NF53 pickup noise — is this normal?

[cryh4v0k]

I bought a brand new 2024 NF53 today.

When I touch or brush against the plastic housing of the neck pickup, sound comes from my amp. Basically, it seems to be amplifying whatever I do to the plastic.

This is only happening with the neck pickup. The bridge pickup is completely silent when I touch it.

Considering it is only happening with the neck pickup… my feeling is that this is likely not normal.

Thoughts?

 

[Black Plaid]

This doesn't happen on my new NF-53, sounds like the pickup is microphonic.

 

[cryh4v0k]

This doesn't happen on my new NF-53, sounds like the pickup is microphonic.

That's what I was thinking. I'll likely just return it to the dealer instead of dealing with a warranty issue on a day old guitar.

 

[Mahz]

This model touts noiseless operation. I bought one used on Reverb and seller did not indicate that it was buzzing or humming in all positions but instead listed it as “excellent”. I got burned. I take responsibility. In my home, all positions buzzing. Got to a gig in hopes of using it, all positions buzzing. At guitar tech shop where we tried EVERYTHING to get it to stop (an hour plus of work), all positions buzzing. Multimeter tests were 100% clean - input Jack was fine, grounded to the bridge, absolutely nothing indicating an issue. Took the guitar to a newly built home just for kicks to see if maybe it was wiring in my home - buzzing. Last resort, the guitar has been in PRS service for weeks now. Quoting PRS Technician’s email:

“Your guitar is currently awaiting maintenance. Our technicians were unable to replicate the buzzing in the pickups. However, we have updated the specs for this guitar, and at no cost to you, we are going to shield the electronics cavity.“

Then when I asked about the “updated specs” explanation as to why they would need to “update specs”:

“We have updated this model to include a shielded electronics cavity. Because of this, we will shield the electronics cavity in your guitar at no charge. Although we were not able to replicate the hum from the pickups, shielding the electronics cavity is known to help reduce "buzz" and "hum".“