Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Just got my new lefty 330 12. Regular hi-gain (I guess) pickups, not toasters. Went to demo amps today, and found that the guitar is a major hummer! Unacceptable level of hum/hiss from the pickups. And the Jangle Box accentuated the problem, maybe double the hum. Tried 4-5 different amps, and different guitars (none with humbuckers) and it was clear the problem is with the Rickenbacker.

Is this typical of these pickups? If so, what can be done about it? Will a stomp box noise gate help?

HELP!!! I fully intended to use the Rickenbacker this weekend, but the sound guy would throw me out if he had to deal with this much noise.

This is not common Jere. I would get it checked over by a luthier & no doubt he could solve the problem pretty quickly.

Of course, if it's new, then the work could be done on warrenty.

The only time I get such noise from any of my Rickenbackers is when I (1) have the TV on and get too close to it, or (2) lean the guitar against my amp (2004 Kustom 36 Coupe, all tube). The pickups seem to be sensitive to "stray" RF noise.

I get a wicked hum from all of my guitars (except those with HB's) at certain spots in my 85 year old house. It's just where the EM fields intersect I suppose.
You may have a bad ground in your guitar, also.

Welcome to the world of recording !!

Plus when at a music store you have loads of electronics on all around you. Thus causing a lot of hum.