all new electronics for strat copy, pitch interesting wiring ideas

[MudPies]

Hi there,

You may have seen my thread asking for a custom prewired assembly. Since then I've decided to use the existing pickguard and do the job myself. That thread has vanished.

I have a Fernandes Strat copy, currently s/s/s configuration with standard 5 way switch, noisy pickups and scratchy pots. I plan to replace all pots switching wiring and pickups, and also install sheilding since I have everything open. The only two things I need to have is h/s/s configuration (sc sized hb) with coil tap. Anything else is open to suggestion.

Anyone have any interesting wiring plans to pitch to me?

I've never done a rewiring job before, but I'm confident with a soldering iron and follow plans and diagrams well. This should be interesting. Maybe I'll even take images to document it.

[MudPies]

My parts list is starting to build. So far checking threads here and other sites has me leaning towards a 250k Audio pot for Volume, 250kA for neck pu (single) and 500kA push/pul for bridge pu and coil tap (minibucker). Now I have to learn about cap usage for tone pots and which pickups to get.

[Structo]

So you're going to keep the existing pickguard?

I have several strats in the Lonestar config.
Essentially a H-S-S config. Also the second tone control controls the bridge humbuckers tone.
Switch position #2 splits the bucker and adds the middle.

I don't have any experience with the sc sized humbuckers so I can't help you there.
Lonstar config:
http://www.guitar-mod.com/wiring/lonestar_strat.gif

Probably my favorite strat config to date.
If you want a quality strat wiring kit, Specialty has good prices.
http://www.specialtyguitars.com/kits/strat.html

[MudPies]

Thanks Structo.

Do you know if you have 250k, 500k or other pots in those guitars? I'm reading that the HB will like 500k and the SC will like 250k tone pot, but I'm unsure what I should really get for the volume pot. Lots of the diagrams I'm finding have 250's all around.

If this link works...

http://www.seymourduncan.com/support/wiring-diagrams/schematics.php?schematic=1h_2s_1v_2t_5w_pp

What if I were to go that route, use the second tone for the bridge HB, give each tone pot it's own cap, and swap the push-pull knob to the second tone knob. Other than figuring out 250k vs 500k will I be looking safe so far?

[Rock Johnson]

Get a Fishman or LR Baggs piezo. The acoustic sounds are okay, but what it adds when you blend it into the magnetic pups is magnificent.

[MudPies]

Get a Fishman or LR Baggs piezo. The acoustic sounds are okay, but what it adds when you blend it into the magnetic pups is magnificent.

Thanks for the idea. That's going on the list for future projects with this guitar.

Can anyone give me a solid reccomendation? I'm still wondering if I should go 250k vol, 250k SC tone, and 500k HB tone, or if I should go 250k all around since I'm setting up the HB for split coil.

I'm ordering the Little 57 tonight.

[levelfrets]

K.I.S.S. theory. Keep It Simple Stupid.
I prefer straight up easy to use controls. Nothing worse that having to think about all your switches and mess rather that what you are playing. IMO. :band

[Big White Tele]

I'd add a mini toggle to split the hum.

[Big White Tele]

Thanks for the idea. That's going on the list for future projects with this guitar.

Can anyone give me a solid reccomendation? I'm still wondering if I should go 250k vol, 250k SC tone, and 500k HB tone, or if I should go 250k all around since I'm setting up the HB for split coil.

I'm ordering the Little 57 tonight.
I have the same setup with a 250, 250, and a 500. That seems to work well. Mine is a Dimarzio D100, with fralin, fralin v,hots

[MudPies]

I'd add a mini toggle to split the hum.

If there is enough space for it I may pick one up, but right now I'm just assuming there wouldn't be a good spot for it in the existing cavities and going with the push/pull pot.

Oh crud, I wonder if the cavity is going to be deep enough.

How the heck do you guys come to final decisions? My mind keeps changing as the days go on.

[DownByLaw]

On my strat plus deluxe, I purchased an Anderson switcheroo system, which made this type of conversion much easier. (pre figured for singles and bucker) Purchased a pickguard from
Warmoth not routed for the the controls and did it up myself. Very pleased with the results. Could be an option for you, and you can purchase the system direct from TA.

