Noise gate for suppressing single coil hum?

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BassIsBad
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Noise gate for suppressing single coil hum?

Post by BassIsBad »

My bass has a bad case of the single coil hums. It's pretty bad all of the time, getting worse if I bias one pickup or the other or add OD.

Would using a noise gate (pedal or otherwise) help cancel out some of the hum while not degrading my tone? If so, does anyone have a specific one they recommend?
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Re: Noise gate for suppressing single coil hum?

Post by Pepe »

The BOSS NS-2 is a cheap and very useful tool for exactly that purpose. With the right settings (two knobs to tewak) you get a very natural sound without a noticable gate effect. And the loop is ideal for dirt pedals. Works great with bass.
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oscillateur
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Re: Noise gate for suppressing single coil hum?

Post by oscillateur »

Have you shielded the pickup and controls cavities with copper tape ?
That can make a huge difference and it's usually not very difficult to do...
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Re: Noise gate for suppressing single coil hum?

Post by Jakezor »

I have an ISP Decimator 2 for my Decatone and a MXR M-135 smart gate on my 6505 combo. MXR = more adjustable but the ISP is so simple and doesn't affect the signal or tone otherwise.

Haven't used an NS-2 yet, want to try the new TC one since you can program it via TonePrint.
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Re: Noise gate for suppressing single coil hum?

Post by BassIsBad »

"And the loop is ideal for dirt pedals"

Going to have to disagree with you there. I'll look into the boss though.
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Re: Noise gate for suppressing single coil hum?

Post by BassIsBad »

oscillateur wrote:Have you shielded the pickup and controls cavities with copper tape ?
That can make a huge difference and it's usually not very difficult to do...
Yes, I believe they are. Just really noisy pups.
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