firebird electronics, tonepots and static electricity

[Big Daddy]

I have a Gibson Firebird. When it's played quietly with a clean tone I get static electricity crackle when I touch the pickguard or the plastic electronics cover on the back of the guitar. When I wet my finger and rub the plastic it goes away TEMPORARILY but then static builds up and again and produces the noise again. Anybody have any ideas for a more permanent solution? I've never had this problem with any other guitar. What would cause this?
I also have a question about tone pots for any experts out there, When I roll back my tone pot (bridge pickup) it rolls off a small amount of treble. When I get almost to the tone I'm seeking it suddenly becomes dull and muddy and loses volume and the tone becomes crappy. I would like the tone control to taper more evenly and retain some definition when I roll it back WITHOUT changing that great stinging tone I get when I leave the tone pot wide open. Any advice? should I replace the tone pot and if so ,what should I be looking for?

 

[bagman67]

Put a Floyd on it.

Wait, sorry, wrong problem.

Bagman

 

[Firebird211]

For the tone pot problem it sounds like you may have an audio taper pot on it, where the change is very gradual at first, then slings off into mudville all of a sudden.  I would try a linear pot of the same value instead.  That is a wierd static problem you have there, never heard of that or experienced it myself.  I might suggest some Static Guard spray. :laughing7: or stop dragging your feet on the carpet.  But seriously, try StaticGuard or make sure the plastics are shielded on the opposite side. :dontknow:

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

If the pickguard has the 3 way toggle mounted in it and it is grounded, stick shielding tape to the underside of the pickguard and make contact with the switch.  This should act as a drain for the static.  Mayfly had similar static build up on the pickguard on one of his Teles.

 

[Big Daddy]

To everyone answering my question here, Thank you very much I appreciate your time and insight. And your sense of humor bagman!