Changed my Strat from SSS to HSS

[fitz]

Decided to change out my Fender American Ultra from a SSS to HSS.
Didn't want to do one of my usual butcher jobs like I do to my cheap mod guitars, so I got a Fender Shawbucker1 bridge pup and a WD Custom pickguard for a drop-in fit on the Ultra.
Here's a before pic:

Before I bought any parts, I pulled the existing pickguard to make sure the factory routs would accommodate the bridge HB.
Good to go...

Just needed to de-solder the red wire to the switch and the green/black ground to the pot back.

Swapped everything except the single bridge pup from the old to new pickguard.
Shawbucker gets same red to switch, white/black to center switch lug and green/bare to ground.
This gives HB in pos 1, and split/mid in pos 2.

 

[fitz]

Popped right back in.
Fresh set of DR 9-42's.
Saved the pup and original PG, so totally reversable if I change my mind or decide to move it, or trade it in the future.
I think the WD pickguard is an even better color match with the pups and knobs.

Tuned it up and tried it out.
Works as intended and sounds fantastic.
Might be getting some more play time on the Strat.
Here's a final glam shot:

 

[ibmorjamn]

Now you can play Umbopamawmaw !

 

[Session 5]

Humbucker in the bridge is only way to go, on a Strat or Tele, IMHO..

 

[syscokid]

Looks like a job well done. Good looking Strat, too!

 

[DirtySteve]

Came out great! I agree about the pick guard color, looks better.

 

[Inspector #20]

Awesome move!

 

[Clockworkmike]

Nice choice!

Be it a full sized humbucker or a stacked single coil , I always prefer that in the bridge, just gives it more OOOMPH

 

[ibmorjamn]

Awesome.

 

[chilipeppermaniac]

Decided to change out my Fender American Ultra from a SSS to HSS.
Didn't want to do one of my usual butcher jobs like I do to my cheap mod guitars, so I got a Fender Shawbucker1 bridge pup and a WD Custom pickguard for a drop-in fit on the Ultra.
Here's a before pic:
View attachment 91917
Before I bought any parts, I pulled the existing pickguard to make sure the factory routs would accommodate the bridge HB.
Good to go...
View attachment 91918
Just needed to de-solder the red wire to the switch and the green/black ground to the pot back.
View attachment 91919
Swapped everything except the single bridge pup from the old to new pickguard.
Shawbucker gets same red to switch, white/black to center switch lug and green/bare to ground.
This gives HB in pos 1, and split/mid in pos 2.
View attachment 91920

Looks Great, Fitzburgh

 

[Mitch Pearrow SJMP]

Excellent job, and looks like a Strat that can roar, sing , and bomb out on the bar…
And yes the new pickgaurd looks so much better on it than the stark white.
Nice work @fitz