Tips for getting rid of hum in a Guitar Amp?

[abaga129]

Hey everyone!
I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions to fix a really noisy amp.

I play a peavey windsor and it has been extremely noisy for as long as i can remember, however, it is selective. The noise is what i would consider a hum (lower frequency static). The noise is definitely the worst when at my house, but i also experience a lot at the house where my band practices as well as at gigs. The other guitarist who is using a solid state amp has no noise whatsoever.

Any ideas?

 

[bryan_kilco]

I use a Boss NS-2.

Spend more and get the ISP Decimator. Done.

 

[abaga129]

I use a Boss NS-2.

Spend more and get the ISP Decimator. Done.

hmm my multi effects pedal actually has a noise gate. Maybe i should try throwing it in the effects loop. I was kinda hoping for a solution that involved getting rid of the noise at the source though

 

[DeclanWhite]

try a decimator G string using 4 cable method, otherwise, try a GOOD power conditioner. otherwise, get the amp serviced maybe

 

[DullElysium]

I use a gate in the fx-loop of my 6505 and it's really silent after that. Ofcourse you want one in the usual place before the amp too. But anyways.. That's what I'm using. Decimator for the guitar and mxr for the fx-loop. Both do the same job.

 

[Terminus]

Get a power conditioner like a Fuhrman, and a noise gate.

Are Windsors really that noisy to begin with? I have a 3120 and seriously, that thing is silent even turned up with no noise gate, I dont even need one at hi gain. Weird.

 

[Trevoire520]

^The 3120 has a built in noise gate

 

[mstone564]

try a decimator G string using 4 cable method, otherwise, try a GOOD power conditioner. otherwise, get the amp serviced maybe

This.
Any ISP will reduce noise immensely without choking the sound. If that doesn't help it might be an actual issue with your amp.

 

[abaga129]

Well I can't speak for all windsors because I bought mine used but its noisy as hell. The power conditioner route seems to be the way to go though. Today I'll try my noise gate in the effects chain and see if I'm happy with it temporarily

 

[abaga129]

On the plus side, its an Amplifier/radio/noisegenerator all in one!

 

[viralz]

A noise gate is just part of the solution. Be smart with your gain and volume settings.

 

[drew_drummer]

Ground loops???

 

[abaga129]

Ground loops???

I wish i knew more about this! I dont know how to make sure everything is properly grounded

 

[Sloan]

You may have bad grounding, microphonic preamp tubes, or possibly need to replace the amp's power supply filter capacitors. Diagnose in that order.

 

[abaga129]

You may have bad grounding, microphonic preamp tubes, or possibly need to replace the amp's power supply filter capacitors. Diagnose in that order.

I'll look into grounding. I replaced the preamp tubes about 8 months ago i believe. surely they wouldnt be microphonic already would they? I havent changed the tube in the phase inverter slot since i got it though.

 

[Sloan]

Tubes can come from the factory microphonic. You can swap them around and note changes. First preamp tube has the most impact.

 

[kaomao]

Dude this is not Offtopic you could have posted in equipment section, it's actually a good question to post there

 

[Fbarre]

Did you to already try to replace all your cables including the power cable to see if it makes any difference? Does your amp have the same hum with different guitars? Has your guitar's electronics cavity been properly shielded? If not you could shield the cavity with shielding paint or copper foil, or let someone else skilled do it for you. http://www.stewmac.com/freeinfo/Electronics/Shielding/i-3789.html There's also lots of other info if you Google it.