Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi everyone. I wired up a 79 4001 with the push/pull kit and new pickups, etc. When I'm not touching the metal, there is a tiny bit of buzz through the amp. When I touch the tailpiece or neck pickup, there is no buzz. When I touch the treble pickup, the buzz is amplified. Anyone know what's wrong exactly? Need pics? Thanks J

I take it you're referring to an electrical buzz, as opposed to a mechanical one?

...or a psychedelic one?

Jason, I would check the integrity of the ground wires to the bridge pup and surround. While you are looking, also make sure the ground from the tailpiece (back of the mute) is soldered and making a connection. Also make sure there is a ground wire from the body of the new pot/switch you put in that goes to the neck tone pot body and also one to the bridge volume pot body.

I concur with John ... one way to check where the fault is is to use alligator-clipped wires and jumper between the various points. The buzz will go away when the missing/faulty ground is eliminated by a jumper.

doctorwho wrote:I concur with John ... one way to check where the fault is is to use alligator-clipped wires and jumper between the various points. The buzz will go away when the missing/faulty ground is eliminated by a jumper.

Good simple idea Gary! Being a techie type, I never thought of that - I always have to grab a meter and start taking readings!

Thanks, John - I like simple ways of doing things!