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#1
05-28-2016, 05:52 PM
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Ground Hum?
Hope everyone's having a great weekend!
A couple nights ago at my gig, management turned on a string of small bulb lights above me and immediately a pretty loud (ground?) hum started and remained for the rest of the gig. The ground lift switch on my Fishman Platinum Pro had no effect but if I engaged my Polytune tuner (mutes my guitar signal) the hummimg stopped. Also, touching my guitar strings seemed to make it louder and taking my hands off it made it significantly quieter. Anyone know what could cause this and how to remedy? Thanks!
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Buscarino Starlight nylon, Martin 000C-RGTE, Godin nylon duet ambiance, Breedlove Bossa Nova, cedar/EIR, Breedlove SC-20, cedar/walnut, Ovation Nylon LX1773, CA Cargo, CA GX, Larrivee 00-03, sitka/hog 
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#2
05-28-2016, 06:24 PM
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If it's just a ground issue, I carry a 3-to-2 prong adapter which kills a lot of hum in situations like you described. Someone came on here last time I posted this and sang a song of the dangers of lifting the ground, and I'm happy to report I'm still with you and all my equipment is still fine.   I've actually been using this 'Trick' for decades without issues. It's a $ 0.98 solution to the issue.
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Baby #1.1 Baby #1.2 Baby #02 Baby #03 Baby #04 Baby #05 Larry's songs... …Just because you've argued someone into silence doesn't mean you have convinced them…
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#4
05-30-2016, 08:05 PM
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At least do one thing...with some of these plugs, there are no large/small prong differentiation. So plug it in the same direction as if you weren't defeating the earth ground. At least you'll preserve the AC plug's HOT & NEUTRAL connection correctly.
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<{()}>< <{()}>< <{()}>< <{()}>< <{()}>< bradM - SW Ohio - love to pick! <{()}>< <{()}>< <{()}>< <{()}>< <{()}><
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#5
06-01-2016, 12:30 PM
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#6
06-01-2016, 10:04 PM
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The "3>2" adapter has been one of my fixes for many electronic issues regarding excessive hum or 60 cycle interference... for something like 45 years or so... without issue to either myself or my gear.
Easy fix is to plug YOUR AC into a different circuit, one that is not handling that "string of lights" or anything on a rheostat or anything with neon bulbs. Use a long extension cord if you have to, but avoid those circuits...
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"Home is where I hang my hat, but home is so much more than that. Home is where the ones and the things I hold dear are near... And I always find my way back home." "Home" (working title) J.S, Sherman
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#7
06-01-2016, 11:17 PM
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Yep...exactly!
Quote:
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<{()}>< <{()}>< <{()}>< <{()}>< <{()}>< bradM - SW Ohio - love to pick! <{()}>< <{()}>< <{()}>< <{()}>< <{()}><
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#8
06-02-2016, 01:48 PM
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Thanks for your replies!
Jseth: Can't use another outlet.
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Buscarino Starlight nylon, Martin 000C-RGTE, Godin nylon duet ambiance, Breedlove Bossa Nova, cedar/EIR, Breedlove SC-20, cedar/walnut, Ovation Nylon LX1773, CA Cargo, CA GX, Larrivee 00-03, sitka/hog
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#9
09-22-2016, 01:31 PM
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Just wanted to follow up with my thread so others may benefit. It was actually a buzzing sound as opposed to a hum. Larry, the adapter worked perfectly at that particular hotel gig and eliminated all of the buzzing! I'm so happy I'm able to use that guitar again there! Been gigging for years but never knew about that! Learned a lot from everyone's post---big thanks!
Also, I think there was a problem with the pickup as I also had a buzzing at home with that guitar. I called Fishman, (immediately was transferred to a tech---awesome service!) and they said that sometimes the foil might get stripped off of the undersaddle element which could also be a cause for the buzzing (at which point I would need to buy a new element.) So I took it out, inspected it (looked fine) and put it back. Well this reseating must've done the trick because this eliminated the buzzing at home.
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#10
09-22-2016, 01:53 PM
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Sorry, but the 3>2 ground disconnect is dangerous and worst case scenario potentially lethal.
There's a very good reason why it's called a "safety ground". Disconnect it at your peril. One of, if not THE most important things I've learned doing PA and broadcast sound is how to use a multi-meter to ascertain correct wiring, grounding and voltage. In retrospect it seems absolutely stupid not to have had the ability to check for safety, both for equipment and most importantly, the lives of any users. You wouldn't believe the stuff that passes for use.
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Harmony Sovereign H-1203 "You're making the wrong mistakes." ...T. Monk Theory is the post mortem of Music. Last edited by Wyllys; 09-22-2016 at 02:13 PM.
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#11
09-24-2016, 01:57 AM
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I do a lot of electrical work and am a bit confused about the 'dangers'. I am in contact with the strings of my guitar but they are not physically connected to any other conductors ... the nearest would be a pickup element and mic. I think the thin wiring in both would evaporate if mains went through them. The next would be the preamp ... and then the amp or pedals. Surely they have safety fuses that would blow if there were any short circuit. Has anyone heard of any musicians dying from electric shock from their instruments whilst gigging? I dunno, but if it were such a hugely risky thing, I might have heard a few more stories. I'm not saying there is NO danger ... I'm just wondering if it is not a little overplayed.
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