Are you looking for a wiring diagram for your Strat HSS guitar? Look no further! In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to wire your Strat HSS guitar, as well as answer some frequently asked questions about the process. Let’s get started!
What is HSS?
HSS stands for humbucker-single-single, which refers to the type of pickups that are used in this configuration. Typically, the humbucker pickup is placed in the bridge position, while the single-coil pickups are placed in the middle and neck positions.
Using this configuration allows for a wider range of tonal options, as the humbucker pickup provides a higher output and a warmer, more focused sound, while the single-coil pickups offer a brighter, more articulate sound.
What You’ll Need
Before we get started with the wiring process, here’s a list of the tools and materials you’ll need to complete the job:
| Tools | Materials |
|---|---|
| Soldering iron | HSS pickups |
| Solder | 5-way pickup selector switch |
| Wire cutters/strippers | Potentiometers (2 x 250k, 1 x 500k) |
| Phillips head screwdriver | Capacitor (0.022 μF) |
| Small pliers | Output jack |
Wiring Diagram
Now that you have all the necessary tools and materials, it’s time to start wiring your guitar. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Remove the pickguard from your guitar.
Step 2: Identify the wires that are coming from the pickups. In an HSS configuration, you should have four wires coming from the humbucker pickup (black, white, red, and green) and two wires coming from each of the single-coil pickups (black and white).
Step 3: Solder the black wire from the neck pickup to the terminal on the 5-way selector switch that is closest to the middle pickup.
Step 4: Solder the white wire from the neck pickup to the middle terminal on the volume potentiometer.
Step 5: Solder the black wire from the middle pickup to the middle terminal on the 5-way selector switch.
Step 6: Solder the white wire from the middle pickup to the top terminal on the volume potentiometer.
Step 7: Solder the green wire from the humbucker pickup to the bottom terminal on the 5-way selector switch.
Step 8: Solder the red wire from the humbucker pickup to the top terminal on the tone potentiometer.
Step 9: Solder the black wire from the bridge pickup to the bottom terminal on the 5-way selector switch.
Step 10: Solder the white wire from the bridge pickup to the bottom terminal on the tone potentiometer.
Step 11: Solder the capacitor to the top terminal on the tone potentiometer and the bottom terminal on the volume potentiometer.
Step 12: Solder the output jack to the bottom terminal on the volume potentiometer.
Step 13: Reattach the pickguard to your guitar.
And there you have it! Your Strat HSS guitar is now wired and ready to play. If you’re having trouble with any of the steps, be sure to consult a professional guitar technician for assistance.
FAQ
How do I know which wire is which on my pickups?
The easiest way to identify the wires is to consult the user manual that came with your pickups. The manual should include a wiring diagram that shows you which wires are which. If you don’t have the user manual, you can also search online for a wiring diagram for your specific pickups.
What type of solder should I use?
We recommend using a lead-free, rosin-core solder with a diameter of 0.022 inches or smaller. This type of solder will provide a strong, reliable connection without adding too much bulk to the wiring.
Can I use different types of pickups in an HSS configuration?
Yes, there are many different types of pickups that can be used in an HSS configuration. However, it’s important to choose pickups that are designed to work together, as different types of pickups can have varying output levels and tonal characteristics.
Do I need to shield the wiring cavity?
While it’s not necessary to shield the wiring cavity, it can help to reduce noise and interference from other electrical devices. If you choose to shield the cavity, you can use copper foil or conductive paint to create a shield around the entire cavity.
What should I do if I’m not comfortable with soldering?
If you’re not comfortable with soldering, we recommend taking your guitar to a professional guitar technician for assistance. They will be able to wire your guitar correctly and safely, without risking damage to the guitar or yourself.
That concludes our guide on how to wire your Strat HSS guitar. We hope you found this article helpful and informative. Happy playing!
