annoying pick noise

[delt]

When i use a sound with some "note definition" it sounds like the pick is "fretting" the strings, causing a high-pitched sound before each note ---

http://razorback.ca/picknoise.mp3
(i move my right hand back and forth on the string to make it more obvious, that's why picking is all f'd up)

the noise is more present through a humbucker, and it seems to be worse with a thicker pick - but it's still present with jim dunlop .46mm's and even with .38mm .. those things are a piece of paper....!!

[jackson1]

Re: annoying pick noise

There's two main reasons for this noise. First, using a highly processed (typical digital units) and totally over the top distorted sound with "definition" (= lots of highs) will result in this. Just like the sound in your example. It gets even worse if you don't use real guitar cabs/speakers in your setup. Try a cleaner sound and see if problem still exists.
Second, if you angle the pick in relation to the strings, you will also generate more noise. Try and hold the pick horizontal in relation to the strings.

/Henrik

[jackson1]

Re: annoying pick noise

Oh i forgot, i always sand the edges on my picks when they get a little worn. A rough edge on the pick will really generate noise, especially if you angle it (i do sometimes).

/Henrik

[maddog]

Re: annoying pick noise

I love your tone [img]graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img]

What gear are you using?

[delt]

Re: annoying pick noise

thanks for the advice (: but i like the "over-the-topness" of that sound, and the sharp definition [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] (you probably won't like some of my other sounds hehehehehehe) ..... i just don't like the pick playing notes by itself (: (:

i'm going through a pick crisis right now, kinda trying to decide what kind of pick to stick with........

kit: that's my Jackson ps-2 with the plain old stock humbucker, playing through my Boss GT-3 (modeling a peavey 5150 i think) and an analog stereo EQ. i really like this setup, can't wait for my rhoads to be complete, its gonna kick serious ass [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[delt]

Re: annoying pick noise

oh, i had the pickup sim enabled somehow, disabling it helped a lot [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[maddog]

Re: annoying pick noise

Yeah very over the top and very "digital" sounding! Most people dont like digital sounds but I think if you use them in moderation they can be great.

[horns666]

Re: annoying pick noise

Honestly for me ...the more pick noise the better....to me that is a good thing..I love the transient definition of that..sounds great with the kicks [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

I own a lot of guitars with different DiMarzio pups and I noticed that that makes the biggest difference..My Floyd Rose classic strat w PAF pro has the most "pick noise"...no matter if I'm playing straight into my Ubershall or a POD...

[delt]

Re: annoying pick noise

i think it sounds "digital" because of the chorus. and the slightly scooped mids too. sounds more "natural" without it.

i like extreme, completely chemical sounding distortion tones. [img]graemlins/headbang.gif[/img]

[jackson1]

Re: annoying pick noise

Originally posted by delt:
i like extreme, completely chemical sounding distortion tones. [img]graemlins/headbang.gif[/img]

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I respect that! [img]graemlins/band.gif[/img] But with it comes pick noise.

Picking with a wet tea bag would probably eliminate the pick noise though.

/Henrik