My esp ltd ex-50 have a constant buzz unless i touch the volume/tone knob(s), i re soldered the input but it still does it. any ideas?

> There are plenty of ways to wire this guitar...check out wiring diagram 2 humbuckers 2 volume 1 tone 3 way switch Google Search

This is a common problem with odd shaped guitars...lack of balance. You can add a small weight to the opposite side of the guitar strap to counterbalance.

Strings "rattling" is usually guitar setup. This has to do with string height and POSSIBLY the neck truss rod. For the latter, have a guitar shop set it up for you. Hum from touching a knob is likely a broken ground wire in the cavity of the guitar. Also view videos on YouTube search "Guitar setup"

Buzzing could be normal for this amp, especially if you have the gain cranked way up (or the volume way up) see if the buzz goes away when you turn the gain/volume down. If not, there is a problem that needs to be properly diagnosed by the amp tech at your local music store. The crackling is also unfortunately rather normal for an amp that's a little older. Oxidation builds up inside the knobs and makes that noise as you turn them. If it only happens when you change settings I wouldn't worry about it, but if it gets bad, a tech guy can clean it out for you.

To adjust the pick up height on the guitar, simply turn the single screw on each side of the pickup. Clockwise to lower the pickup and counter clockwise to raise the pickup. Hope this Helps!!

Here is the schematic:http://www.godiksennet.com/images/sch/NS2.jpg Try testing or replacing Q1 first.

looks like the pickup thread is damaged, it happens often...
open the pickguard, remove pickup and repair thread flattening little bit pickup flange by small hammer
thread will become usable again

the problem i analyse is 1) the wires of the volume control (it has three wires wired to the input of the amplifier) wire 2 and 3 have got shortened.
2) the field effect transistor of the preamplifier has got shortened . the fet is in built in certain guitars.3) if its wire wound volume control then it has lost grounding , that is wire no 3 has lost its grounding (usually this is associated with a hum from the amplifier

Hi,

It's not your pickups. It would be nearly impossible to loosen a wire inside of your guitar by having even heavier than your amp head drop on it. It is most likely your volume pot. The post, if hit hard enough, can virtually distroy your pots. Another possibility could be your jack, al though considering where it's located on your guitar, it would be very hard to damage it by having something drop onto it.

There is little else that could be the problem. Hopefully you didn't damage your guitar too badly. If the guitar was in front of me, it would be a relatively easy diagnosis.

Fortunately, volume and tone pots are inexpensive, and if you're handy with a soldering iron (or you have a friend that is) it is an easy install with four to six solder points, depending on your configuration. I don't want to assume it's a stock setup, but when you take off the rear electronics cover, you will immediately see what configuration you have.

If you have possibly damaged the pickup bobbins (assuming you have the stock humbuckers in your guitar), you would be able to see the damage, It would either look damaged,or work correctly. As you know bobbuns are simply wound wire, and that's not easy to damage. Plus your strings provide a minimal amount of protection, unless your amp head slammed it very hard. Start by replacing the volume pot. Cheapest parts first. There is no way to test the pot with anything like a potentiometer, because there is virtually no voltage that passes through the pot. Additionally, unless you have active pickups, your pickups cannot be either. If you do have to replace your electronics, you can find a large variety and even upgrade your parts by searching eBay. The good thing is that you havce a guitar, and guitar parts are abundant, relatively cheap, and most people change out electronics just to achieve a different sound.

If you are so inclined, most good guitar shops will diagnose your problem for cheap and apply the cost of the diagnosis to the cost of the repair. Good luck, and I hope I have given you some information to work with.

Thank you for using FixYa

if the signature ex has any special plugs then the actuall diagram for that guitar is needed. but if it uses the standard two or three potential meter ( volume knobs and tone knobs or (pots) ) with a pick up selector and an input. then you can use any guitar wiring diagram and i think you can find that on web. wiring the pick up should be shown in the diagram with the pick up selector.