Pre-Wired Guitar wiring harness | 5-way Modern/Vintage tone Push/Pull Stratocaster kit | Right handed

Please use the tabs below to read through the information about this Pre-Wired harness kit. From a run down of what the kit does, to important fitting information and full specs.

Order times

I usually make harnesses to order, due to the variety of spec options that could be chosen across the whole range. The current turnaround time for a harness orders is around 5-7 working days depending on quantity of orders in at the time and your order will be updated accordingly when it is dispatched. This turnaround time doesn't include the transit time. Thanks for your patience whilst I get your harness made!

Model Description

This Strat wiring idea came about from looking at my really popular 'Modern' Strat wiring kit, alongside my Vintage spec and wondering how I could combine the two for a 'best of both worlds' kit. I think there are benefits of both the Modern and Vintage style wiring schematics; with the Modern style you have easy to use tone controls for all three pickups and a great tonal response from the .022uF cap value. I love .022uF cap specs in Strats, the basses sound clearer to my ear etc But with vintage style wiring I really like it's warmer yet still sweet sounding .1uF cap value, and the soaring bridge pickup tone due to it not being in the tone circuit at all too. All just comes down to intention for the specific guitar.

So to achieve the best of both worlds idea, I have utilised 2 CTS 250k push/pull pots in the tone positions. With the pots in the normal 'down' position, this works exactly the same as my Modern Strat kit. Neck and middle pickups use the tone control 1(closest to volume), with bridge pickup using tone control 2 (furthest from volume)all with the .022uF tone cap value. But pull tone pot 1's push/pull upwards and you change the cap value to the vintage spec 0.1uF value. So expect slightly sweeter trebles and rounded off basses as a result of that top end warmth, particularly noticeable as you roll the tone controls down the sweep too which will be more drastic.
Then, the push/pull pot in the tone 2 position removes the bridge pickup from the tone circuit completely by pulling the push/pull upwards. In the original strats, the bridge pickup wasn't wired to a tone pot, giving it a 'lead' tone popular for the time. Many players still love the brighter bridge pickup tone like this, but having the option to connect it back to a tone pot and choice of cap values just makes it all so much more versatile.
It's a very simple idea, and the differences in changing a tone cap value are certainly subtle, but have been really happy with the results when testing it in a Strat here. A really nice combination of vintage meets modern strat tones in an easy to use manner. This might be a useful kit for those that are planning a project and can't decide on what spec cap to use, or whether to wire it with tone control for all pickups, or the vintage method. As you'll be able to achieve both styles with one kit.

Switching options and controls are as follows:
Position 1 - Bridge Pickup
Position 2 - Bridge and middle pickup in parallel
Position 3 - Middle pickup
Position 4 - Middle and neck pickup in parallel
Position 5 - Neck pickup

With push/pull pots in down position - 
Tone pot 1 controls neck and middle pickup
Tone pot 2 controls bridge pickup
This is with a .022uF spec tone capacitor as per my 'Modern' strat wiring style

With Push/pull pots in up position
Tone pot 1 controls neck and middle pickup via a vintage spec 0.1uF tone capacitor
Tone pot 2 removes bridge pickup from tone pot for a clearer tone

Please note, website example photo(s) may differ visually from the wiring kit you receive. This could be for a number of reasons but ultimately, don't be alarmed if you do spot differences between the stock photo and your supplied kit.

Product Options

Bridge/vibrato claw ground wire
I have decided to make this option available, as many of you may be using this wiring kit on a new, partscaster type build for example. If you are fitting this kit into your existing guitar, and re-attaching the guitars original bridge (hardtail strats) or vibrato claw (vibrato equipped strats) ground wire then simply select without. If you have had to remove the original perhaps, or it’s for a new build altogether and would find having a ground wire pre soldered, simple select with! I supply a 1ft length of Gavitt 22awg wire. Hope this option helps with your specific project.

Fitting information

I have intended for my wiring harnesses to be as simple as possible to install to your Stratocaster, as well as writing in depth general fitting guides and simple to follow wiring diagrams for each wiring style. There are also multiple useful how-to guides regarding wiring work found HERE too. But in this section you'll find some important fitting notes that will hopefully help you assess whether the kit is suitable for your exact Strat or what is required to allow it to fit correctly.

