Fender Mexican Strat HSS is a popular type of electric guitar which is highly preferred by the musicians for its versatility in tone and style. This guitar is equipped with a humbucker pickup in the bridge position, single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions. In this article, we will discuss the wiring diagram of Fender Mexican Strat HSS and guide you through the process of wiring your guitar.
Understanding the Basic Wiring of Fender Mexican Strat HSS
Before we dive into the wiring diagram, let’s first understand the basic wiring of Fender Mexican Strat HSS. The guitar has five pickups, three pickups for the neck, middle, and bridge positions and two pickups for the humbucker. The pickups are connected to a 5-way switch that allows the player to select different pickup combinations. The volume and tone control knobs help in shaping the sound and tone of the guitar.The humbucker pickup is different from the single-coil pickups in terms of its wiring. The humbucker pickup has two coils that are wired in series or parallel, making it more versatile than the single-coil pickups. The humbucker pickup is usually wired with four wires, while the single-coil pickups have two wires.
Wiring Diagram of Fender Mexican Strat HSS
The wiring diagram of Fender Mexican Strat HSS is quite simple and easy to understand. It consists of a 5-way switch, one volume control knob, and two tone control knobs. Here is the wiring diagram:
| Switch Positions | Pickup Configuration |
| Position 1 | Bridge Pickup |
| Position 2 | Bridge and Middle Pickup |
| Position 3 | Middle Pickup |
| Position 4 | Middle and Neck Pickup |
| Position 5 | Neck Pickup |
The wiring diagram shows that the humbucker pickup is wired in parallel in positions 2 and 4 and in series in position 3. The single-coil pickups are wired in the usual manner. The volume control knob is connected to all the pickups, and the tone control knobs are connected to the middle and neck pickups.
Wiring the Humbucker Pickup
Let’s now take a closer look at how to wire the humbucker pickup. As mentioned earlier, the humbucker pickup has four wires, two for each coil. These wires are usually color-coded, and you need to know which wires to use for each position.
In positions 2 and 4, the humbucker pickup is wired in parallel. To wire the humbucker pickup in parallel, you need to solder the red wire to the switch terminal and the black wire to the ground. You then need to connect the green and white wires together and insulate them using a tape or heat shrink.
In position 3, the humbucker pickup is wired in series. To wire the humbucker pickup in series, you need to connect the red wire to the switch terminal and the black wire to the ground. You then need to connect the green wire to the white wire and insulate them.
Wiring the Single Coil Pickups
The single-coil pickups are wired in the usual manner. You need to solder the hot wire of each pickup to the switch terminal and the ground wire to the ground. The green and white wires of the neck and middle pickups are connected to the tone control knobs, while the bridge pickup is connected to the volume control knob.
FAQ
1. Can I modify the wiring diagram?
Yes, you can modify the wiring diagram according to your preferences. However, make sure you understand the basic wiring of Fender Mexican Strat HSS before making any modifications.
2. Can I replace the pickups?
Yes, you can replace the pickups with any compatible pickups of your choice. However, make sure you follow the wiring diagram of the new pickups carefully.
3. Can I wire the humbucker pickup differently?
Yes, you can wire the humbucker pickup differently according to your preferences. However, make sure you understand the basic wiring of humbucker pickups before making any modifications.
4. What tools do I need to wire my Fender Mexican Strat HSS?
You need a soldering iron, solder, wire cutter, wire stripper, and pliers to wire your Fender Mexican Strat HSS.
5. How long does it take to wire my Fender Mexican Strat HSS?
The wiring process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your level of expertise and the complexity of the modifications.
Conclusion
Wiring your Fender Mexican Strat HSS guitar can be a fun and rewarding experience. Understanding the basic wiring and following the wiring diagram carefully can help you achieve the desired tone and style. With the right tools and knowledge, you can modify your guitar to suit your preferences and create your unique sound.
