Gilmour Strat Wiring Mod 7 Way Strat Wiring

This video covers how to do the Gilmour Strat wiring mod using a simple SPDT (single pole double throw) mini toggle switch to turn on the neck pickup at will. Known as the 7 way Strat wiring setup, it was famously used by David Gilmour to give an extra dynamic to his Strat.
If you are converting a Strat that ALREADY has factory wiring, skip to 31:14
This effectively gives you two extra switching options:
- Neck & Bridge pickups together (Telecaster quack)
- All 3 pickups together.
This is an incredibly easy Strat mod to carry out.
The wiring is EXACTLY the same as the classic 5 way Strat wiring, but with the addition of a mini toggle switch to turn on the neck pickup. This video shows you how to wire it from scratch (so if your Strat already has the classic setup, skip to approx 31:14)
In this video we are also using a genius little bracket which allows the mini toggle switch to be recessed, meaning you wont constantly accidentally knock the switch whilst playing, as it is hidden. (link for the bracket below)
Components used:
- CRL 5 Way blade switch
- 3 x 250k CTS TVT pots
- 0.047uF PIO capacitor
- Switchcraft jack socket
- Push back cloth hook up wire
- Tinned copper wire
- Mini SPDT toggle switch
- Wiring Diagram: sixstringsuppl...
- Aluminium Strat shielding pickguard: www.ebay.co.uk...
- Other guitar wiring tutorials: sixstringsuppl...
- Guitar wiring harnesses: sixstringsuppl...

[@joshjosh9010]

The neck/bridge configuration on my Strat is my favorite clean tone. I recommend this mod to any Strat owner. It's so easy anyone can do it.

[@SixStringSupplies]

Billy Russo it is indeed! Great tone on the neck/ bridge combo

[@joshjosh9010]

@@DougHinVA This mod was literally the first thing I attempted to solder YEARS ago, with no experience whatsoever. It's easy.

[@asdf9890]

@@joshjosh9010 Yeah at first it's scary, but once you do it, it's nothing big. Just heat the parts and melt the lead to it. Don't heat the lead to the iron and drip it on! That's about it.

[@HykaFT]

@@DougHinVA you can buy obsidian wire solderless if you dont know how to soldering

[@deadshot4245]

I have a vintage modified I made like Ritchie Blackmores iconic Strat I’m doing this mod for seven way on a black Strat

[@johnroberts838]

Hi, I have to say this is one of the most Comprehensive Videos on Stratocaster Wiring on KZbin! I am almost 50yo, have always wired my own Guitars, but your Tips are Brilliant! Thank you. Take care ♥️🎸👍. Melbourne, Australia.

[@SixStringSupplies]

Thank you John your compliments mean a lot! Take care

[@davidwellings2783]

Your videos are SO therapeutic to watch and your wiring so beautiful! It makes me want to rip everything off my Strat and start again! 🥰🥰🍷🍷🎸🎸

[@cmbnz]

The subtitles at 0:04 are comedy gold.

[@grateful4068]

I came back to this video, and, wow. This video is gold. Thank you.

[@Fender5621]

I've noticed that everyone that does the "touch-pickup-test" only verifies the correct pickup works with the correct switch position. But you also need to verify that non-selected pickups are NOT working (or connected). Imagine a bad/damaged selector switch that connected all pickups. The shown "touch-pickup-test" would not catch this.

[@charlieross-BRM]

LOL. That drove me nuts watching that, as much as hearing nails on a chalkboard.

[@gp85hkg]

@@charlieross-BRM 😅

[@gp85hkg]

My sentiments exactly (".)

[@floridapunkarchivist]

I just got finished maintaining two guitars and obviously tested all of them….seeing this made me work on a third guitar just to do it right again….aaaaahhhh

[@hafstrat]

My thoughts too! Why not do the proper check ?????

[@72Z15SS]

I have been thinking about doing this for a few years now. This makes me wants to get on with it and stop procrastinating... Thanks for the tutorial and by the way, I like how tidy your work is!

[@FerSpada]

Soo.... You did it ?

[@72Z15SS]

@@FerSpada Not yet, but I did get better pick-ups. Just not crazy about drilling a hole in an original pickguard...

[@davebarber3827]

Another gem of a video yours are the best on you tube by far the best..

[@SixStringSupplies]

Wow, thank you!

[@Pgcmoore]

it don't get no better than this! well done, thank you!

[@SixStringSupplies]

Pgcmoore no problem sir! Thank you

[@jacktarrband7948]

I went through a bunch of videos on this mod. YOurs is hands down the most informative on the topic. I've been using this video as my guide and learned a few things along the way. I also added the mod so the where the bridge pup shares the tone control with the middle pickup. I used your other vid for that. Thanks for sharing these videos. You're a great teacher!

