SSS Stratocaster Wiring: Step-by-Step Diagram

If you are looking for a stratocaster sss wiring Clear and practical, you're in the right place. Here you'll find the diagram, explanations of the connections, and tips for avoiding common mistakes.

Introduction

This three-pickup passive single-coil circuit offers five distinct sound combinations thanks to a five-way selector switch.28 Control is provided by a global volume and two independent tone pots dedicated to the neck and middle pickups respectively, leaving the bridge pickup excluded from any tone control to preserve its maximum brightness.12 In the intermediate positions (2 and 4), the pickups work in parallel generating the typical hollowed-out, low-noise tone if the middle pickup is of the RWRP type.17

Wiring diagram

Download the SVG diagram and use it as a reference while soldering. The star ground is the central point: all ground wires must converge there.

How to read the diagram

The package includes three passive single-coil pickups, a logarithmic master volume pot, two logarithmic or linear tone pots, a condenser and a standard 5-way toggle switch.3

Practical steps

• Prepare the components and check the values of potentiometers and capacitors.
• I soldered the hot wires following the diagram, avoiding unnecessary jumpers.
• Connect all the masses to the indicated star point.
• Check the continuity between the bridge, jack and potentiometer covers with a multimeter.
• Test the instrument and fix any buzzing.

Tips to avoid buzzing

Avoid the ground loopIf the potentiometers are on a common metal shield, do not solder ground wires between their caps. Use an open "C" or "horseshoe" path and connect each ground to the star center. For more information on modifications, see also guitar modification guide.

FAQ

Which potentiometers should I use?
It depends on the pickup: single-coil generally 250k, humbucker 500k, active 25k.

Can I use a different capacitor?
Yes, but the value changes the cutoff frequency of the tone. Higher = darker sound.