Quote Originally Posted by OliSam View Post
How is this issue avoided?
It's not. Having the strings and tailpiece grounded helps cut down on the amount of noise picked up to begin with, plus as you are normally touching the strings or resting your hand on the bridge, then the overall noise levels benefit from being connected to ground through a low resistance path.

But you only pick up the radiated noise that's present, so in some locations, there wouldn't be much noise to pick up and your guitar would sound nice and clean. Unfortunately we have more and more technology scattered round our houses these days; great for us, but not so good in terms of electrical noise. Guitars these days really should all be fully shielded and it's something you can do yourself. What was acceptable practice in the late '40s and early '50s with minimal electronic technology in homes simply isn't good enough today.

Try turning off as much electrical equipment as you can - especially computers and any lights on dimmers - and see if it makes a change in the level of noise.

One question. Have you got black hardware on the guitar? Whilst chrome and gold hardware is conductive, I'm not sure if the black finish on the hardware is a good electrical conductor. Maybe someone else here with the PBG black hardware could confirm if there are any issues getting black hardware grounded?