[@SixStringSupplies]

Thanks 🙏 bro!

[@Cali559]

My Strat does the same thing, but using a Blender pot. 1 Volume, 1 Tone, 1 Blender. At 10 the wiring is as normal, the more you dial in the Blender the more of the pickup gets blended in. If you're in position 1 Bridge the Blender will dial in the Neck PU. If you're on the Neck PU, the Blender will dial in the Bridge PU. In positions 2 and 4, the blender will dial in the neck or bridge so that all three pickups work together. Either way, it's a fantastic mod. Your Strat takes on the vibe of a Telecaster when you have the Neck and Bridge working together. The blender does allow you to dial in as much of the blended pickup as you want, so the tones vary from off at 10 and gradually increasing until at 0 the dialed in pickup is fully functioning. I find 1 volume and 1 tone works just fine for all pickups.

[@SixStringSupplies]

yeah the blender mod is my favourite Strat setup - did a video on that one here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnbYiYp_h8-cmMU

[@DeeTee79]

I love this mod. This is a great tutorial! I am absolutely doing this mod. Thank you for making this video!

[@im247frogs]

I kept waiting for you to introduce a rather peculiar looking gentleman who goes by the name of Mr Paul Caruso.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I don't like the push-pull - I prefer the mini toggle (especially for live performance) - it's more Seamless for me personally. Nice information. Enjoying your channel. oNe LovE from NYC

[@jpjay1584]

do you mean the Brian May 6 switch mod?

[@noone1mportant.357]

I just did a parts caster to baritone neck double humbucker five way selector fender s1 volume knob to make a 10-way switch Seymour Duncan intruder and sh6 pickups with a trouble bleed. Thing is a beast

[@Aikidoman06]

Use hot glue for wire management. It makes life easy. Great job!

[@CRUNCHCOLE]

I had that mod on my three pickup Carvin tele 22 years ago

[@murraymusic2633]

Really very good video, gives me the confidence to do my own re-wiring job on my Gilmour-esq strat!

[@SixStringSupplies]

Thanks sir glad it helped!

[@f1s2hg3]

Your videos are very informative thanks kid!😊😊

[@asdf9890]

Great info man, thank you. Saved so I can rewatch later.

[@onwithandoverwith]

Excellent!

[@Munchable420]

Just did this the other day, only I added tone for the bridge with a .22 uF cap and its a push pull with this same switch only within a knob on your guitar. I think the bridge tone mod is called the Eric Johnson mod... also did the neck up with the middle tone and the middle pup is just wide open hooked up to just the volume, no tone. The perfect strat set up if I do say so myself.

[@jimjersey2345]

Nice, I'll have to do this on my strat 👍

[@Robertkelly_5150]

Great informative video and very nice soldering work!

[@davidreinhard6037]

You sound like Randall from Time Bandits

[@perrypound7919]

Great video, very well done!

[@rcreynolds6186]

Excellent tutorial!

[@rhykko77]

Beautiful job !

[@cliffsullivan2050]

Thanks just finished, followed your video and it's working great.

[@kevindoyle9667]

Gilmour used a ceramic 0. 22 cap and a treble bleed too. The treble bleed is even easier to fit. But essential for a true Guilmour Strat.

[@SixStringSupplies]

Thanks for that info i wasn’t aware of that

[@blackstrat7]

Pretty sure that’s incorrect

[@tobiasgerber9200]

Thanks a lot. Great Job.

[@ogrish76]

For people who don't want to add extra switches to their guitar, i hate switches between my knobs on a strat.... A no load tone pot wired as a blender pot for the neck/bridge pickups is a much better mod IMO... Gives you the same exact sounds and more, it really is much more versatile, and you wont have some in the way switch if you are someone like me who actually uses the Vol and Tone knobs a lot during songs.

[@lloydland]

This mod didn't work for me. Maybe it's the fact that my Strat wiring is already unconventional; though I did connect the wires to the appropriate positions based upon my current wiring. On a side note, your wiring is extremely clean. I like it.

[@SixStringSupplies]

thanks, appreciate it. yeah this mod works from standard/conventional wiring.

