Why does my bass amp get static when I plug my bass into it?

Question

Why does my bass amp get static when I plug my bass into it? I have a Fender Delux Avtive Jazz bass and a Crate BT50 amp.

Answer 1

I'll just give you the simple answer. Last On First Off.

The amp is always turned on AFTER everything else is turned on or plugged in. The Amp is always first off BEFORE anything else is unplugged turned off.

If you haven't been following that simple rule you'll have more then static problems.

Finally. Don't buy cheap guitar cords. That's why they are CHEAP.

Answer 2

Well possibly there's something wrong with your cable. my little brother had the same problem.

Answer 3

A couple of things come to mind.  If your CRATE amp has a polarity switch on it, try reversing it.  Another option, try using a ground lift on the cord to the amp. (one of those "gray things" that would plug into the cord of the amp)

   Next, and a few here have covered it already, could be the cord.

  Last, and certainly not least..... Fender Jazz Basses , depending on pickups, are notorious for having a "buzz" to them.  Its a phase issue.  I have a Fretless Jazz Bass, very good cord...(Monster Bass Cable), very good amp... and yet still get the buzz.  (By the way, ive owned Jazz Basses made in the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's.. they ALL have buzzed or hummed with passive pick-up.) Try balancing the pickup volume to where there both the same, .... (1. bridge pickup all the way up, neck the same, 2. bridge pickup half way up.. neck pickup the same)... or.. one of the pickups all the way up.. the other off.  I prefer the neck pickup wide open if doing it this way. Even though yours is an active bass.. from the looks of the pics ive found on various sites it still has the traditional "J" style single coil pickups.  These are 8 pole pick-ups, wired opposite of each other!  They will only reduce hum if used in the way ive mentioned above. (Even though they are supposed to be "noise cancelling pickups)

   One last option would be to purchase another set of pickups if that annoying buzz is still there.  One set I would highly recommend is the DiMarzio DP 123's.  Ive installed these before on a couple of my Jazz basses and these are smokin hot pick-ups!

   Hope its something as minor as the cord!

Answer 4

What you do is to reverse the polarity of the plug. Fender amp have a ground switch built  in the on off switch. You can switch on the amp and their is a 2nd switch next to it or built in the on off switch.

Answer 5

it could be one of 4 things...

1. your bass: particularly your pickups. it could be a bad sawdering (i don't know how to spell that) job where something's coming undone. and do you have both pickups on a t the same time when this static comes, or just one pickup? cuz i think these work like single coil pickups on something like a strat.

2. your cord: like the other guy said. try other cords. take your bass to a guitar store and ask to try it on a really good cord.

3. your amp: could have a ground issue. or a 1/4 inch jack issue. try plugging in a different bass into your amp.

4. lights. there's certain lights that will jack you up. i don't remember what kind... maybe someone else will know the name of them. try playing your bass in daylight with no lights on around you, see if the static's still there.

.... nice bass though. i like it.