Lone Star Strat Harness...any options?

[Monkus]

Guys,

I sent my 1996 50th Anniversary Lone Star Strat to check the pups, the 2nd position sounded horrible. and it came back with loads of hum. Apparently the guy didn't know what he was doing and kept soldering and resoldering and there's damage to the components. I want to keep the Tex Mex pups and Pearly Gates as they sound really awesome. I do want to change everything else, pots, caps, wiring and switch. I found a some pre wired harnesses online but i need guidance. Help?

Cheers.

[mrmudcat]

What do you need exactly A hss pots caps and switch harness.Do you want the whole thing wired up so to prevent having to solder?? I think this is what your saying.Here is a short cut for you !!

http://support.fender.com/service_diagrams/stratocaster/010-7900_02B_SISD.pdf

[Monkus]

Thanks Mr MudCat! I was trying to avoid heavy soldering. Was thinking of a prewired harness that I can give another tech friend here to just solder the pups to the harness. Replace everything but the pups and screw back in. I found this:

http://www.mojotone.com/guitar-parts/guitar-wiring-kits-fender-style/Strat-5-Way-Super-Switch-Guitar-Wiring-Harness-Kit#.Udwh7VO9zfc

and this, which looks like the same thing, maybe a reseller:
http://goodvibrations.pro/product/strat-5-way-super-switch-guitar-wiring-harness-kit/#tab-description

This one (which requires soldering):
http://www.guitar-mod.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=WKHS104&Category_Code=HSSK2

And this, which includes a neck on-push pull pot:
http://www.guitar-mod.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=WKHS105&Category_Code=HSSK2

I've never done this before, so need expert guidance from thefret on which are reliable components/dealers. Also if there are any cool suggestions as to which caps, what value pots to use for a creamier tone or any other mod suggestions. As I'm replacing the innards, I might as well do the mods now.

Thanks.

[marnold]

While it's not impossible to permanently damage pots, etc., by soldering, I would think that you'd have to try pretty hard to do it. Or use something like a soldering gun with way too much power for the job. Sounds to me like there's a grounding issue somewhere. Or he rewired the middle pickup out of phase by reversing the leads which would make the second position sound terrible* and add hum. It's not that hard to completely rewire a guitar. I've done it and I'm an idiot.

* I realize that some people like the out-of-phase sound (hello, Brian May!) but if you're not expecting it, it's going to sound thin, nasal, and terrible.

[Monkus]

Rev, It could have been my fault. Apparently the Lone Star strat uses a Super Switch" which I didn't get to replace the old one. I got a normal pcb switch not knowing any better. I think the whole things confusticated and just want to start from scratch. When I kept getting the hum in all positions I took the guitar to a fellow player who I respect, and he suggested that the components may have been damaged. I need to fix the girl so she could dance again.

[mrmudcat]

Good point Rev!! Although ive seen some pots rendered useless from over heating them personally, I agree you have to try real hard!!!:socool:rollover

[mrmudcat]

Monkus pot values and caps are listed in the diagram give me some time today when I can I will look at some sellers !! All pots are 250k and I suggest the same or 500k on volume for bridge) . there is .05 cap(treble bleed I believe) on first tone under volume pot and the last tone pot(bottom) is a .22. Here is a hss kit from mojotone a very good company with inline pricing.( What I mean is standard fair pricing not overpriced)!!

http://www.mojotone.com/guitar-parts/guitar-wiring-kits-fender-style/Strat-5-Way-HSS-Custom-Guitar-Wiring-Harness-Kit#.Udwxf_m1E3k Coil tap push/pull pot to tap the bridge is a good option and I saw a kit while glancing at mojo. Personally I have had this setup with PG pup in bridge and texas specials in mid/neck positions and played lead with a straight up bridge humbucker everything else on neck/middle!! There are many options and I can go on and on not a good thing!!

[marnold]

Rev, It could have been my fault. Apparently the Lone Star strat uses a Super Switch" which I didn't get to replace the old one. I got a normal pcb switch not knowing any better. I think the whole things confusticated and just want to start from scratch. When I kept getting the hum in all positions I took the guitar to a fellow player who I respect, and he suggested that the components may have been damaged. I need to fix the girl so she could dance again.

Yeah, without the super switch, you will not get the switching combinations that you want. Wiring up one of those is substantially more involved. If by pcb switch you mean the ones typically used in cheaper import guitars, those would be pretty easy to destroy. If it is one like this:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517BKNQ7B6L._SY300_.jpg
it would be harder, although not impossible to wreck.

The Mojotone option would save you a lot of time and it looks to be made of good parts. It'll cost you, though.


