Pickup suggestion for a Carter Starter...

Clark Frady · Post by **Clark Frady** » 8 Sep 2004 6:06 pm

I was considering replacing the pickup in the Carter Starter since I get the dreadful hum into my Nash 1000. Since this hum is evident when played through any amp and particularly noisy when bumped by the hand and etc., what brand and type of pickup would give me that infamous traditional steel sound and tone desired by all steel players today? (or should I consider a steel upgrade?!?)

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Clark Frady

"I steel for fun!!"

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 8 Sep 2004 8:46 pm

Upgrade.

Tim Tweedale · Post by **Tim Tweedale** » 9 Sep 2004 6:59 am

...or, if it's mostly just the hum that's bothering you, switch to a humbucker!

-Tim

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 9 Sep 2004 7:07 am

Maybe it's just the ground that's loose or the pickup itself might be defective. I suggest talking to Carter first to diagnose the problem. It might even be covered under warranty.

Brian Wetzstein · Post by **Brian Wetzstein** » 9 Sep 2004 8:52 am

It is not supposed to sound like that. Have you tried the guitar in a different amp? Does it make the same sound? Or tried a different guitar with the amp?
I think the pickup is a special design for the guitar and another pickup might not work so well. If you can't lock it down I would email the nice folks at Carter.
good luck and keep us informed!
brian

Clark Frady · Post by **Clark Frady** » 9 Sep 2004 10:07 am

I have played the Carter through three different amps, I get the hum when I depress the VP and the volume turns up. I removed the VP and the hum is still there. I replaced the instrument cord and still there (twice). I believe the pickup is not defective, I believe that the pickup is just that active for sound and makes this hum basically due to the design. It is not a shorted hum, it is more like a 60 cycle hum you get when you have equipment on a circuit that is not grounded well. Oh yes, I played my Telecaster through all three amps and it is as quiet as a mouse, on the same instrument cables, with the VP.[This message was edited by Clark Frady on 09 September 2004 at 11:08 AM.]

Garth Highsmith · Post by **Garth Highsmith** » 9 Sep 2004 6:24 pm

.[This message was edited by Garth Highsmith on 09 January 2006 at 08:51 PM.]

John Daugherty · Post by **John Daugherty** » 10 Sep 2004 4:24 am

Have you tried the Carter in a different location? You may have a noise source nearby(it could be coming from the amp transformer). Move your guitar away from the amp. Rotate the guitar to see if the hum changes.
You WILL have less hum with the Tele because the pickups are lower impedance than a steel guitar pickup.......JD

Clark Frady · Post by **Clark Frady** » 10 Sep 2004 7:55 am

I talked to Carter today (John). They are, indeed, a joy to talk with. It appears to be a faulty pickup (single coil) as any electrical component can go south without warning. I am replacing with the George L humbucking pickup. I will venture to say that this will solve my problem or at least be a little more quieter if I decide to do any recording. I am pleased overall with the C/S, but, it won't be long until an upgrade will soon be in order. The C/S does play well and have a good sound. I just need to gain some more experience and learn the PSG before justifying the large purchase. Thanks for the replys!

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Clark Frady

"I steel for fun!!"