Hastings killer strat mod w/ dimarzio noiseless single coils

[maxm]

Hey guys, I’m back at it again trying to stretch the hasting killer stray mod to my set up. I’m using dimarzio area noiseless single coil pickups and want to add a treble bleed into the circuit. I followed the wiring diagram posted previously on the forum and added in the treble bleed on the 2 hot lugs on the volume pot. Something along the way didn’t work out. Would the noiseless pickups or the treble bleed cause something to go wrong with this wiring diagram?

[newey]

maxm-

Before we can discuss this, we'll need you to post the diagram (and indicate where the treble bleed was added). I remember the previous discussion, but since you started a new thread to discuss this problem, we'll need you to link back to that, or as I said, repost the final diagram. Otherwise people have to search out the other thread to know what was done.

[maxm]

That you for the response! I marked the photo in blue where I added the treble bleed, as well as the diagram.

[maxm]

its possible I fumbled up the switch. I used this diagram to wire the Hastings mod with a 8 pin import switch. I have a fender style 5 way switch ordered.

[newey]

maxm-

If the pickup selections were working before you installed the treble bleed, then the switch wiring was OK. Perhaps you jostled something loose when you opened it up to put the treble bleed in. And your treble bleed is where it should be. What exactly didn't work after you installed the treble bleed? I can think of only a few possibilities, but knowing exactly what isn't working would certainly help narrow the field.

[JohnH]

Looks like that's my drawing of Hastings design. But it seems ok, I just checked again.

There's no reason the TB mod would make it not work, if it was working otherwise. But plenty of ways to get all the noiseless pu wires mixed up! Has this wiring worked before with these pickups? It definitely can work though.

[maxm]

Hey all, I did end up reviewing my work and found a few issues. I swapped 5 way switches, mostly for peace of mind of a better quality switch. I found that I wired the output jack backwards, as well as had a point of contact from the shielded cavity to part of the circuit. I taped over some of the shielding and reassembled and got everything working correctly. The hasting mod is wonderful! I like the independent tone control on the bridge pickup and the middle switch setting adds an awesome punch. In addition to that the treble bleed is one of the best mods I’ve come across and will be installing in all my guitars! It really helps retain clarity as the volume is rolled back. Thanks for the attention!

If I could ask one parting question about the Hastings mod, if I wanted to run a single master tone control and add something like a emg afterburner variable gain boost pot, how would I go about that?

[newey]

Aug 21, 2024 9:07:27 GMT -5 maxm said:

If I could ask one parting question about the Hastings mod, if I wanted to run a single master tone control and add something like a emg afterburner variable gain boost pot, how would I go about that?

Not sure about the EMG thing but if it gets wired in after the pots, between the pos and the jack, it shouldn't be an issue, but we'd need to look at how that gets wired in. As for the master tone, would this be in addtiion to the 2 tone controls you have now, or replacing both with a master? If you mean replacing both with a master tone, that would be easy enough, the tone control would just get wired off the Vol. pot as with any guitar having a master voluma and tone setup. You ould lose all the wiring to the existing tone pots now comin off the 5-way switch.

I suspect you meant replacing both tones with a master tone, but if not, if you're wanting to add a master tone while keeping N and B tones, I foresee some issues

[maxm]

thank you for the response Newey. To simplify, how would I alter for a master tone? Looking at the diagram I cannot get a common sense understanding how the tones interact with the select pickup. I can adapt a boost pot easily once I understand how to make the switch from independent tones to a master tone. 

[newey]

Pretty straightforward to do so. First, remove the bridge tone pot entirely by cutting both the wires- cut the ground wire at the connection to the neck tone pot case and cut the capacitor at the connection to the middle lug of the neck tone pot. Remove the bridge tone pot. Then, remove the black wire that is connected to the middle lug of the neck tone pot, cut it at the end where it connects to the 5-way switch. Leave it soldered to the middle lug of the tone pot. Ground the black wire to the back of the pot (or to wherever your grounds are collected, if you're not using the pot shells.). You can probably shorten the wire as well.

[maxm]

Thank you very much Newey! that was a very clear explanation. I will update the thread with any further mods I do with this guitar. I really like the idea of the onboard boost, and these noiseless pickups are the perfect recipient. The mods I've already done to this guitar has made it the most versatile strat I've used to date. The boost will make it so this guitar can be plugged into any tube amp and drive it hard without having to carry a boost or overdrive pedal. Very cool in my opinion. Cheers!