Static discharge

[Freddy23]

When playing in my home studio, whenever I take my hands off the guitar there's usually an audible click through the amp when my returning hand touches a string. This happens with both my P90 and Humbucker-equipped guitars. Any thoughts on how to eliminate this?

Thanks.

[rpjazzguitar]

Aero Instruments sells a product for this. DBuz.

It includes a way to connect your instrument ground to your skin, even when you aren't touching the guitar.

You could do the same thing with big alligator clips connected by a wire. One side on the output jack the other against your skin like inside the waistband of your underwear. Aero's product has a metal disk for that iirc. It was reviewed in GP.

It's possible that Aero's product has a little more to it. The ad mentions current limiting.

You could test the concept with a simple length of wire.

[andrew]

One of the quick ways to take care of that issue is by wiping the guitar down with a dryer sheet. (Sometimes it makes the problem go away for a while but then gradually comes back, so the occasional re-wipe is necessary)

[Cunamara]

When playing in my home studio, whenever I take my hands off the guitar there's usually an audible click through the amp when my returning hand touches a string. This happens with both my P90 and Humbucker-equipped guitars. Any thoughts on how to eliminate this?

There are a couple of things I would check. First, is the room carpeted and are you in your bare feet, typically? Or are you in your bare feet on concrete? Putting down a rubber mat under your chair and/or feet where you play could be helpful, if this is the case.

I would suggest trying a different cable, if you haven't already done so.


I would also suggest checking your amp and the wiring inside your guitars to make sure of properly grounding. When I have had this sort of thing happening, it has been the result of a bad solder joint somewhere. Since this is happening with at least two guitars, I would start with the amp if the above remedies don't work.

[starjasmine]

Or are you in your bare feet on concrete?

And playing through an amp? Yikes. I hope not. You don't want to get called to the great gig in the sky.

[Freddy23]

Thanks everyone.

I play in sandals on a fake wood floor ("luxury vinyl") with my chair rolling on a plastic floor protector. I'll try swapping out the cord and then try the dryer sheet. I may look at that DeBuz as well.

I appreciate all the replies.

[jazzshrink]

...I'll try swapping out the cord and then try the dryer sheet...

A word of caution. Most dryer sheets contain:
- Dipalmethyl hydroxyethylammoinum methosulfate: a softening and antistatic ingredient
- Fatty acid, fatty alcohols, and/or alcohol ethoxylates: softening agent
- Polyester substrate: the carrier material (e.g., sheet) the ingredients are coated on
- Clay: a rheology modifier that controls how other ingredients on the dryer sheet flow and disseminate as they're heated
- Fragrance

Personally, I wouldn't use dryer sheets, not even for clothes.

[scharpen]

The audible click you're hearing is likely caused by static electricity building up on your guitar or in your environment, which discharges when you touch the strings. To minimize this, you can try grounding yourself before playing by touching something metal that's grounded, such as a radiator or metal desk leg. Also, check if your amp or pedals are properly grounded. You could also use an anti-static spray on your guitar, or even humidify the room if it's too dry, as static builds up more easily in dry conditions. Shielding your guitar’s electronics could further reduce interference.


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[Sleeko]

Funny you mention this. I used to have this problem and then it just went away without me realizing it. Thanks for the memory!

[Cunamara]

Thanks everyone.

I play in sandals on a fake wood floor ("luxury vinyl") with my chair rolling on a plastic floor protector. I'll try swapping out the cord and then try the dryer sheet. I may look at that DeBuz as well.

I appreciate all the replies.

Plastic foot protector. Hmmm. Try without; plastic is infamous for building up a static charge.

[Jimmy blue note]

This seems to happen to me more during the dry winter months. Could there be a humidity/moisture content way to look at this problem?

Static discharge: Sounds like a wet dream.

[Freddy23]

Plastic foot protector. Hmmm. Try without; plastic is infamous for building up a static charge.

Holy Cats! You were right! It seems it was the plastic floor protector.

Thanks!!