[@ourclarioncall]

I’m in the process of putting in 6 recessed switches like this. There are not pots or 5 way just switches . I’m using a piece of perforated mild steel plate with 6mm holes. The final stage will be drilling the holes in the pick guard for the switches to pop through . It seemylike it would be easier to drill a larger circular hole like you have , but I really like the look of the thin oval/rectangular slot , but would be a lot harder to do with cnc or a drill press I think

[@SixStringSupplies]

I too would prefer an oval/rectangular slot but didn’t have the tool piece to do it. (Not even sure how to do it, laser I guess) however, the small circular hole does the job...and is barely noticeable. Thanks for watching and best of luck with your project, sounds cool! 👍

[@wesleyalan9179]

Thats very nice work man... I wish my work was that pretty, i need to practice more, lol! Thanks for the video

[@SixStringSupplies]

thanks mate! No problem. Practice makes perfect....been doing this 3-4 years and still learning everyday and honing my technique.

[@ctolkeisham6141]

very detail...n good ..

[@deadshot4245]

Awesome video

[@hafstrat]

Standard option on a pro 2 strat. 👍🏼

[@leonruvalcaba1549]

Thank you very much for the nice video. Btw face reveal at 36:01

[@hafstrat]

Standard in pro 2 strat 🧐👍🏼

[@74dartman13]

Cool mod. Thanks for the video. Btw... I love relic guitars...no worries about working on them and scratching things. Think I'll try this on mine!👍😎🎸🎶

[@SixStringSupplies]

74dart man thanks mate. I’m really happy with how the project turned out. Now I can actually play the thing. It’s a decent little mod

[@74dartman13]

@@SixStringSupplies cool!👍😎🎸🎶

[@BrewerShettles]

What about - one Master tone with a Toggle Switch between it and the 5 Way switch (Tone / No Tone), and the other "Tone" pot becoming a Volume Knob (instead of a 2nd Toggle Switch) for the Middle pickup to go direct to output. The Neck Pickup goes from the 5 Way direct to a Toggle Switch to output as you described.

[@elzippo488]

A Black Pickguard would have made that black-hole for the switch do a disappearing act.

[@David79rebel]

Very good wiring..except that curly wires of pickups..

[@gboi116]

Thank you so much, this channel has been incredible. This mod plus the HSS wiring tutorial have been comprehensive and unbelievably helpful. I do have a question-- how would wiring this switch with a push/pull switch be different? I saw the wiring diagram posted on your website, and I'm a bit confused about why the bridge hot wire is going into the lug of the push pull instead of the pickup selector switch like in this video (with the neck pickup). does the push pull pot not function exactly the same as the toggle switch? Thanks again

[@Cinestudi0]

The auto translate introduced you as the sexual prowless 😂

[@metalwright]

I was annoyed with the cloth wire until I figured out that my strippers were way too large. I got the sense that it was working, because the strippers would cut nearly all the way through. But really, I needed a pair of small gauge strippers to avoid all the fraying and colorful language.

[@DeeTee79]

It’s not the price it’s the shipping haha

[@BrewerShettles]

Great Video. Very Inspiring!! What about tone pots - not connected - 47uF orange cap connected to the bridge pickup and a 22uF to the Middle pickup. No tone on the Neck.

[@glenmiles483]

Just tried this and I get excessive noise from the not connected lug when the toggle switch is off. Can't touch any lug in the circuit with out getting a loud buzz. What have I done wrong?

[@George.Andrews.]

the pick up wires bunched tight together concerns me . Don't you get interference or is the voltage to low?

[@BrewerShettles]

How about adding a 2nd toggle switch so you can choose Middle Pickup and / or Neck pickup direct to output?

[@tarek77500]

Thanks....

[@Moreno280161]

In the third position with the Switch on I hear a difference in the sound as if they were the pickups in push-pull is this normal?

[@jorgehuamanmusic]

Great video! Could you possibly make another video with a push pull pot instead of a switch? Thanks!

[@SixStringSupplies]

we have a diagram here: sixstringsupplies.co.uk/pages/7-way-stratocaster-wiring-diagram

[@jorgehuamanmusic]

@@SixStringSupplies awesome! Thanks so much!

