screeching SSC-55 pickups « VOX

Member

So, I just picked up an SSC-55 today. It sounds insanely great clean, however, whenever I play with distortion and set the pickup toggle switch to either neck or center position, the amp screeches something fierce. It's this horrible metallic-sounding noise. If it's feedback, it's unlike anything I've ever heard before.

The odd thing is the guitar sounds just fine when the bridge pickup is used. In fact, I can crank up the gain, set the toggle to bridge, use any combination of the CoAxe settings - lead, clean, or crunch - and not get that awful noise. Basically, any position other than the bridge will produce noise. It doesn't matter how far away I am from my amp or how low the volume is.

Is there something wrong with the guitar? I just can't imagine the pickups should function like this. I have a semi-hollow body Gibson ES-339, SG, Telecaster, and PRS Mira X and none of them do this.

I really hope there is something wrong with the guitar that can be fixed. If this is how the guitar is supposed to operate, it's going to be returned because it's just unusable this way.

Posted 2 years ago

voxman

VOX Forum Moderator

Well, I realise its brand new, but your symptoms of howling uncontrollable feedback sound as if the neck p/up has gone microphonic. (It's possible there's a loose connection somewhere but I can't see how that would give those symptoms).

Definitely needs to be checked out. I recommend you return it to the dealer and exchange it for another. I certainly wouldn't accept a repair (unless it was something quick & simple while you were there eg loose connection) as you've only just walked out the door with it.

Keep us posted?

Posted 2 years ago

discoroboto

Member

Thanks for the advice, Voxman.

Korg actually contacted me before I could even get in touch with the dealer! I was pleasantly surprised and a bit shocked to have received an email earlier today from Max, a Korg USA product support supervisor, in response to this post. I have to give kudos to him for reaching out and offering his assistance to getting this problem fixed. :)

Posted 2 years ago

discoroboto

Member

Basically, I figured out that something is obviously wrong with the wiring and/or pickups. The toggle switch isn't shutting off the neck pickup when the toggle is set to bridge, and vice versa.

I received another phone call from a customer service rep offering to have their technicians look at the guitar, fix whatever the problem is, and pay for shipping both ways. I decided to return it to the dealer and get a replacement instead.

I need to again commend and thank Korg's customer service. It's rare when a company is as responsive and helpful as they have been.

Posted 2 years ago

voxman

VOX Forum Moderator

Max is a good guy isn't he! Great to see Vox keeping an eye on these things and acting so pro-actively. Glad you got it sorted - presumably the replacement's a goodie with no problems?

Posted 2 years ago

discoroboto

Member

Yes, the replacement guitar I got is working as it should and I've had no problems with it whatsoever. I'm really, really happy with this guitar. The variety of sounds it's capable of producing is astounding. It's going to expand the sonic palate I have to work with.

Because I'm so in love with this guitar, I just bought a Virage Single-cut in Ash Blonde off of eBay! It's replacing my 1991 Gibson TV Yellow "Les Paul" SG custom of which I'm currently selling.

Posted 2 years ago