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Help with strange static electricity issue

Stevelaue

New member
Joined
May 22, 2021
Messages
3
It could be your clothes. Try wearing pure cotton everything, no polyesters, and see if it disappears.
 

GimmeGibson

Active member
Joined
May 27, 2021
Messages
111
I just got off the phone with Gibson as my brand new 50’s Standard does it. I was told “it’s normal for some guitars”. It has to do with the nitro and how it is applied. They use an electrostatic process to get a better bond to the wood somehow. This causes the static.
He said sometimes it goes away by itself over time and sometimes you need the extra copper shielding in all the cavities.
How nice. If they know, why don’t they install the shielding at the factory.
 

J T

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 20, 2005
Messages
10,501
I just got off the phone with Gibson as my brand new 50’s Standard does it. I was told “it’s normal for some guitars”. It has to do with the nitro and how it is applied. They use an electrostatic process to get a better bond to the wood somehow. This causes the static.
He said sometimes it goes away by itself over time and sometimes you need the extra copper shielding in all the cavities.
How nice. If they know, why don’t they install the shielding at the factory.
I, for one, would not want any of that stuff standard in my guitar pickup or control cavities coming from the factory. If they did that, I wouldn't buy that guitar.
 

Wound_Up

Member
Joined
Apr 5, 2020
Messages
52
I, for one, would not want any of that stuff standard in my guitar pickup or control cavities coming from the factory. If they did that, I wouldn't buy that guitar.
Seriously? Why not?
 

GimmeGibson

Active member
Joined
May 27, 2021
Messages
111
Really, me too. Why not?? It comes with wires installed at the factory?
I would much rather it be done professionally from the factory as part of the normal process than have a Lutherie do some aftermarket home made install job. Anything done during an original build should always be better, cleaner, neater than aftermarket.
That being said, I would much rather they find a way to nitro the guitar WITHOUT the after effect of static. That would be first and foremost.
 
Last edited:

Sol

Active member
Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
775
Boy, this is an intriguing thread don't you think ? If a guitar is thoughly shielded, how do you introduce electrical interference, or to put it another way how to defeat the guitars shielding ?

Could it be atmospheric ?
 
Last edited:

Okctodd

New member
Joined
Jul 27, 2020
Messages
24
I'm reviving this necro thread because I found it in a search and the OP describes exactly my predicament. I'll be very brief and say that while trying to find the source of this static artifact I realized that of my 3 guitars, 2 of them recently developed this blight and the 3rd which stays mostly in a closet, did not. It suddenly hit me that I had just recently put a light coat of carauba wax on the neck and back of both. Not having any naptha to strip the wax I thought I'd try what I have and so did a prolonged rub down with Dunlop formula 65 polishing cleaner. I was also careful as I'd read up thread to wear 100% cotton and stood on wood floor instead of rug while barefoot. 95% improvement, really huge difference. I could not tell you why, how or what's going on here but it sure is worth trying.
Good luck all.
 

GimmeGibson

Active member
Joined
May 27, 2021
Messages
111
I'm reviving this necro thread because I found it in a search and the OP describes exactly my predicament. I'll be very brief and say that while trying to find the source of this static artifact I realized that of my 3 guitars, 2 of them recently developed this blight and the 3rd which stays mostly in a closet, did not. It suddenly hit me that I had just recently put a light coat of carauba wax on the neck and back of both. Not having any naptha to strip the wax I thought I'd try what I have and so did a prolonged rub down with Dunlop formula 65 polishing cleaner. I was also careful as I'd read up thread to wear 100% cotton and stood on wood floor instead of rug while barefoot. 95% improvement, really huge difference. I could not tell you why, how or what's going on here but it sure is worth trying.
Good luck all.
 

GimmeGibson

Active member
Joined
May 27, 2021
Messages
111
If you stand on one foot and face south, with one hand in the air it improves it also.

Ok, I’m just teasing. But seriously, all three of my Gibsons suffer from this malady to some degree. Some claim it will abate after some time. Who knows. I have only owned them since mid summer so maybe it’s to early to tell but they still do it. But it’s rather mild.

When recording I resort to a used dryer sheet on the neck, back, and pick guard.
 

GimmeGibson

Active member
Joined
May 27, 2021
Messages
111
If you stand on one foot and face south, with one hand in the air it improves it also.

Ok, I’m just teasing. But seriously, all three of my Gibsons suffer from this malady to some degree. Some claim it will abate after some time. Who knows. I have only owned them since mid summer so maybe it’s to early to tell but they still do it. But it’s rather mild.

When recording I resort to a used dryer sheet on the neck, back, and pick guard.
 

Okctodd

New member
Joined
Jul 27, 2020
Messages
24
Have your guitars been waxed? Maybe try cleaning the neck and body of one with naptha or even just a good amount of Dunlop65 and a good dose of elbow grease with a very smooth polishing cloth. The most it'll cost you is $6 if you don't already have a cleaner.

Pete Townshends War

One foot on the ground,....I don't think that works?
 
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