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Spark sound

Leiria
Posts: 330
10 years ago
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So lately theres this weird sound when I play. It sounds like an electrical spark, but its coming from the strings (between the bridge and my strumming hand) does this mean my strings are old or is it something else?
A dirty bass, such as Dust can cause this problem. A bass may look clean, but even a little build up that is able to collect on the pick ups can create this nuisance. People that notice a pop or crackling sound tend to think they have a bad instrument cable or a wiring problem. Before anyone assumes they have a problem with a certain pot/cable/ or wiring - clean the bass thoroughly for dust.

Hopefully, this is what is causing your problem and nothing more.
……… and another thing crossed my mind – make sure the instrument cable is tight from the jack to your bass. A loose/floppy connection will no doubt cause this sparking sound frequently. It happens often from plugging and unplugging the cable from the guitar on a regular basis. If this is the case, it's an easy fix. This just means the prong that keeps the cable snug has opened up enough where the cable is loose or the cable keeps falling out of the jack.

The fix - unscrew the jack from your guitar and push the prong inward 'till the cable and jack feel tight and secure.
Sidsquishus
Posts: 1499
do your pickups have silver dots across them - are the poles exposed? if so, are you touching them? That can give a crackly, electrical sound.
Marko1960
Posts: 3143
are your pick ups too high?
Leiria
Posts: 330
I think it stopped for now. Thanks for your replies anyway. If it returns Ill say something
Cheekychuck
Posts: 440
Quote:
I think it stopped for now. Thanks for your replies anyway. If it returns Ill say something

Must have been your electric personality Leiria
Leiria
Posts: 330
The spark sound returned. I turned the amp off and played unplugged and it was still there. it till sounds like an electrical spark, but its source isnt electric.
Cheekychuck
Posts: 440
Could it be string slap? Do you have active pickups?
Leiria
Posts: 330
what do you mean by string slap?
IamMark
Posts: 1103
Are the strings worn at the bridge? Very odd to making a spark sound while unplugged.

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