti-static polish; both have several recommendations.

 

[zizala]

Does it have its original acrylic back painted pickguard or a replacement?

I ask this because I've had a lot of Guilds and never have experienced static with the factory pickguards (at least on the pre-'64 models that I have).
It seems to me the acrylic material is less prone to static for whatever reason.
I have also made ABS/PVC guards that often are prone to static especially in the winter when things are drier in the house.
Other materials, including celluloid can be problematic.

I've put copper foil tape on the back of static producing pickguards then ran a wire from this to ground....but not effective.

I've successfully used anti-static spray as used in electronics shops on these problem guards....it is odorless and seems to last longer than rubbing down the surface with dryer sheets.
Spray it into a soft cloth, then apply to the pickguard's top surface....not such a good idea to spray it while on the guitar as I don't take those kind of chances!

 

[theonemanband]

Does it have its original acrylic back painted pickguard or a replacement?

I ask this because I've had a lot of Guilds and never have experienced static with the factory pickguards (at least on the pre-'64 models that I have).
It seems to me the acrylic material is less prone to static for whatever reason.
I have made ABS/PVC guards that often are prone to static especially in the winter when things are drier in the house.

VERY good point, never thought of that!

Indeed, the guitar is fitted with a generic (smaller) pickguard (think small Gibson 335 shape) made from 3ply plastic (I assume).

Fortunately I have the original Guild pick guard and (following your suggestion), I have this morning treated the back with a coat of EMR shielding paint. It will need another 2/3 coats after 24Hr intervals but...........watch this space and I'll report back on the result.

Thank you all for taking the time to respond!.........Cheers.........Brian.

 

[SFIV1967]

Indeed, the guitar is fitted with a generic (smaller) pickguard (think small Gibson 335 shape) made from 3ply plastic (I assume).

So were those issues present with the original Guild pickguard or only with that aftermarket pickguard?
Ralf

 

[theonemanband]

I will have to come back on that one, after drying time, I have yet to re-coat the back with shielding paint and then re-fit: I'll let you know.

Meanwhile, here is a you tube clip of the issue




I have now however cured it........... with witchcraft!!....please stay with me, this may help others.

It seems the "dryer sheet" is the most common cure, but after a bit of research, I found that static is also the curse of dressmakers too, (wedding undergarments, polyester skirts etc).

One such dressmaker recommended mixing an anti-static solution, comprising 2parts fabric softener (any brand) and 1/2 cup water, then spraying clingy, static filled garments with a fine mist of this mix and........bingo, problem solved!!

So, I tried this; mixed a solution as above and then impregnated a very fine spray onto my guitar cloth (making sure not to "wet" the cloth) and guess what.............issue solved!! How long my new "anti-static cloth" will be effective remains to be seen, but another light spray will hopefully re-invigorate said cloth!!

Edit..........I know, this seems crazy, nutty & totally bizarre; a witches potion or magic but.........IT WORKS!!

One big bonus too...........my guitar case should now smell like a summer meadow!

 

[zizala]

Sounds like you've arrived at a solution.

I was hoping to know after you had mounted the original Guild guard (without any extra coatings) whether the static problem was solved.
Ah well....no harm that you got it covered...accidental pun unintentional!

 

[theonemanband]

Sounds like you've arrived at a solution.

I was hoping to know after you had mounted the original Guild guard (without any extra coatings) whether the static problem was solved.
Ah well....no harm that you got it covered...accidental pun unintentional!

Yes, and weird as this solution sounds, I truly hope that my deliberations may help others who are hounded by static problems.
This was definitely not a guitar grounding issue, (the guitar was 100% grounded correctly) but grounding and/or static issues can sometimes be confusing.

 

[swiveltung]

I have had to cure it a number of times on telecasters especially for some reason. The cure is to shield the back of the pickguard with aluminum tape and ground it somehow. That's easy on a Tele, not sure on an arch top, but I would tape the back and use a solder eyelet to run a tiny ground wire to the pots from the screw holding the pickguard to the support arm.

 

[theonemanband]

have had to cure it a number of times on telecasters especially for some reason. The cure is to shield the back of the pickguard with aluminum tape and ground it somehow.

Thanks for that and for taking the time to reply.
Originally, I thought I was going mad and was alone with this issue, but research shows that it's not that uncommon.
My home made "anti-static" cloth appears to have completely solved the problem (for me); I have now played the guitar continually both at home and at one outside gig and have not had any static issues at all.
I shall now wait and see if this continues and defer any modifications until ( if ) required.

(I am still "open mouthed" in dis-belief that the cure was that simple)!!