[@benjaminaustnesnarum3900]

An update on my modifications. I did a 9-way wiring mod, with the DPDT switch, and it worked great with a 500k volume pot. However, I got my push/pull pots today, so I went back at it. The plan is to still have the 9-way (series/standard/parallel) with the 3-way switch, but I want to have the possibility to phase invert a pup with one of the push pull pots, while using the other as a separate volume (and on/off) for my piezo under-saddle pickup. I have a stereo-out jack, where one will be pups, and the other piezo. (Note, the piezo goes into an onboard preamp, that's run by a 9v battery. I need to connect it so that the battery connection is only active when the jack is plugged in.) I'm really not sure how to wire it up. I made a couple of attempts, but I couldn't even get sound coming out. It's a standard SSS Strat. Help would be appreciated

[@SixStringSupplies]

Hi Benjamin, we are closed for the Xmas holidays so unable to give a detailed response - however, this wiring diagram could help for the 9 way strat setup using push pull pots. www.sixstringsupplies.co.uk/9-way-stratocaster-wiring-diagram Happy holidays

[@classicmacos1682]

WHAT KIND OF GUITAR IS THAT!?! Geeee! If you did it, NICE job

[@danieljbdj]

Os próximos vídeos põe Legenda em português 🙏🏽 curto bastante suas dicas

[@avzer5408]

Hello, does this diagram apply to hss strats aswell? I cant seem to find hss specific diagrams

[@AtefWagih]

Thanks a lot for the very informative video. Can the 2 outer ends of the toggle switch be connected together, so if the switch goes to any of the 2 sides, it activates? or will this short the circuit? thanks

[@AdrianGonzalez-fx9hf]

Can you do this with a HSS Strat

[@NordArt1991]

If you you want a HSH pickup configuration with a mini toggle switch that Splits the coils on HN and HB + the Gilmour mod... How should i do? Is it enough to do the same as you?

[@driftingmelodies]

Waooo cool... I have upgraded humbucker at bridge .but I still want more heavy sound. I wanna combine all three. Will it sound close to guitars with two humbuckers since my bridge pickup is already humbucker. Or will it have phase issue. ?Help please

[@ArcHuiling]

good day.. i have a fender mim with hss pickups and S1 switch that split the coil of the humbucker.. im looking for a video in your channel using the S1 pushed will still split the humbucker but will include bridge&neck, series combinations, that is like fender usa S1 wiring.. i just looked for diagrams, videos but i cannot find.. hope you cn help me.. i just want to make my strat sound diffrent when S1 switch is pushed not just coil split. hope you can help me..

[@timbennett6644]

Great video. Question. When you are using the bus wire to ground your pots, is one continuous piece of wire or two separate pieces? I am away to wire all my parts for a Gilmour style scratch plate. Thanks.

[@SixStringSupplies]

I tend to use a continuous length but you can do either. One length or 2 short lengths

[@timbennett6644]

@@SixStringSupplies thank you

[@Eckholph]

Is it different if i have a hsh?

[@frederikweishaupt6371]

Can this be done on a guitar that does not have a pick guard??

[@SixStringSupplies]

Yeah man

[@JonHallMusic96]

Is it possible to do this with just a push pull knob?

[@terrybeaud9348]

Thanks again for the great video ! I have a question. I have an american strat special SSS, texas special PUs. I have a basic understanding of how the pickguard is wired up and the purpose of caps on the tone pots. But my strat has 2 disc caps per pot, the same 2 caps on each pot. Cap #1 is BC Z5U 203M 1KV This cap is installed in a standard way, grounded to pot and connected to lug on left, when lugs are pointing up. Cap #2 is Y5U 104M This cap is soldered to middle lug and right lug. .... Can you tell me what the purpose of Cap #2 is ? Thanks Terry

[@mamattaruna6281]

hai..is it possible if i do this hss pickup?

[@timbennett6644]

Hi, I would like to wire my bridge to tone pot 2 only and share tone pot 1 with the neck and middle. I prefer this configuration. How would I add this into the build too.

[@SixStringSupplies]

using the the diagram on this page - connect "B" to tone 2 and add a jumper wire between "N" and "M" on the switch sixstringsupplies.co.uk/pages/5-way-switch-wiring

[@timbennett6644]

Thank you

[@McLOVIN.....]

Si no quieren hacer ese agujero coloquen un Push Pull y más fácil

[@jrbonds5339]

What gauge tinned copper wire do you use?

[@oldasrocks9121]

Which do you prefer, this switch or a blend control w/master volume and tone? Your HSS (w/the super 5 way switch) video saved my life btw, thank you! Wired my humbucker split with a resistor to ground PRS style so the split humbucker is a touch hotter than the middle pickup. (Stopped trying to get my HSS to flip to something like an SSS and just got another Strat for that, lol.)

[@johannesweber1347]

thaaaank you so much - beautiful explained! one question....if i want this exact wiring for the gilmour setup BUT have a passive singlecoil format humbucker for the bridge (Haeussel ST Klinge ) and i want to add a Push-Push Button to switch between humbucker and single coil (precisely a Fender Deluxe Player Jeff Beck DPDT Switch) ...does that change the original wiring completely or not?

[@CarlosCampos-ce3gp]

you don´t say what pickups are these and where it goes (neck, middle or bridge) ?