It is also important to ensure the depth of your Stratocaster control cavity can accommodate for the deeper push/pull pots. There are some models of Strat, like the Affinity by Squier for example, that have very shallow control cavities from the factory. But most USA spec bodies will accomdate these pots no problem at all. The pot depth measures 30mm from the bottom of the pickguard to the base of the push/pull pot casing.

Can I fit this kit myself?
This ultimately comes down to whether you own the equipment needed to correctly and safely install the kit, or how comfortable you feel working on your own guitar. I do feel that installing a pre-wired guitar harness is do-able for many guitarists but only if the correct tools are used and care is taken to ensure you do not damage the kit, your guitar or yourself! There are detailed installation guides here on my website, as well as simple to follow wiring diagrams all to help make the process as easy as possible and in my experience, these have helped thousands of my customers carry out their own install. But if for any reason you have concerns about fitting the kit yourself which is entirely understandable, then I'm sure you'll agree that it is likely best to have a professional fit the kit and help ensure your purchased kit, and your beloved guitar are both looked after and worked on correctly. 
If you are local to me (Stourbridge, West Midlands) I take on guitar work no problem at all so will certainly be able to help install your Signature Series harness. 

Will the pots/jack fit my pickguard and jack plate?
The components I use in my Signature Series wiring kits are for the most part, USA imperial specification. If you're fitting this harness to a far east built guitar such as a Squier or similar brand, then you may have to widen the holes in the pickguard to accommodate for these imperial measurement pots. Or alternatively, purchase a new pickguard that is already suited to the US spec components. The CTS pots and Pure Tone multi contact jack have a mounting thread shaft diameter of 0.369" / 9.38mm so I recommend for ease of install a pickguard and/or jackplate with 0.394" / 10mm pot/jack mounting holes. You can easily widen the holes in the Pickguard too if you would prefer, I recommend doing this safely with a step cutter drill bit. I also offer this as a service so if you would like me to widen your plate for you, do please get in touch and we can organise this additionally.

If you’re buying this kit for a USA or Mexican made Strat, then chances are it will be a direct, no modifications install process for you. 

Centre to centre measurements between components are - 
Centre of Switch to volume pot - 48mm
Centre of volume pot to centre of tone pot 1 - 45mm
Centre of tone pot 1 to tone pot 2 - 45mm
These measurements for my mounting boards/templates were taken from a USA Fender Stratocaster pickguard. Yours may vary from these measurements. If it is a minimal difference, then don’t worry. I allow for some ‘wiggle’ room in the wire lengths between components to help the product fit a wide variety of models. If the measurements are drastically different to these, then please get in touch with your centre to centre measurements and I will adjust to suit your instrument more closely. 

What control knobs will fit?
The kit uses CTS Split shaft pots which have a adjustable split shaft diameter of 5.95mm w/ 24 splines. You will need control knobs that suit these measurements.
Do not attempt to force fit smaller, metric/import spec control knobs onto the imperial USA spec pots, doing this can damage the pot.

If you do require a US spec control knobs, I do carry a selection of popular options in stock and they can be viewed in the Control Knob category on the store.

Which switch tip will fit?
Much like with the control knobs, the CRL switch used in this kit is USA spec, with imperial sizes. Therefore you need a switch tip which will fit a CRL switch, which measures 0.185" / 4.72mm

If you do require a US spec switch tip, I do carry a selection of popular options in stock and they can be viewed in the Switch Tips category on the store.

Grounding/shielding
As standard I pre-solder a ground wire between the switch and pots for guaranteed ground continuity on your pre-wired kit. If by chance you already have effective copper shielding across the pickguard, or a aluminium shielding plate for example that will provide you with sufficient ground continuity, then let me know prior to ordering and I will leave these standard ground wires off as to not introduce a ground loop upon installation.

