Shielding Fender Strat

[mightyboy88]

Hi Guys Thanks For Looking ,

Ive got a fender mij strat made in somewhere 1992-1994 with the texas pickups which is unshielded aka no shielding paint , foil etc under the guitar .

The cleans are really nice and sweet but then when on gain there is a considerable amount of hum .

Is it true that if you wrap copper tape around the pickup u can eliminate the hum . And can anyone who has done that teach me how to do it ? As well as where to get copper tape(diy shops couldnt find)

Thanks

 

[lightice]

Not around actually.

I wouldn't recommend it because it doesn't provide much help with hum on gain.
A more effective method to remove hum is to stand further away from transformers and point the guitar away from them.

You can use aluminum foil instead of copper tape.

If you want to shield it, here's how you should do it.

1) Remove the pickguard and all electronics on the pickguard
2) Get a sheet of cooking aluminum foil
3) Spray the pickguard with 3M adhesive spray
4)lay the pickguard on the aluminum foil and cut out the pattern on the foil
5) Cut out all holes (pickups, screws, etc )
6) Measure the depth of the routing and cut aluminum strips to line the vertical walls of the routing
7) Cut out foil for the bottom route
8) Use painter's tape to cover EVERY part of the guitar body except the cavity
9) I use some very low viscosity glue and coat the route then lay the aluminum strips inside, leaving a little bit sticking out to contact the top pickguard piece

I did this on one guitar, but truth be told, it didn't help much. Also the newer MIM/MIA strats did come with shielding, didn't help too.

I realised by playing away from transformers, the hum dies down more.

 

[edder]

+1 to lightice.

or change the pickups to humfree single coils.

 

[relinquish69]

how about turning your gain setting lower? might help & even be a cheaper option.

 

[mightyboy88]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I purchased some copper tape over the internet , probably going to do some simple shielding to see if it helps .

I'll post the results back on this thread a few weeks time , thanks for helping .