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How to install
Helpful Instruction info
Please note that Pickup wire colors may vary if you are installing non-oem so check with your manufacturer to confirm their color code.
We want to show you the key parts you will be working with, and tell you the names so when we get to installing it, it makes sense!
- Red Wire: Neck hot(N+)
- Black Wire: Neck Ground(N-)
- Black Wire: Middle hot(M+)
- Red Wire: Middle Ground(N-)
- Red Wire: Bridge hot(B+)
- Black Wire: Bridge Ground(B-)
Terminal block
Like with the body. Here's a simplified diagram of the terminal block we will be working with
- Neck Pickup: Hot wire "+"
- Neck Pickup: Ground wire"-"
- Middle Pickup: Hot wire "+"
- Middle Pickup: Ground wire"-"
- Bridge Pickup: Hot wire "+"
- Bridge Pickup: Ground wire"-"
- Output Jack: Hot wire "+"
- Output Jack: Ground wire "-"
Helpful tip
Always install wires with fresh stranded wire, or wires that have been smoothly pre-tinned. Never install leads with excess or loose solder, as it can damage the terminal block.
While pressing down the terminal button with either a flathead screwdriver or your finger, slide the exposed section of the wire in at an angle that matches the terminal's slope. We find that going as level with the PCB as possible is best. Test the connection by lightly pulling on the wire.
Another helpful tip.
Don't attach the wiring harness to the pickguard. Instead move the switch at a 90 degree angle to give you better access to install the pickup leads at the correct angle.
Neck pickup Install
Install your Neck Pickups "Hot" to the first hole
Install your Neck Pickups "Ground" to the Second hole
Middle Pickup Install
Install your Middle Pickups hot wire to the Third hole.
Install your Middle Pickups Ground to the fourth hole
Bridge Pickup install
Install your Bridge Pickups "Hot" to the Fifth hole
Install your Bridge Pickups "Ground" wire to the sixth hole
Pass the output jack wires through the cavity hole
Install your White Output Jack "hot" wire to the seventh hole
Install your Orange Output Jack "Ground" wire to the last open hole
Earthing ground install
Earthing ground
A lot of instruments how more then one "Earthing ground" If your Stratocaster has multiple. You will want to add them to the ground block.terminal. Heres the 2 common ones you will find
- Tailpeice ground: Wire coming from your guitars tremolo
- Shielding ground: If your guitar has shielding you will want to have a wire that connects the sheilding to the harness.
Before we finish the install
Adjusting the VVC
All of our solderless kits include our Volume Voicing Circuit (VVC). This switch allows you to toggle between two distinct voicings:
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Down: The volume retains more low end as the control is adjusted.
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Up: The volume retains more high end as the control is adjusted.
Setting the switch towards the "on" position ensures OEM-correct performance.
And thats it!
Test the controls before restringing the bass by lightly taping the pickups with a metal object.
Need help or have a question?
feel free to contact us [link at the bottom of this page] But here are some common issues you might run into
Need help with your pickup?
"My pickup(s) sounds weak"
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- This is fairly common when one or more of your pickup wires is not properly seated, or can not make a proper connection. Make sure there is enough exposed wire and that the wire is properly seated in the terminal block.
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"My pickup(s) wires are too small"
- If your pickup wires are too small for the terminal block we recommend bending the exposed wire over the covered wire, or wrapping it a few times to create more surface area.
It's not working or doesn't sound right?
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The controls are scratchy when i use them"
- This usually happens when you have a wire(s) not making a proper connection in the terminal block. Make sure there is enough exposed wire and that the wire is properly seated in the terminal block.
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"There is a bad hum that goes away if i touch the knobs."
- This usually happens when your tailpiece ground is not properly seated or missing.
- This can also happen if your guitar has sheilding in the cavity. You will want to add the wires attached to the shielding to the same hole as the tailpiece ground
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"There is a bad hum that get's louder when i touch anything metal
- This happens when you install the output jack wires backwards. uninstall the output jack wires and place then in the correct location.
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"I cant get any sound from the thing"
- Make sure you put the pickup wires in the correct spot and that they are properly seated in the terminal block.
- Confirm that the exposed section of the wire is seated in the terminal block and not just the casing of the wire.
- Make sure that there is no environmental issue causing a short. An Example on this would be the Output jack, or lever switch touching the shielding in your cavity or an exposed pickup wire is also touching something other then the terminal block
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"My volume feels different then before"
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This is because of 2 factors.
- How we designed the volume and tone circuit. It's different from your stock circuit
- We use our own Audio pots. A lot of brands will use Linear in the volume.
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This is because of 2 factors.
Other issues
"My old knobs don't fit the pots"
- We use 18 tooth "Coarse" pots. So if you have to order new knobs just make sure that they say they are either "18 tooth" or "Coarse knurled"
One of the Switch positions is not working
Due to the design of this style of lever switch, one of the pinchers can get bumped out of specification during installation or if your package experienced extreme vibration during shipment. Luckily, thanks to the switch design, it is very simple to fix. In this example, let's say the middle pickup is missing in your fourth position. First, move the switch away from the affected position; for instance, move the lever to the bridge-only position. Next, look on the PCB at the wire attached to "M" (since the middle pickup is the issue) and follow the wire to the switch. This will show you which pincher needs adjustment. Once found, lightly press the pincher with a small, firm, pointed object. That's it! Retest the guitar. If you are running into an issue where both the neck and middle are missing in the fourth position, adjust the pinchers for both the middle and neck pickups. Just remember, we are always here to help if you have any questions.