8.16.19 Takamine Palathetic Pickup Hum

8.16.19 Takamine Palathetic Pickup Hum

This is just one possible reason for a ground hum developing in a Takamine system.

Ground loops are some of the hardest things to track down because there are a lot of variables.

It could be a problem with a guitar component or associated with something the guitar is plugged in to.

This includes any other electronic device that is in the signal chain or even the same electrical circuit as the equipment.

From the guitars output jack the guitar cable may be plugged into another musical electronic device:

Tuner, FX pedal, DI box etc.

This audio signal is then introduced to an amplifier or PA; the amplifier or PA may have other devices plugged into it as well which further compounds the issue.

The amplifier or PA is plugged into a electrical wall outlet that may have other electronic components connected to it that can create noice problems: Air Conditioner units, dimmer switches, refrigerators, fluorescent lights etc.

The noise / hum problem can be created by a number of things or combination of factors.



Is a shielded instrument cable being used?

Speaker cables look the same but are not shielded.

Does the ground loop disappear when you touch the strings or Output Jack Assembly?

Is the DI box plugged into anything else besides the PA that could be causing a ground loop?

The ground lift of the DI would have more to do with matching the polarity of the amp or pa system to the wall plug the equipment was plugged into.

Is the a ground lift switch on the board that can be switched?

It is not possible to reverse the + / - of the pickups or the preamp however the wiring of the output jacks could be a problem.



The following YouTube videos with David Hosler are very informative and should be watched. ( Thank you David for the excellent information given in these videos! )

"Audio Noise and Grounding"
   • Taylor Guitars "Audio Noise and Groun...  


"Noise Reduction" (Part 1)
   • Taylor Guitars "Noise Reduction" (Par...  


"Noise Reduction" (Part 2)
   • Taylor Guitars "Noise Reduction" (Par...  


Ground Loops
   • Understanding Ground Loops  

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AddictedToToneInc takes the time is taken to check new product when it arrives from Takamine.

Takamine electronic components pass through another more thorough audio and electronics test before being packaged and shipped.

Many sellers do not possess a working knowledge of the Takamine equipment they are selling and simply send merchandise without examining the item being sold.

As a guitarist, artist and former touring musician I understand how important this equipment is to the individual purchasing it; most of my customers are casual players but for some of my clients the part being purchased is needed for work and making a livelihood - an extended downtime can make for some potentially hungry days!

My endeavors are not approached as a mere "numbers game" or how many boxes of product I can move, for me it is much more personal, most of my clients work very hard for their money; I appreciate and respect the fact they have chosen me to do business with. 

It is much easier for me to check the product for the customer before it is sent rather than wasting time discovering a defective part after it has shipped; this is how I have always operated; it takes more of a commitment but my clients appreciate it – they know they can trust me to do the job right!

The testing process was originally started for the sake of my over-seas patrons but I quickly realized the value of it for all my clients!

I have designed, created and employ special testing equipment for the Takamine preamps and electronic components because it is your reputation as well as mine at stake when you walk on stage!



William “Bill” Sutherland / AddictedToToneInc / AKA Mr. Takamine USA