Converting HSS Strat into SSS Strat

Hoeycow · **Joined:** Sun Mar 30, 2008 8:54 pm **Posts:** 507

Just out of curiosity I was searching to see if this was possible and according to a few internet searches it's just a matter of a pick guard switch and obviously a pickup change as well. Anyone tried this?

soggycrow · **Joined:** Mon Oct 06, 2008 10:57 am **Posts:** 602

The wiring is actually simpler. Or you can buy loaded pickguards in various price ranges from affordable to ridiculous.

budglo · **Joined:** Fri Jan 02, 2009 3:17 pm **Posts:** 1986

I did mine a few years back.You will need a new pickgard, bridge pickup and a new 5 way switch because most hss setups use the superswitch to split the humbucker for the bridge/middle position.I wired mine with the middle pickup wide open instead of the bridge.There are wiring diagrams online as well as parts lists so that you can make sure the right value caps and pots are used.Good luck.

Solitare · **Joined:** Mon Nov 02, 2009 5:47 pm **Posts:** 32

I have an o8 American HSS Strat and thought that one day I also may want to make the switch to just SSS so I bought an 08 Loaded American Stamdard Pickguard (still has the protective plastic and USA sticker. Don't think I'm going to change it out after all.

I purchased this pickguard off ebay from a fellow who just removed it from his new American Standard. Cost me 115.00 which included shipping.

If interested in an American Standard fully loaded Pickguard..."Like New" from an 08.. Let me know.. via email etc.

SonicBlur · **Posted:** Wed Jan 06, 2010 7:11 pm

This may be a dumb question, but why would you want to go to a SSS from SSH? Wouldn't it serve you better to just get a SSS Strat and have the choice between two guitars for the sound you want without changing a factory setup? Not trying to be a smart-ass, just trying to understand.

-Mike

SonicBlur · **Posted:** Wed Jan 06, 2010 8:07 pm

This may be a dumb question, but why would you want to go to a SSS from SSH? Wouldn't it serve you better to just get a SSS Strat and have the choice between two guitars for the sound you want without changing a factory setup? Not trying to be a smart-ass, just trying to understand.

-Mike

Hoeycow · **Joined:** Sun Mar 30, 2008 8:54 pm **Posts:** 507

No offense taken I could see why you would ask that. To be quite honest I was just wondering if it was possible. I'd love to get an SSS model just to try and explain to my wife that the two guitars that look identical are actually different.

I'm sure that I will get another Strat somewhere down the road but not soon that's the idea compelled me to inquire about it.

bfitz · **Joined:** Thu Jul 05, 2007 4:08 am **Posts:** 39

im actually thinking of doing the same thing and putting in these

http://www.tonerider.com/soundfiles/trs ... ntage1.mp3

i have a similar set in my telecaster and they are sweeeeeeet!

the only problem is i currently have an EMG SA/SA/81 configuration and it means i will have to get all the parts all over again and soldering onto new pots is a pain in the $@!.

what makes you wanna go back to the quack of the single coil setup?

SonicBlur · **Posted:** Fri Jan 08, 2010 8:49 am

bfitz wrote:

im actually thinking of doing the same thing and putting in these

http://www.tonerider.com/soundfiles/trs ... ntage1.mp3

i have a similar set in my telecaster and they are sweeeeeeet!

the only problem is i currently have an EMG SA/SA/81 configuration and it means i will have to get all the parts all over again and soldering onto new pots is a pain in the $@!.

what makes you wanna go back to the quack of the single coil setup?

I have heard that EMG now makes a quick connect system that once installed you can swap from single coils to humbuckers or any other compatible EMG pickup with a simple connector. I have two guitars with the EMG 81/85 combo (old style wiring however) and I love them, hands down my favorite pickup combo for when I feel like getting ]V[ETAL! :twisted:

-Mike

mthorn00 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 08, 2010 3:55 pm

New pickguard
New pickup
a quick rewire (simpler rewire too)

And you are in business.

tyronne · **Joined:** Sun Feb 15, 2009 3:52 pm **Posts:** 2005

I did it to mine last month...though I bought a pre-configured DiMarzio Area pickgaurd. Easy changeover..just soldering the jack and body ground wires and 30 minutes later I had a whole new guitar! Well... new sounding. Kept the old pickgaurd with original pups just in case I want to trade or go back to it someday ( doubtful ) .
After pricing the individual pieces, pickgaurd, pups, switch, vol and tone controls, for a few bucks extra I got it all preconfigured and built and just a couple of soldering connections.

It was worth it to me. I waited for a 20% off sale to come by with free shipping.
ymmv,
-T

budglo · **Joined:** Fri Jan 02, 2009 3:17 pm **Posts:** 1986

mthorn00 wrote:

New pickguard
New pickup
a quick rewire (simpler rewire too)

And you are in business.

Dont forget a new 5 way switch.Strats use the "super switch" so you can split the humbucker.

Invader.CC · **Joined:** Sun Dec 28, 2008 11:10 am **Posts:** 413

If you decided to go with this do yourself a favor and find a Loaded pickguard that has the pups you desire in it ..If you can find one it will be a hell of alot cheaper than building on from scratch....If you plan on keeping your H.S.S loaded pickguard together

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