If you’re a guitar enthusiast who wants to upgrade your guitar’s sound, then you need to know about the HSH strat wiring diagram. This simple modification can do wonders for your guitar’s tonal capabilities, and it’s easier to implement than you may think. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of HSH strat wiring and show you how you can do it yourself.
What is HSH Strat Wiring?
First, let’s define what HSH strat wiring is. This wiring modification is a type of configuration that arranges the pickups in your guitar in a specific way. HSH stands for humbucker-single coil-humbucker, which means that you have two humbuckers and one single coil pickup in your guitar. These pickups are wired in a way that allows them to work together and produce a range of tonal options that wouldn’t be possible in a standard configuration.
What are the Benefits of HSH Strat Wiring?
There are several benefits to implementing HSH strat wiring in your guitar. These include:
| Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased tonal range | HSH strat wiring allows you to produce a wide range of tones, from warm and mellow to bright and biting. |
| Improved versatility | You can use your guitar for a wider range of music genres, thanks to the wider range of sounds you can produce with HSH strat wiring. |
| Greater sustain | HSH strat wiring can improve the sustain of your guitar, particularly if you use a higher-output humbucker. |
As you can see, HSH strat wiring can have a significant impact on your guitar’s sound. If you’re ready to take the plunge and implement this modification in your guitar, then read on to find out how.
How to Implement HSH Strat Wiring
Tools and Materials
Before you start, you’ll need to gather some tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Soldering iron and solder
- Wire cutters and strippers
- Heat-shrink tubing
- HSH pickguard
- Three pickups (two humbuckers and one single coil)
- Three-potentiometer set (500k is recommended)
- Five-way pickup selector switch
- 10-feet of wire, preferably 22-gauge stranded
Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how you can implement HSH strat wiring:
- Remove the strings and pickguard from your guitar.
- Unscrew the pickups and remove them from the pickguard.
- Remove the old wiring and discard it.
- Install your new pickups in the pickguard, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Solder the new pickups to the potentiometers and the pickup selector switch, following the HSH strat wiring diagram below.
- Connect the ground wire to the output jack.
- Test the connections with a multimeter to ensure everything is working correctly.
- Reattach the pickguard and strings.
HSH Strat Wiring Diagram
Here’s the wiring diagram for HSH strat wiring:
As you can see, this diagram shows you how to wire your guitar’s pickups, potentiometers, and pickup selector switch to achieve the HSH strat wiring configuration. Follow this diagram carefully, and you’ll be well on your way to improving your guitar’s sound.
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between an HSH strat and an HSS strat?
A: An HSS (humbucker-single coil-single coil) strat has one humbucker and two single coil pickups, while an HSH strat has two humbuckers and one single coil.
Q: Can I do HSH strat wiring on any type of guitar?
A: HSH strat wiring can be done on most types of guitars, but you’ll need to make sure that your guitar has enough space in the pickguard to accommodate the three pickups.
Q: Can I do HSH strat wiring myself, or do I need to take it to a professional?
A: HSH strat wiring can be done by most guitar enthusiasts, but if you’re not confident in your soldering skills, then it may be best to take it to a professional.
Q: What type of pickups should I use for HSH strat wiring?
A: The type of pickups you use will depend on the sound you’re going for. Generally, lower-output pickups will produce a more vintage sound, while higher-output pickups will produce a more modern sound.
Q: Can HSH strat wiring damage my guitar?
A: HSH strat wiring is a simple modification that shouldn’t damage your guitar. Just make sure to follow the wiring diagram carefully and test your connections to ensure everything is working correctly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to upgrade your guitar’s sound, then HSH strat wiring is a modification that you should definitely consider. With the right tools and materials, you can do it yourself and achieve a wider range of tonal options that will take your playing to the next level. Follow our guide and wiring diagram carefully, and you’ll be well on your way to improving your guitar’s sound.
