If you’re looking to upgrade your guitar’s sound, consider a new wiring diagram. The HH strat wiring diagram is a popular choice for players looking to improve their guitar’s tonal range. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of the HH strat wiring diagram and how you can install it in your guitar.
What is the HH strat wiring diagram?
The HH strat wiring diagram is a modification of the standard stratocaster wiring diagram. The standard stratocaster has three single-coil pickups and a five-way switch, offering five different pickup configurations. The HH strat wiring diagram replaces the middle pickup with a humbucker, offering additional tonal options.
The HH strat wiring diagram is a popular choice for players in heavier genres, such as hard rock and metal. The humbucker provides a thicker, more aggressive tone, while the standard single-coil pickups offer a brighter, more articulate sound.
With the HH strat wiring diagram, you’ll have access to a wider range of sounds, making it an excellent choice for players who want versatility in their guitar’s sound.
Let’s take a closer look at the HH strat wiring diagram.
Understanding the HH strat wiring diagram
The HH strat wiring diagram is relatively simple to understand, even if you’re not an experienced electrician. Here’s a basic overview of the diagram:
| Position | Switch Position | Pickup Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bridge Pickup | Humbucker |
| 2 | Bridge and Middle Pickup | Humbucker and Middle Single-Coil Pickup |
| 3 | Middle Pickup | Middle Single-Coil Pickup |
| 4 | Middle and Neck Pickup | Middle and Neck Single-Coil Pickups |
| 5 | Neck Pickup | Neck Single-Coil Pickup |
As you can see, the HH strat wiring diagram replaces the middle pickup with a humbucker. When you switch to position 1, the bridge humbucker is active. In position 2, both the bridge humbucker and middle single-coil pickup are active, providing a balanced tone. Position 3 activates the middle single-coil pickup, which is great for rhythm playing. In position 4, both the middle and neck pickups are active, providing a warm, full-bodied tone. Finally, position 5 activates the neck single-coil pickup, which is ideal for lead playing.
The HH strat wiring diagram offers a wide range of tonal options, making it an excellent choice for players who want versatility in their guitar’s sound. Let’s take a look at how you can install it in your guitar.
Installing the HH strat wiring diagram
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and components. You’ll need:
- HH strat wiring diagram
- Humbucker pickup
- 1x 2-pole 5-way super switch
- 3x 250K split shaft CTS pots
- 1x .047uf capacitor
- Shielded guitar wire
- Soldering iron and solder
Once you have all the necessary components, follow these steps:
Step 1: Remove the old wiring
Start by removing the old wiring from your guitar. Remove the pickguard and unscrew the old pots, switch, and pickups. Carefully desolder the old components and set them aside.
If your guitar has a standard strat wiring diagram, you’ll need to remove the middle pickup and route a hole for the humbucker. This can be a challenging process, so if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, consider taking your guitar to a professional.
Step 2: Install the new components
Begin by installing the new 2-pole 5-way super switch. This switch is different from the standard strat switch and will require some additional wiring. Follow the wiring diagram carefully, making sure to connect all the components correctly.
Install the new pots and capacitor, making sure to wire them correctly. Finally, install the humbucker in the middle position and connect it to the switch.
Step 3: Test the wiring
Once everything is wired up, carefully test the wiring to make sure everything is working correctly. Check each pickup position to make sure it’s functioning properly.
FAQ
Q: What is a humbucker pickup?
A: A humbucker pickup is a type of electric guitar pickup that uses two coils to cancel out noise and hum. It produces a thicker, more aggressive tone than a single-coil pickup.
Q: Can I install the HH strat wiring diagram in any guitar?
A: The HH strat wiring diagram can be installed in most guitars that use a standard stratocaster wiring diagram. However, you may need to modify your guitar to accommodate the additional components, such as routing a hole for the humbucker.
Q: Do I need to be an experienced electrician to install the HH strat wiring diagram?
A: While some basic knowledge of electronics is helpful, you don’t need to be an experienced electrician to install the HH strat wiring diagram. Follow the wiring diagram carefully and take your time.
Q: How does the HH strat wiring diagram differ from the standard strat wiring diagram?
A: The HH strat wiring diagram replaces the middle pickup with a humbucker, offering additional tonal options. It also uses a different switch, the 2-pole 5-way super switch, to accommodate the additional pickups.
Q: What are the benefits of the HH strat wiring diagram?
A: The HH strat wiring diagram offers a wider range of tonal options than the standard strat wiring diagram, making it an excellent choice for players who want versatility in their guitar’s sound. The humbucker provides a thicker, more aggressive tone, while the single-coil pickups offer a brighter, more articulate sound.
Q: Can I install the HH strat wiring diagram myself?
A: If you have some basic knowledge of electronics and are comfortable with a soldering iron, you can likely install the HH strat wiring diagram yourself. However, if you’re not comfortable working on your guitar’s wiring, consider taking it to a professional.
Conclusion
The HH strat wiring diagram is an excellent choice for players who want to upgrade their guitar’s sound. It offers a wider range of tonal options than the standard strat wiring diagram, making it an excellent choice for players who want versatility in their guitar’s sound. If you’re comfortable working on your guitar’s wiring, consider installing the HH strat wiring diagram yourself. Otherwise, take your guitar to a professional and enjoy your new and improved sound!