Patrick

Hi there,

You may have seen my thread asking for a custom prewired assembly. Since then I've decided to use the existing pickguard and do the job myself. That thread has vanished.

I have a Fernandes Strat copy, currently s/s/s configuration with standard 5 way switch, noisy pickups and scratchy pots. I plan to replace all pots switching wiring and pickups, and also install sheilding since I have everything open. The only two things I need to have is h/s/s configuration (sc sized hb) with coil tap. Anything else is open to suggestion.

Anyone have any interesting wiring plans to pitch to me?

I've never done a rewiring job before, but I'm confident with a soldering iron and follow plans and diagrams well. This should be interesting. Maybe I'll even take images to document it.

[Big White Tele]

Note the mini between the pots. This is a Tele pick up in the bridge, but with a hum it still has room. This is the exact way fender did it on the Strat Ultra with the Hum in the bridge. http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s26/ublazy/103_1923.jpg

[MudPies]

Do you ever find yourself knocking around the tone knobs when you grab for the switch? That's really the only thing I'm worried about.

I'd like to route it to the lower horn of the guitar, but that's pretty low on the wish list right now. Baby steps.

[syxxstring]

I'd add a kill switch. It's great for silencing and for the kool Tom Morello stuff.

[MudPies]

I'd add a kill switch. It's great for silencing and for the kool Tom Morello stuff.

Not really my style. If I want to mute I just turn the Vol down or turn on my pedal tuner.

[wavey63]

I have mine wired up with a mini switch to add the bridge PU in all positions, giving gridge+neck and also bridge+middle+neck. I have SC's and find all the tones great... use them all the time.

[MudPies]

I'm searching around trying to learn about single coil types and wiring. There's a thread where someone has a pickup out of phase with the others. What do I need to do to make sure this doesn't happen?

[wavey63]

I am pretty sure sets will state if they are like that or not. Not to mention there wil be wiring diagrams for your reference. Just my $.02 but avoid series wiring. I tried it and it was a waste of time. Made that sound WAY too dark and muddy. Again, sets usually do not come like that soo.......

[MudPies]

I am pretty sure sets will state if they are like that or not. Not to mention there wil be wiring diagrams for your reference. Just my $.02 but avoid series wiring. I tried it and it was a waste of time. Made that sound WAY too dark and muddy. Again, sets usually do not come like that soo.......

Thanks everyone. I appreciate you answering such noob questions. I'm sure I'll have plenty more to come.

Unless they make neck/middle sets (which I haven't found yet) I don't think I'll be getting a set. I already have the neck PU in transit from a fellow tgper.

This whole project could turn into an epic fail with such a noob at the wheel, but I'm excited to try it.

[MudPies]

So, here's my parts list. Anything I'm missing?

SD Little 59 for Bridge. (already in transit)

For the Middle and Neck I'm undecided between these two sets. (will keep or sell extra bridge pu)
SD Cali 50's SSL-1
http://www.acmeguitarworks.com/Seymour_Duncan_California_50s_P862C124.cfm
...or...
SD SSL-2 Vintage Flat
http://www.acmeguitarworks.com/Seymour_Duncan_SSL-2_Vintage_F_P863C124.cfm

Volume and Neck/Middle PU Tone Pots
http://www.acmeguitarworks.com/250K_Split-Shaft_CTS_-_250__P33C14.cfm

Bridge PU Tone Push/Pull Pot
http://www.acmeguitarworks.com/250K_Split-Shaft_Push-Pull_Im_P35C14.cfm

Individual .022 Tone Caps
http://www.acmeguitarworks.com/_022_F_Capacitor_Orange_Drop__P39C205.cfm

Two Feet each of Black and White wire (will that be enough?)
http://www.acmeguitarworks.com/Cloth_Wire_White_Per_Foot__P92C13.cfm
http://www.acmeguitarworks.com/Cloth_Wire_Black_Per_Foot__P91C13.cfm

1/2 Pint Conductive Shielding Paint
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electronics,_pickups/Supplies:_Shielding/Conductive_Shielding_Paint.html

Using this wiring diagram
http://www.seymourduncan.com/support/wiring-diagrams/schematics.php?schematic=1h_2s_1v_2t_5w_pp

Does anyone see any glaring problems I've missed?