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Hi, I have a guitar pedal that makes a funky scratch/hum noise when it is turned on which cuts in and out. Is this a simple ground issue or is it something else? Is this easy to fix?
Thank you!!!!

My leg hurts, do you know what's wrong with it?

-A

(translation: more info please)

Yeah, lots more information please. Like, what kind of pedal is it, describe the humming noise a little bit more, is it running on battery or plug in power, etc.

Could be something as simple as a ground wire, or it could be an op amp (depending on the pedal), or. . .

I almost feel like this is a WUM.

Sorry about that...when I get home later tonight I'll plug it in just so I can give you an accurate account of the problem.

For starters, I would clean out the jacks and pots. Dirt leads to "scratchiness". Also, take it apart and give it a visual inspection. The cutting in and out could be caused from a loose connection from the circuit board to one of the jacks.

The hum... probably a ground issue. I couldn't give you much help there. Post more info and someone else will probably give you some good advice on how to deal with it.

MetalNecks wrote:

WoundedFoot wrote:For starters, I would clean out the jacks and pots. Dirt leads to "scratchiness". Also, take it apart and give it a visual inspection. The cutting in and out could be caused from a loose connection from the circuit board to one of the jacks.

The hum... probably a ground issue. I couldn't give you much help there. Post more info and someone else will probably give you some good advice on how to deal with it.

What do you like to use for cleaning pots? My Crowther Audio HotCakes is starting to scratch like a mofo when turning the dials.

Thanks!
MN

I use contact2000, the red one.
I think calilube is also recommended.

Yeah, I use Contact 2000 as well. The blue one though. Any contact cleaner would work though. I just spray 'em down and wipe the excess off with a rag.

WoundedFoot wrote:For starters, I would clean out the jacks and pots. Dirt leads to "scratchiness". Also, take it apart and give it a visual inspection. The cutting in and out could be caused from a loose connection from the circuit board to one of the jacks.

The hum... probably a ground issue. I couldn't give you much help there. Post more info and someone else will probably give you some good advice on how to deal with it.

Thanks, I sat down and took the pedal apart and cleaned the pots. I noticed a spotty looking patch of solder on the board where the input jack is mounted so I fixed it up and now it works wonderful, no more hum or scratch. Thanks for the info and suggestions.

Hey... you're very welcome.