When it comes to vintage electric guitars, the Fender Stratocaster is a true classic. This iconic guitar was first introduced in 1954, and the design has remained largely unchanged ever since. One of the secrets to the Strat’s enduring popularity is its versatile wiring scheme, which allows players to achieve a wide range of tones. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the wiring diagram for a 60’s Stratocaster, and explain how it works.
Overview of the 60’s Strat Wiring Diagram
The wiring diagram for a 60’s Strat is fairly simple, but it can be a little confusing if you’re not familiar with how it works. Essentially, the guitar has three single-coil pickups, each of which is wired to a separate volume knob and tone knob. There’s also a master volume knob and a master tone knob, which affect all three pickups simultaneously. Here’s a quick rundown of how the controls are wired:
- The bridge pickup is wired to the first volume knob and the first tone knob.
- The middle pickup is wired to the second volume knob and the second tone knob.
- The neck pickup is wired to the third volume knob and the third tone knob.
- All three pickups are wired to the five-way pickup selector switch, which allows you to choose between different pickup combinations. When the switch is in the first position, only the bridge pickup is active. When it’s in the second position, the bridge and middle pickups are active. In the third position, the middle pickup is active. In the fourth position, the middle and neck pickups are active. And in the fifth position, only the neck pickup is active.
With this wiring configuration, you can achieve a wide range of tones simply by adjusting the volume and tone knobs, and selecting different combinations of pickups using the selector switch.
How to Read the Wiring Diagram
If you’re not familiar with how to read a wiring diagram, don’t worry – it’s actually pretty simple. The diagram consists of a series of lines and symbols that represent the various components of the guitar’s wiring. Here’s a breakdown of what each symbol means:
- The horizontal lines represent wires or connections between components.
- The vertical lines represent connections to ground (i.e. the metal casing of the guitar).
- The circles represent connections to other components, such as volume and tone knobs or the pickup selector switch.
- The squares represent components such as potentiometers (i.e. volume and tone knobs), capacitors, and pickups.
Here’s an example of what the wiring diagram for a 60’s Stratocaster looks like:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volume Knobs | Tone Knobs | Pickup Selector | Volume Knob | Tone Knob |
| Switch | ||||
| In | ||||
| Bridge Pickup | Out | Bridge Pickup | Bridge Tone | |
| Middle Pickup | Middle Pickup | Middle Tone | ||
| Neck Pickup | Neck Pickup |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the five-way pickup selector switch do?
The five-way pickup selector switch allows you to choose between different combinations of pickups. When the switch is in the first position, only the bridge pickup is active. When it’s in the second position, the bridge and middle pickups are active. In the third position, the middle pickup is active. In the fourth position, the middle and neck pickups are active. And in the fifth position, only the neck pickup is active. This gives you a wide range of tonal options to choose from.
Can I modify the wiring diagram to achieve different tones?
Absolutely! One of the great things about the Strat’s wiring scheme is its flexibility. There are countless modifications you can make to the wiring diagram to achieve different tones. Some common modifications include adding a series/parallel switch to the middle pickup, swapping out different value capacitors to adjust the tone, or installing a treble bleed circuit to maintain clarity when rolling back the volume knob. The possibilities are virtually endless!
Do I need any special tools to wire a 60’s Stratocaster?
You’ll need a few basic tools to wire a Stratocaster, such as a soldering iron, wire cutters and strippers, and a screwdriver. You should also have a basic understanding of how soldering works, and how to read a wiring diagram. If you’re not comfortable working with electronics, it’s probably best to take your guitar to a professional technician for any modifications.
What are some famous songs that feature a Stratocaster?
The Stratocaster has been used on countless famous recordings over the years. Some notable examples include Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze,” Eric Clapton’s “Layla,” Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Pride and Joy,” and Buddy Holly’s “Peggy Sue.” Of course, these are just a few examples – the Strat’s versatile tone has been used in everything from blues to punk rock to modern pop music.
Where can I find more information about wiring diagrams for electric guitars?
There are many great resources online for learning more about electric guitar wiring diagrams. Some good places to start include guitar forums and blogs, YouTube tutorials, and online guitar communities. You can also consult books or magazines on the topic, or take a course on guitar electronics if you want to dive deeper.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped demystify the wiring diagram for a 60’s Stratocaster. While it may seem complicated at first, the Strat’s wiring scheme is actually quite logical and easy to understand with a little practice. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist, understanding how your guitar works can give you a deeper appreciation for the instrument and help you achieve the tones you’re looking for. So go ahead and experiment with different wiring configurations – who knows, you may discover a new tone that you never thought was possible!