Specs/Parts included

- 1x CTS '450' Series +/-10% Tolerance short shaft pots - 250k split shaft
- 2x CTS '450' Series +/-10% Tolerance short shaft pots - 250k Push/Pull split shaft
- 1x .022uF 'Yellow Mustard' type tone capacitor
- 1x .1uF 'Yellow Mustard' type tone capacitor
- 1x Pure Tone multi contact jack socket (nickel finish)
- 1x CRL spring loaded 5 way lever switch
- Gavitt USA made cloth covered 22AWG wire
- 20AWG Tinned copper ground
- Soldered using R-Tech Premium Lead-Free (Sn95.5Ag3.9Cu0.6) 22swg Solder wire 
RoHS Compliant

Please note - wiring kit does not include new control knobs/switch tip/control plate etc but does include the pot/jack mounting nuts and washers and switch mounting screws. 

Why these spec parts over others available?
Simply put, component choice has been one of the most important parts of my product development. I have worked on guitars for many years, and built these kits professionally since 2015, and as a result have been able to see and experience working on the majority of components available on the market. In my findings, A/B testing and more, I have found the components I decided on for my Signature Series to be the most reliable, best tolerance and great functioning parts to use to help customers get the most out of their instruments. I use CTS '450' series premium spec pots as they have a tight tolerance, and will consistently provide me with accurate value, as well as very solid build quality. I use trusty 'Mustard' style polyester film 'tone' capacitors as in my opinion they simply can't be beat for great value, solid construction, solid lead-outs, super tight tolerances and reliable tone/function. I would personally much rather use a trusty Mustard for example over something like a paper in oil, as from experience that are so much more reliable to use. This is from carrying out a lot of A/B testing, both tonally, as well as armed with the multi-meter for testing values and actual tolerances, as well as handling them to test construction quality for long lasting reliability in use. I use the brilliant 'Pure Tone' Multi Contact Jack sockets as they are incredibly reliable, due to their additional contact points for both tip and sleeve. I use CRL, Oak and Switchcraft brand switches across the range as these are built very well, with care will last for many years to come and have long since provided me with reliable use professionally. All kits are wired up with quality USA made Gavitt wire, it's great to work with, super consistent gauge and provides me with a very reliable quality item for my kits. I totally understand that with anything guitar, it is subjective, but I have, with an open mind, thoroughly tested a broad variety of components over the years and these have all become the items I trust to use every day. 

Harness FAQ's

I've been proudly making, developing and installing my pre-wired guitar harnesses since the beginning of the Home of Tone back in 2015 (time flies when you're having fun right!). Although I feel I do my best in covering as much information as possible across the various product listings, fitting guides, wiring diagrams and more, I thought it might be helpful to put together an FAQ's page that covers some of the general additional questions I get asked. You can view these Harness FAQ's HERE

'Ground Bug' deal!

Looking forward to installing your new wiring, but a little worried about making the ground connections to the pot casings? First time soldering and hear the horror stories of frying pots, or just simply want to neaten up your installs? Then the awesome 'Ground Bug' will help with any of these concerns, beginner or pro modders alike. The Ground Bug is a pot washer that fits between the pot casing and the pickguard/body and has a number of lugs (much like with the main signal connections on the pot for example) to which you can very easily solder your ground wire connections too. Completely removing the worry and risk of soldering a pot casing, something I know many guitarists complain about having to learn to do. 
I have been stocking Ground Bugs for a while, and they really are the perfect match for a pre-wired harness as they further help you with your installs. So I have set up a 10% off Ground Bug deals when purchased with a Home of Tone Signature Series pre-wired harness. This is an automatic discount code, so all you need to have is a Signature Series kit, and a Ground bug in your cart, and the discount will automatically be applied to the bug for you! Click HERE to view the Ground Bug listing

Do you make custom harnesses?

I'm afraid I do not offer a custom harness service. Only kits developed, tested and listed on my website are the available kits. So no custom schematics etc. If you happen to be local to my office, then I do carry out custom work in house, but in regards to shipped out pre-wired harnesses I do not offer custom kits. I am however happy to use different pot values or cap values within reason if you have a specific requirement that differs to the specs listed above. If this is relevant to yourself then please get in touch to discuss further to ensure the request is possible.