Electric guitars are prone to noise—especially those with single coil pickups; however, interference doesn’t stop there. EMI (electromagnetic interference) can also creep in through the internal wiring and circuitry housed inside the guitar body.
That’s why most electric guitars include shielding to protect sensitive electronics from EMI. Sources of interference include household AC power, fluorescent lighting, and nearby electronics. Shielding works like an umbrella, intercepting unwanted interference and safely redirecting it to ground. The two most common shielding methods found in guitars are foil and conductive paint.
Shielding with Copper Tape
Several types of conductive foil tape are available. Copper tape is a popular choice: it provides a low-cost, highly conductive material with excellent coverage. A high-quality shielding tape features a conductive adhesive on the sticky side. This allows overlapping layers to maintain electrical continuity.
Foil shielding is extremely common, but it can be hard to install in the tight, uneven spaces of a guitar. Foil is much better suited to flat surfaces, such as the underside of a pickguard.
Conductive Shielding Paint
Conductive paint offers a highly flexible solution. It conforms easily to complex shapes and is ideal for the pickup and control cavities. Prices vary based on the type of metal filler used. Even a little paint can cover a vast area, especially when sprayed. This makes it an efficient option for DIY shielding.
Which Is Better?
The effectiveness of a guitar shielding material mainly depends on how conductive it is. The more conductive the material, the better it blocks EMI, especially at higher frequencies. But perhaps even more critical than the material is the physical application itself. Shielding is like waterproofing—a single small gap can compromise the entire barrier and let interference through.
Recommendation
For the best results, combine both methods:
- Use foil for the underside of the pickguard. Since this is a flat, easily accessible surface, it’s ideal for materials like copper shielding guitar foil. Simply lay the pickguard on the foil, trace the shape and cutouts with a blade, and trim it to size.
- Use conductive paint, such as MG Chemicals’ 841WBU, for the body cavities shielding. The paint is easy to apply with a brush or spray and ensures thorough coverage in tight, awkward spaces where foil may fail.
