THE SEVEN SOUNPickupDs (+)
S T R AT OPicCkups (+) A S T E R
the toggle switch for a similar effect – simply use positions 4 and 5 to
get the new sounds.
So with the toggle switch added, let’s take another look at the Strat
tone chart:
“Seven Sound” Strat
push/pull switch method
From
Neck Tone
From
MiddleTone
“Se
min
From Bridge Pickup
From Middle Pickup
From Neck Pickup
B
P
To
Volume
Control
To Output Socket
Volume
Of course, the new combinations that arise from this modification are
a matter of taste – I personally find the three-pickup sound to be the
least useful of the two new combination“sS, aeltvhoeunghSitowuor nksdw”eSll ftorat
rhythms. The neck and bridge pickups topguesthhe/rpsuolul nsdwgitrcehatm, reemthiondd-
ing me a little bit of a Telecaster, albeit a lot fatter and more defined.
I used to call it the “Sweet Home Alabama” setting. Give it a try and From From Bridge Pickup Neck Tone
see what you think. From Middle Pickup From
From Neck Pickup Middle Tone
If you’re more of a traditionalist, or the thought of drilling a hole
through your pickguard simply isn’t exactly appealing, another option
is to replace one of your pots with a push/pull or a push/push type
of pot with a SPST or DPDT switch. If you actually enjoy standing out
in the crowd, another TcooOluwtpauyttSoopce kerftorm this mod is to use a completely new pickguard with three individual SPST switches instead of Volume
the common 5-way switch. Fender used this method on the shortlived
Stratocaster Elite, which featured three small on/off push buttons for
the pickups, among other “improvements.” While the Strat push buttons were initially a flop, it has been over 20 years since their appearance, meaning that it may be time for you to bring them back for a
bit of ironic, vintage style.
“Seven Sound” Strat
mini toggle switch method
From From From
Bridge Middle Neck
Pickup Pickup Pickup
To
Volume
Control
From
Middle
Tone
From
Neck
Tone
Have fun with this mod; it’s an easy one to do and it will open up
a few more tonal posibilities for you to explore. Next month, we’ll
continue our Stratocaster mod efforts, turning our attention to those
famous out-of-phase sounds. Until then, keep on modding!
