This install guide covers the installation of our Strat pickups in a standard Stratocaster with a 5-Way Blade Switch. For other installation diagrams, check out our Wiring Diagrams page for all of our Stratocaster wiring configurations, from SSS, HSS, and more.

Most installation jobs are simple enough to perform yourself, but if you are inexperienced or uncomfortable with wiring, take your guitar to an experienced luthier for a professional installation.

Wire Colors

Here’s where each color wire goes for each Stratocaster set we sell:

• White = Hot (to switch)
• Black = Ground (solder to the casing of the volume pot)

The image below features different colors for visually tracing the wires, but here’s how to wire it up to the switch:

Steps Required For Installation

1. Remove the strings and pickguard from the guitar
2. Unsolder each pickup lead from the switch and ground
3. Once all wires are unsoldered, use a phillips head screwdriver to remove each pickup from the existing pickguard
4. Once all pickups are uninstalled, install each new pickup carefully. Damage can occur from rough handling, or the pickup’s mounting screws “scraping” the coil wire. Be extra careful on this step and take your time.
5. Solder each new wire according to the instructions above, and trim any excess
6. Replace the pickguard and test by plugging the guitar into an amp, and performing the “tap test” with a metal screwdriver to test each pickup’s output
7. Replace the strings and set the pickup height according to this article here.