The Fender Stratocaster is a legendary electric guitar that has been widely used by musicians for over 60 years. One of the most popular modifications that players make to their Stratocasters is installing a humbucker pickup in the bridge position, which can provide a thicker, more powerful tone for playing rock and metal music. In this article, we will discuss the HSH wiring diagram for a Fender Stratocaster, which is a modification that adds a humbucker pickup in the bridge position and two single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions.
What is HSH Wiring?
HSH wiring is a modification that involves adding a humbucker pickup in the bridge position and two single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions of a Stratocaster. This configuration is known as “HSH” because of the positioning of the pickups: one humbucker pickup surrounded by two single-coil pickups.
The HSH wiring diagram is a popular modification among guitar players because it allows them to achieve a wider range of tones compared to the traditional SSS (single-single-single) configuration of the Stratocaster. The humbucker pickup in the bridge position provides a thicker, more powerful tone that is ideal for playing rock and metal music, while the single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions offer a brighter, more twangy tone that is great for playing blues and country music.
Components Needed for HSH Wiring
To install the HSH wiring diagram on your Stratocaster, you will need the following components:
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Humbucker Pickup | 1 |
| Single-Coil Pickup | 2 |
| 5-Way Pickup Selector Switch | 1 |
| 500K Volume Potentiometer | 1 |
| 250K Tone Potentiometer | 2 |
| Capacitor | 2 |
| Input Jack | 1 |
| Wire | As Needed |
It is important to note that the values of the potentiometers and capacitors may vary depending on your personal preference and the type of pickups you are using. It is always a good idea to consult with an experienced guitar technician or luthier before making any modifications to your guitar.
Step-by-Step Guide for HSH Wiring Diagram
Step 1: Remove the Pickguard
The first step in installing the HSH wiring diagram on your Stratocaster is to remove the pickguard. This will give you access to the electronics cavity and allow you to install the new pickups and wiring.
Step 2: Install the Pickups
Once the pickguard has been removed, you can install the new pickups. Start by installing the humbucker pickup in the bridge position, and then install the single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions. Make sure that the pickups are securely mounted in their respective positions.
Step 3: Wire the Pickups
The next step is to wire the pickups according to the HSH wiring diagram. This involves connecting the pickups to the pickup selector switch and the volume and tone potentiometers. The wiring diagram should guide you on how to connect the wires to the different components.
Step 4: Install the Potentiometers and Capacitors
Once the pickups are wired, you can install the potentiometers and capacitors. The volume potentiometer should be a 500K value, while the tone potentiometers should be 250K values. The capacitors should also be installed according to their values, as indicated in the wiring diagram.
Step 5: Install the Input Jack
The final step is to install the input jack, which is where you will plug in your guitar cable. The jack should be mounted on the pickguard and connected to the wiring according to the wiring diagram.
FAQ
What is the difference between HSH and HSS wiring?
HSH wiring involves adding a humbucker pickup in the bridge position and two single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions of a Stratocaster. HSS wiring, on the other hand, involves adding a humbucker pickup in the bridge position and a single-coil pickup in the middle and neck positions. HSS wiring is a simpler modification compared to HSH wiring, but it offers a similar range of tones.
Can I install HSH wiring on any Stratocaster?
Most Stratocasters can accommodate HSH wiring, but it is always best to consult with an experienced guitar technician or luthier before making any modifications to your guitar. Some Stratocasters may require additional routing or modifications to the pickguard to accommodate the new pickups and wiring.
What type of humbucker pickup should I use for HSH wiring?
The type of humbucker pickup you should use depends on your personal preference and the type of music you plan to play. Some popular humbucker pickups for HSH wiring include the Seymour Duncan JB, DiMarzio Crunch Lab, and EMG 81. It is always a good idea to try out different pickups before making a final decision.
What type of single-coil pickups should I use for HSH wiring?
As with the humbucker pickup, the type of single-coil pickups you should use depends on your personal preference and the type of music you plan to play. Some popular single-coil pickups for HSH wiring include the Fender Vintage Noiseless, Seymour Duncan SSL-1, and DiMarzio Area 61. It is always a good idea to try out different pickups before making a final decision.
Is it difficult to install HSH wiring on a Stratocaster?
Installing HSH wiring on a Stratocaster requires some basic knowledge of electronics and wiring. If you are not comfortable working with electronics, it is always best to consult with an experienced guitar technician or luthier. They can guide you through the installation process and ensure that the modification is done correctly.
