BZZZZKILL
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Before Installation: Testing Your BzzzzKill
Before installing your BzzzzKill, we recommend performing a simple continuity test with a multimeter:
- Set your multimeter to measure resistance (ohms)
- Test the leads of the BzzzzKill
- Expected readings:
- Single Layer BzzzzKill: approximately 5.0K ohms
- Dual Layer BzzzzKill: approximately 4.0K ohms - If you get an "open" reading (infinite resistance), your BzzzzKill may be defective and should be returned under warranty
This simple test can save time and frustration by confirming your BzzzzKill is functioning properly before installation.
BzzzzKill is not compatible with active electronic systems. If your guitar has active pickups or active electronics such as any battery-powered preamp, EQ system or active tone circuits, BzzzzKill will not function properly and may cause issues. BzzzzKill is designed specifically for passive single-coil pickup systems.
Common issue #1:
"MY GUITAR STILL HAS BUZZ AFTER INSTALLING BZZZZKILL"
Possible Causes (In order of likelihood)
1. WRONG BZZZZKILL MODEL INSTALLED
- Symptom: Buzz persists in all positions.
- Solution: Verify if your guitar has a reverse-wound middle pickup (quiet in positions 2 & 4). If so, you need the Dual Layer model. If all positions buzz equally, you need the Single Layer model.
2. INCORRECT INSTALLATION
- Symptom: No change in buzz level, inconsistent results, or buzz in positions 2 & 4 while positions 1, 3, 5 are quiet
- Solution: Check that all solder joints are secure and clean. Ensure the BzzzzKill is installed correctly for your specific model. Test all pickup switch positions with your amplifier before reassembling your guitar. If positions 2 & 4 are noisier than 1, 3, 5, reverse the BzzzzKill connections.
- Tech Tip: Cold solder joints are a common culprit. Reheat joints until solder flows properly. Note that the guitar will be quieter once strings are reinstalled due to additional grounding.
3. FAULTY 5-WAY SWITCH
- Symptom: Consistent hum regardless of pickup selection.
- Solution: Old, shorted, or faulty 5-way switches can generate hum even if they still appear to select pickups properly. Try cleaning the switch contacts or replacing if necessary.
- Tech Tip: Spray contact cleaner into the switch and work it back and forth several times.
4. ENVIRONMENTAL INTERFERENCE
- Symptom: Buzz changes when moving around the room or near certain devices.
- Solution: BzzzzKill addresses internal pickup hum but cannot eliminate external RF interference. Try moving away from computers, fluorescent lights, dimmers, and other electronic devices.
5. GROUNDING ISSUES
- Symptom: Buzz stops when touching metal parts but continues when not touching them.
- Solution: Check ground connections throughout the guitar. Ensure the bridge ground and shield ground are properly connected.
- Tech Tip: Use a multimeter to confirm continuity between all metal components.
6. THIRD-PARTY MODIFICATIONS
- Symptom: Buzz persists despite correct installation.
- Solution: If your guitar has active electronics, special switching, or other modifications, these may interact with BzzzzKill. Contact us with details of your modifications for specific guidance.
7. DEFECTIVE PICKUPS
- Symptom: Buzz increases or decreases when changing pickup height.
- Solution: This suggests a faulty connection within the pickup itself. The pickup may need repair or replacement.
- Note: Normal pickup height adjustments should NOT affect BzzzzKill performance.
8. SIGNAL CHAIN ISSUES
- Symptom: Buzz persists or increases with specific pedals/amps.
- Solution: Test your guitar directly into your amp without pedals. Add components one at a time to identify which might be introducing noise.
Common issue #2:
"NO SOUND FROM MY GUITAR AFTER BZZZZKILL INSTALLATION"
Possible Causes
1. OPEN BZZZZKILL
- Symptom: Extreme buzz with no guitar signal.
- Solution: If you didn't test the BzzzzKill before installation, this indicates an "open" condition in the BzzzzKill. Remove it and test with a multimeter as described above. If open, return under warranty.
2. WIRING ERROR
- Symptom: No sound, or sound only in certain positions.
- Solution: Double-check all connections according to the installation diagram. Ensure no wires are touching that shouldn't be.
3. COLD SOLDER JOINT
- Symptom: Intermittent or no sound.
- Solution: Check all solder connections for proper flow. Reheat any suspicious joints.
Common issue #3:
"BZZZZKILL WORKED INITIALLY BUT BUZZ HAS RETURNED"
Possible Causes
1. LOOSE CONNECTIONS
- Solution: Check all solder joints for security. Even a small amount of movement can break connections over time.
2. ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES
- Solution: New electronic devices in your playing area may introduce interference. Review your setup for new potential sources of noise.
3. SWITCH DEGRADATION
- Solution: The 5-way switch may be developing issues. Try cleaning with contact cleaner or replacing if necessary.
Common issue #4:
"ONE POSITION STILL BUZZES MORE THAN OTHERS"
Possible Causes
1. PARTIAL INSTALLATION
- Solution: Ensure BzzzzKill is properly connected to all three pickups.
2. INDIVIDUAL PICKUP ISSUE
- Solution: The pickup in the noisy position may have an internal problem. Try swapping positions (if possible) to confirm.
Common issue #5:
"TONE HAS CHANGED AFTER INSTALLATION"
Possible Causes
1. INADVERTENT WIRING CHANGES
- Solution: Double-check tone/volume pot connections against original wiring diagram.
Additional Technical Notes
- BzzzzKill is designed to virtually eliminate 60Hz (50Hz in UK/EU) hum, not all types of noise. Crackling, popping, or intermittent noise usually indicates other issues.
- When installed correctly, BzzzzKill should have no impact on your tone or the function of your controls.
- In extremely high-gain situations, some minimal hum may still be present but significantly reduced from original levels.
Contact Support
If troubleshooting doesn't resolve your issue, please contact us with:
- Your guitar make/model/year
- Which BzzzzKill model you installed
- Clear photos of your installation
- Description of any modifications to your guitar
- When the issue occurs (specific pickup positions, gain settings, etc.)