Variax 700 humming loudly when NOT touching strings

[aidanpoulter]

HI. I’d be so grateful to even reduce this humming a lot, especially if i don’t have to be an electronics genius. I’m up for trying stuff if it saves me money. When i touch strings the noise stops. When i don’t any distortion makes it unbearable. 

 

Any one have any tips? 

Thanks in advance. 

[cruisinon2]

On 12/23/2025 at 11:27 PM, aidanpoulter said:

HI. I’d be so grateful to even reduce this humming a lot, especially if i don’t have to be an electronics genius. I’m up for trying stuff if it saves me money. When i touch strings the noise stops. When i don’t any distortion makes it unbearable. 

 

Any one have any tips? 

Thanks in advance. 

 

Something isn't grounded properly. When you touch the strings, you're "closing the circuit", so to speak... that's why the hum goes away.

 

All anyone can do from afar is guess...a loose solder joint somewhere is often the culprit.

[psarkissian]

Loose chassis ground on a pick up or the bridge, loose connector not fully inserted are the prime suspects.