The easiest way to stop or at least minimize the 60 cycle hum is by using RWRP pickup sets and then putting your pickup selector in a middle position so that it runs 2 of your single coils together at the same time. By doing this much of the 60 cycle hum will at least be reduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before I switch to the middle position, is there anything else I can do to reduce the guitar pickup hum I’m hearing?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is a good checklist of some of the major things you can address:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1-Dimmer switches and ceiling fans. If you have one of these on the same circuit you have your amp plugged into you will get a lot of 60 cycle hum. In fact, you can get so much that it will overpower your amp. Plug into another circuit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2-Proximity to a neon sign. These can cause a lot of noise. Turn it off if possible. If you are playing in a venue where they want to leave it on, see if it can be moved\u2014at least for a few hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3-Amp ground switch positioning. If you are using a vintage amp, and a Fender in particular, make sure that you have the ground switch in the correct position.<\/p>\n\n\n 4- Proper outlet wiring. Believe it or not, I have found many miswired sockets in a number of different clubs. So checking your wall outlet can sometimes solve the problem\u2014especially if you have ruled out all of the other more obvious causes. You can get a simple circuit tester at most hardware stores. When you plug it into the wall there are a series of lights that will tell you if the outlet is wired properly. These testers are only a few dollars and they will show you if the outlet is reverse wired. They will also show you if the ground in the outlet is connected or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5-When you are not playing, keep your hands on the strings. You can also roll the volume off all the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So there is no “one size fits all” answer, is there?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally speaking, minimizing noise with single coils is a matter of looking around and seeing what is causing the interference. If all else fails throw that selector switch into the middle position on a 2 pickup guitar, or in either the 2 or 4 position on a 3 pickup guitar. That is what an RWRP pickup is made for\u2014that middle position is the hum-canceling position. I agree it’s not the ideal solution, but it does give you an alternative to bailing out on a bad situation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Reducing noise or hum from a guitar pickup can be a challenge. This posting discusses some of the ways to reduce guitar pickup noise or “hum.” Continue reading ![\"Make](\"https:\/\/www.lollarguitars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/fender-amp-ground-switch.jpg\")