What household items can disrupt a magnetic field?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around household items that can disrupt a magnetic field, particularly in the context of electric guitars and their pickups. Participants explore various objects and their potential effects on sound generation and electromagnetic interference.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using an electric toaster to observe its magnetic/electrical field effects on a compass, proposing it could create interesting sounds through a guitar amplifier.
  • Another participant mentions that anything metallic or that generates its own electromagnetic field could potentially cause some effect on the guitar's pickup.
  • It is noted that the proximity of the pickup to the strings minimizes the effect of external objects, and there is a possibility that the instrument lead may act as a radio antenna picking up signals.
  • One participant raises the concern that interference could also originate from the amplifier if the outlet is not properly grounded.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various ideas about potential household items that could disrupt magnetic fields, but there is no consensus on specific items or their effects. The discussion remains exploratory with multiple viewpoints presented.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the effectiveness of different household items and the nature of electromagnetic interference are not fully explored, leaving room for further investigation.

wasteofo2
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I play electric guitar, and I'm looking for fun things to mess around with. The way an electric guitar works is it has a magnetic "pickup" wrapped in copper wire which acts as generator, and when the string vibrates, it creates an electrical current. I know IR from my remote will disrupt it and create a distinct sound, and with whatever kind of radiation my compter screen puts out, stray radio frequencies and radiation from neon lights cause annoying background hum.

So, is there anything else in my house I could use to dick around and make fun noises with? Pretty much anything that creates a signal that will disrupt a magnetic field.
 
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wasteofo2 said:
I play electric guitar, and I'm looking for fun things to mess around with. The way an electric guitar works is it has a magnetic "pickup" wrapped in copper wire which acts as generator, and when the string vibrates, it creates an electrical current. I know IR from my remote will disrupt it and create a distinct sound, and with whatever kind of radiation my compter screen puts out, stray radio frequencies and radiation from neon lights cause annoying background hum.

So, is there anything else in my house I could use to dick around and make fun noises with? Pretty much anything that creates a signal that will disrupt a magnetic field.


Try your Electric Toaster!..if you dare that is ;)

If you take a locating magnetic field finder, like one used by Ramblers 'Compass', just after using your toaster place your compass close to the toaster (after switching it off of course), then you will see that the needle picks up the strong Magnetic/Electrical field still eminating form the Toaster?

Now if I am thinking correct you are using your Guitar and amp to extract the 'sounds?/feedback' of objects around your house, to see what effects they give of through your hopefully (Marshall) amplifier!

In the sixties/seventies there was a time where some Guitarists used 'COPPER-BRACELETS' on their wrists for 'Healing' purposes?..but any metalic(HEAVY-METAL!) which is where the term 'heavy-metal' came from, but rings and any jewelery give out certain 'Vibes'.

Try and find some of these bracelets and the differing effects they give out whilst around a Guitarists wrist during 'Heavy-Strumming'! ;)
 
Last edited:
Anything metallic or anything that generates its own electromagnetic field will potentially cause _some_ effect. However, the pickup is set close to the strings so that the effect of other objects is minimised. You might also find that it's not the pickup but the instrument lead that's acting as a radio antenna and picking up a signal (it should be shielded coax but...)
 
It could also be coming through the amp itself if the outlet is not properly grounded.
 

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