Important Compatibility Information for Stratocaster Kits
Tone Control Configurations
Traditionally, the Stratocaster tone controls are for the neck pickup (First Tone, Middle Knob) and the middle pickup (Second Tone, Lowest Knob). However which tone control impacts which pickup(s) is very customizable. It's very common to have T1 for the neck and T2 for the bridge pickup - or - have T1 for the neck & middle and T2 for the bridge only. There are plenty of combinations so if you'd like something other than the traditional configuration, please leave a message at time of checkout or reply to your order confirmation shortly after receiving it.
Can I get '50s Wiring?
It absolutely possible to get "50s Wiring" on a Stratocaster. Many people confuse "50s Wiring" for the use of cloth covered wire and that is not the case. "50s Wiring" is simply having the tone control affect the output of the volume instead of the input of the volume.
*** IMPORTANT *** In my experience, '50s Wiring and Treble Bleeds do not sound good together. They produce an artificially bright and unpleasant tone when rolling down the volume. If you have experience with it or want to try it, you're welcome to it - just know you've been warned.
If you'd like 50s Wiring instead of the traditional configuration, please leave a message at time of checkout or reply to your order confirmation shortly after receiving it.
Mounting Hole Size - 3/8"
All potentiometers that I use have a US Spec 3/8" threaded bushing. If your pickguard does not have properly sized mounting holes to accept these potentiometers you can easily enlarge them by drilling them out - or - if you do not have a power drill I'd recommend using a T-Handle Reamer or sometimes called a Tapered Reamer. These are inexpensive and all but idiot proof and available on Amazon or Harbor Freight for just $3.49 if you have one local to you.
Knob Style & Size - 1/4" Split Shaft
Stratocaster Wiring Kits are built with either 18- or 24-Spline Split Shaft Potentiometers. Many import guitars use 18-Spline pots with press-fit knobs. For traditional Stratocaster knobs, the plastic is soft and the spline pattern for the knob is formed with initially press-fit onto the potentiometer. This means if your guitar originally had 18-Spline it will fit 18-Spline potentiometers best. They can still go on a 24-Spline pot and partially form to that pattern as well but they often no longer sit perpendicular to the shaft. The same applies to going from 24-Spline to 18-Spline.
Where's the diagram?
I'm sorry - I don't have a diagram for this kit yet but I should have one soon. In the meantime, there should be annotated pictures within the listing that will show you where to easily make your connections. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you ship outside of the United States?
I do not ship outside of the US any longer. Unfortunately, a bad run of lost packages and extremely delayed deliveries soured my experience with international shipping.
Do you make left handed wiring harnesses?
I do not stock reverse audio taper (left handed) potentiometers. Full clockwise will always be full volume or brightest tone. If that's okay with you, I'm happy to accommodate.
Will my hardware (knobs / switch tip / control plate) fit your harness?
That's tough to say for certain. All of my wiring harnesses are made with "US Spec" components - imperial sizing and thread pitch. The spec's of each harnesses components are either listed or linked in the description. If you're still not sure please do not hesitate to ask.
Will your harness fit my guitar?
That's another tough one to say for certain. Each of my wiring templates is CNC cut from a scan of the actual guitar. If it's a specific guitar - a Squier Toronado for example - I have an exact template for that layout and it will fit just fine (aside from mounting holes likely needing to be enlarged).
If it's for a custom build, kit, or off-brand guitar it's 50/50. I'm happy to share measurements to confirm and, if needed, make a custom template to match your guitar.
How to I enlarge the mounting holes for the US Spec potentiometers?
If you have a power drill I'd recommend using a 25/64" bit *** IN REVERSE *** - this mitigates tear-out. Some might argue that it's not great for the drill bit but... you're not doing it all day.If you do not have a power drill I'd recommend using a T-Handle Reamer or sometimes called a Tapered Reamer. These are inexpensive and all but idiot proof and available on Amazon or Harbor Freight for just $3.49 if you have one local to you.