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Post subject: Modding a 2014 strat with humbucker - questions
Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2014 11:52 am
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I would need some help from people with more knowledge and wizdom.

I have a Fender Stratocaster Standard 2014 (MIM). I want to install a humbucker in the bridge position. I play punk rock (obviously) but haven't yet decided which pickup (it's between SH-4, SH-5, SH-6, SH-8 or Bill Lawrence L500XL USA (you are free to help me decide).

But the question is...

Do I have to think about string spacing? Can I go for the SH version or would I need a trembucker? I really have no idea what type of string spacing this particular guitar has. I am going to install the humbucker slanted, not straight aligned.

Also...would I have to change pots for any of these humbuckers or can I go with the standard pots in this strat?

I would very much appreciate your advice.


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Post subject: Re: Modding a 2014 strat with humbucker - questions
Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2014 1:52 pm
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Hi there I dont have any more knowledge or wizdom than the next guy but this may help
http://www.callahamguitars.com/blocks.htm
You will need an F spaced humbucker or one with rails for poles. :D
I am not sure why you are going for a slant and that could complicate things, you may have to route some of the pickup cavity to fit it as well if you are going for an angle.
Why dont you just try a strat rail humbucker and save the hassle :D


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Post subject: Re: Modding a 2014 strat with humbucker - questions
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2014 1:41 am
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jimmy_james wrote:
I am not sure why you are going for a slant and that could complicate things, you may have to route some of the pickup cavity to fit it as well if you are going for an angle.
Why dont you just try a strat rail humbucker and save the hassle :D


+1 for the single-coil sized rail.

In order to put a slanted full-sized bridge humbucker you not only need to rout the humbucker slot for a proper fit but you must also buy a new pickguard.
Slanted HSS pickguards can be custom-ordered from WD Music.


From my understanding you want make your guitar to resemble like Billy Joe's "Blue" minus the stickers (since you play punk rock stuff from bands such as blink182 and Green Day).....

Image


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Post subject: Re: Modding a 2014 strat with humbucker - questions
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2014 4:45 am
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That's correct regarding the BJA strat. I want something similar, but I want to create a more unique sound so I won't go for the SH-4.

I've learned that the string spacing won't really be any issue so I can go for the standard humbucker, especially when going for the angled fitting.

What I still don't understand is about the pots. I only play with the humbucker, would I still have to change the tone pots or only volume pots? Some say 250K will be just fine, but others claim humbuckers should be paired with 500K.


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Post subject: Re: Modding a 2014 strat with humbucker - questions
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2014 11:08 am
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That depends on the pickup you choose, and your personal preferences.
Single coils typically have a lot of treble, so a 250k pot suits those, cutting some of the highs so it won't sound "shrieky".
Humbuckers typically sound better if the pots don't cut the highs, so the traditional choice is to pair 500k pots with humbuckers.
Still, there are Fender's HSS wiring diagrams with both 500 and 250 pots...

I'd suggest you try it with the pots you have now. If it doesn't feel right, choose one from many Fender HSS wiring diagrams available.


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Post subject: Re: Modding a 2014 strat with humbucker - questions
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2014 11:20 am
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Problem is that it isn't so easy for me to just try it out. I have zero experience with soldering nor do I have the tools and I'm not about to go crazy on my brand new guitars unless you tell me it is super easy even for someone who is mentally handicaped in regard to doing stuff like this.


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Post subject: Re: Modding a 2014 strat with humbucker - questions
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2014 3:40 pm
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Hi there adding or changing a couple of pots is the easy part and in fact as suggested you can easily try out the ones already in the guitar.
You will have to wire in the bucker of course so you will need some type of soldering iron.
As mentioned earlier I expect you will also have to route out some of the pickup cavity to fit that bucker on the angle you suggest so that will be the tricky part if you want it tidy.
Not that big a job really since it just may need a tad.
If you had an early american std body with the swimming pool route it would be easy but you don't.
Routing under the guard will affect resale if you care to mention it at a later date.
Here is the guard you are after
http://bjguitars.com/portfolio/slanted-ssh-pickguard-2/ :D


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