Good point Rev!! Although ive seen some pots rendered useless from over heating them personally, I agree you have to try real hard!!!:socool:rollover

Yeah, I was going to say "almost impossible" but then I changed my wording. Reminds me of the old story of someone making something "idiot proof" only to have someone else create a better idiot.

[sunvalleylaw]

If you are thinking solderless, you might consider one the the ones from SantellanSounds. I, and Duhvoodooman, got one for our teles. Mine is not wired up yet as I am waiting on the pickups. but DVM's is and I think he is pleased with it. They make strat specific ones. http://www.elek-trix.com/collections/stratocasters/products/stratocaster-sss-5-way-classic-deluxe-wiring-kit

[Monkus]

After all the feedback here, (thanks again guys), was taking a final look before I ordered the parts. If you go here:

http://www.guitar-mod.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=WKHS105&Category_Code=HSSK2

there are options for different tone caps. Are they worth that moolah?

Their explanations are here: http://www.guitar-mod.com/rg_kit_caps.html

Anyone have any experience with these?

[mrmudcat]

Personally I like paper oil caps most are rebranded russian stock . The allparts one sounds like new stock and @ under $16 a strong option IMHO!
The other wax paper is just made to look like old 50's stock and other than visual appeal not worth the extra dough .I have used similiar for some projects to create a vintage visual appeal!! I have not tried the vcap but have heard good things although at $60 a cap my opinion is to pass on it.I would reconsider using on a good amp possibly pedal build if it called for the values listed.








(might just be for guitar?) You can get authentic paper oil bumble bees,vitamin q,or fender phonebooks for similiar prices but the orange drops polyprops are perfectly fine and I dont think a downgrade!!! I will try to help as much as you want brother although in timely fasion might be a problem at the moment.

[Monkus]

Thanks Muddy! I'm gonna pull the trigger today, will let you all know how it turns out.

[marnold]

Yeah, I'd go with the Orange Drop and be done with it. I call shenanigans on using ultra expensive caps in a passive guitar circuit. I'm sure that there's someone who will claim to hear a difference. At $60, you'd better. In the context of a band setting? Forget about it.

[Monkus]

Yeah, I'd go with the Orange Drop and be done with it. I call shenanigans on using ultra expensive caps in a passive guitar circuit. I'm sure that there's someone who will claim to hear a difference. At $60, you'd better. In the context of a band setting? Forget about it.

+1

:what:AOK

[Monkus]

Pulled the trigger:
http://www.mojotone.com/guitar-parts/Stratocaster-Style-Guitar-Wiring-Kits/Strat-5-Way-Super-Switch-Guitar-Wiring-Harness-Kit#.Ud1n8W2OnN0

Preassembled with 2 day shipping, $73, will let you know how it turns out.

[mrmudcat]

That looks good brother!

[Monkus]

Thanks Muddy, hope you're feeling well!

Received the kit from Mojotone today. Replacement begins tomorrow, will post pics. Btw, because I have really high expectations of this rebuild, I ordered a Limited Edition Blues Junior™ III "Silver Noir Two-Tone amph. Should be in Miami on Friday, which means I get it next Thursday, maybe before.

Details: http://www.fender.com/series/limited-edition/limited-edition-blues-junior-iii-silver-noir-two-tone-120v
http://www.amazon.com/Fender-Limited-Edition-Two-Tone-15-Watt/dp/B008K4W3YO - comprehensive overview at bottom of page.

[Monkus]

Quick newb question, In this diagram second page,

http://support.fender.com/service_diagrams/stratocaster/010-7900_02B_SISD.pdf

lower left diagram labelled "Switch wiring NTS", do I have to bridge the contacts shown on the switch?

[Monkus]

Harness unboxed.

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff416/shawn296/Harness1.jpg (http://s1234.photobucket.com/user/shawn296/media/Harness1.jpg.html)

Harness semi wired. Switch bridging to be completed.

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff416/shawn296/Harnesssemiwired-1.jpg (http://s1234.photobucket.com/user/shawn296/media/Harnesssemiwired-1.jpg.html)

:socool

[Duffy]

Definitely need to hear more about this.

That is a really nice guitar. I like the Lonestar's.

It looks like that kit you bought is a good one. If it's complicated call their technical support or have a good tech help you wire it up. I would expect the guitar to sound really great when you are done, and the Blues Jr. III sounds like a great amp. I always play guitars that I'm checking out at the store by me thru the Blues Jr. III. I like that it is super clean but can get nice and full by adjusting the controls; at low volume so as to not have the management complaining.

[Monkus]

Its at the tech now ... a little over my head... let y'all know how it turns out.