The Electra Forums

I recently purchased a gold top 2245 with all original pups and hardware, its a little beat up but as I have been told that only adds to the character. In any case I do like the action and want to incorporate it into my collection, however, I am getting alot of buzzing. I have already tried grouding, have other guitars that dont make any noise in the same amp so I ruled that out. It is either in the 3 way, the pups or the pots. Just hoping someone has an original wiring schematic or information that can help me make this guitar truly quiet.

According to many threads on this forum, the output jack and selector switch are the two most common failures electronically, so I would clean/checkout those things first, especially as they are also two of the least expensive parts there too.

In reference to your subject title, the wiring should be very similar to any 2 volume/2 tone setups. I would get in there with a volt/ohm meter set for resistance (ohms) and check for bad connections (open) or shorts.

Does it hum in any pickup position, or just some? Does any wiggling of the guitar cable help or change the hum? Does it look like anyone has been in there 'playing around' with the wiring? (shiney solder, different looking wires) Also, after 30 years, heating up the solder could help mend any bad solder joints that have popped up from age, and temperature changes.

Anyway, it could be lots of things, but check the cheap stuff first and go from there. Welcome to the forum, Mike.

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Thank you Mike, I will certainly try some of the things you noted and yes I agree on all points you made. Yes, the bridge pickup with the 3 way in the treble position is the real noisy one in fact nothing but noise. The neck position pickup works fine, still getting that ungrounded noise (stops when you touch a string) and I have tried to isolate the cause by making sure everything is grounded, however, your idea of using an ohm meter will be my next avenue.

I know I can change out these parts with more modern replacements but I want to try to keep the guitar original if possible. I bought it at a garage sale for $50 with two string on it and no one who knew a thing about it. I brought it home put some strings on it, tuned it and jammed out for a bit realizing I really liked the action and feel of the guitar. I play a PRS and an 83' LP standard, but am excited about adding this to my collection as it has the feel I like and a tone all of its own.

Its only after I bought it and researched it that I realized what a cool find I had made, yes it has some dings but appears to be all original with tons of character and a gold top to boot!

Based on your description it sounds like you have a bad ground on the treble pickup. I would check the ground at the pots for the treble volume and tone. They may look attached but not be (a cold joint). Try re-flowing the solder on the back of the pots and on the tab where the wire leads to the back of the pot.

You should be able to get a wiring diagram here: http://www.1728.com/guitar.htm