Pickguard Electronics In Depth

The Guts... this is a US '62 RI pickguard which I reliced using some pretty basic techniques. (Look for a future post on the relicing process).

As I've already mentioned, more than anything else, this is going to deternine the overall sound of your Strat. If you're not comfortable soldering you can easily find a fully wired or "loaded" pickguard from Acme Guitar Works, or if you're looking for a cheaper alternative, do a search on Ebay for "loaded pickguards". You'll still have to solder it to your output jack but hell, molten metal and toxic fumes are all part of the fun. However, if you're feeling adventurous, keep reading.

First decide on a pickup configuration and what pickups you want to use. Keep in mind that some pickups have a much higher output than others and for that reason it's nice to have them pretty closely related in terms of output. Next you'll want to find a good wiring schematic. The ones on the Fender home page are good but I prefer the ones provided for free at Acme. Figure out what you'll need and then have your pickguard, pots, pickup selector switch, and wire ready. I've used both the cloth and plastic coated...I can't tell the difference sonically. I usually order this stuff from Guitar Parts Resource. Their prices are good and they have a good selection. As far as what brand to get, don't skimp. The cheap-o version might save you (a very) little but CTS pots, and Switchcraft switches and jacks are the same ones used in nearly every high end Strat... just get the good ones. Make sure you get the right ones for the job as they carry replacement parts for Gibsons and other guitars as well. Follow your schematic and you'll be fine. I have had to add washers to get the volume and tone knobs to sit at the correct level on the pickguard so it's handy to have some of these before you start. I usually just go to the hardware store and get the nylon ones...they don't need to be metal and this eliminates the chance of funky sonic noise.
Again, basically take your time and follow the schematic and you should be fine. My first few attempts weren't without some complications but after re-checking my solder joints I found I had simply put something where it didn't go. You'll know if it's screwed up as soon as you plug it in. The downside of this process is that you'll have to mount it, string up your guitar, and plug in. If you've messed something up, you'll have to take it back off and start over.

I've wired up Strats with mini Seymour Duncan humbuckers, replaced the 5-way switch with 3, 3-way mini toggles, and added push pull pots to put pickups in and out of phase. I think that Strat has something like 30 different pickup setting options. I later found that I only liked a few of them but the point being the sky's the limit. These days I stick to a modern strat wiring option as it has all the sounds I like and offers a tone control for the bridge pickup. If you can't decide look at some of the options offered by Acme Guitar Works. Another cool looking product that i haven't used is the Toneshaper. Looks like a super cool way to explore a number of different wiring options without the hassle of re-wiring your guitar all the time.