[@matt6288joyce]

What temperature do you solder at?

[@kriztov155]

how about on-off-on switch??

[@lokmankamal]

does both pickups connected in series or parallel when we hit the switch on? I've done these . but not fully understand it on how it connected..I knew that telecaster is connected in parallel in position 2..but im not sure the sound I got is parallel or series sound.. I want to achieve that quack telecaster have..but I'm not quite there

[@ruzcelbeltran]

Is it necessary to put a jumper wire to each pots?

[@SixStringSupplies]

Not if you have grounding plate

[@rhykko77]

Question.......if you ONLY had one volume and one tone on this circuit , what would you have to change ? Thanks !

[@SixStringSupplies]

Just add the wire from switch, to mini toggle, to volume.

[@rhykko77]

Thanks !@@SixStringSupplies

[@sanderpander962]

do you HAVE to do the copper stuff on the body?

[@SixStringSupplies]

No not necessary

[@johnnyjohnsonmusic]

Is this mod possible with a hss split coil strat with tbx tone control, The split coil function is controlled with a little switch where the bottom tone pot should be, would this mod create phase or major hum problems with the humbucker and neck pickup turned on at the same time,

[@0Imtheslime0]

Copper eats aluminum... Use either aluminum OR copper. Don't mix.

[@marekhelan3966]

Hi, isn´t the blender strat mode do the same thing ? And no switch add ?

[@SixStringSupplies]

Marek Helan hi yeah it’s exactly the same as per this video: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnbYiYp_h8-cmMU I wanted the switch in this setup as it’s quicker. Thanks for watching

[@spincity4049]

Would you use an on off SPDT switch then?

[@McLOVIN.....]

Push pull is better

[@Bcananzey]

where can I find a video on super switches?

[@SixStringSupplies]

I haven't got one but should be plenty around on the 'Tube!

[@dave691974]

Should I use that same capacitor, I have a DiMarzio single coil size humbucker in the bridge position?

[@SixStringSupplies]

Either a 0.047 or a 0.022, whatever your ears prefer!

[@dave691974]

@@SixStringSupplies ok thanks man

[@driftingmelodies]

@@dave691974 I have dmarzio single coil size humbucker too at bridge.. I want to make it sound really like two humbuckers equipped guitar for metal songs .have you modified to 7 mood yet? How is it with all three engaged

[@dave691974]

@@driftingmelodies I haven't installed the mod yet my guitar is completely disassembled, I'm currently sanding it and repainting it .

[@fedebelen9079]

Hi! I'd like to do this in a guitar with HSS configuration 1 volume pot and 1 tone pot. The guitar has 2 potentiometer 500k. Is it possible to do this 7 way mod with a push pull in volume pot? And also I wanna do the coil split humbucker mod in push pull tone pot! Can you help with a diagram? I don't know how to do to link one mod with the other!!!

[@0Imtheslime0]

Can for sure use a push pull mod. That is the modern way.

[@joshfeelsic.]

on\on or on\off switch?

[@SixStringSupplies]

Joshua Riedel either, this one (SPDT) switch www.sixstringsupplies.co.uk/product/carling-mini-toggle-switch

[@stevefrancis6898]

You did it completely wrong ??? IT'S a white pic guard ,right start again.black!

[@danterosales6985]

Heyo!

[@SixStringSupplies]

Dante Rosale👋

[@richardbrown9760]

What I find annoying is that you don't say why a particular wire goes to a particular pot.

[@richardbrown9760]

Bit more info required..

[@spoonsmith9506]

I tested my pups just like that and they all checked out but when I ran a string over the middle it wouldn't pick up the frequency.

[@SixStringSupplies]

sorry didn't see this. Did you manage to sort this out?

[@ivanetenete]

Hello my friend, I have a little question. I've done this exact mod to my Squier Standard Stratocaster and I checked that the pickup combination that I get when I use the switch is correct (with a screwdriver I checked each pickup in each position) but the effect of the bridge pickup is barely noticeable when it's activated by the switch. Do you know why this could be happening?

[@marcussoleil3733]

Is your guitar shielded? If not, check for hum when you switch on the neck and bridge pickups, if the hum is greater than in the case of just the neck/bridge, then it works.

[@briw4647]

All items out of stock :-(

[@SixStringSupplies]

sorry man! We have all electronic items in stock, except the mini toggle and the bracket.

[@briw4647]

@@SixStringSupplies will you be restocking them ? The gilmore kit, bracket and switch? I do not like the 7 way switch push pull method and gilmour method would suit me better

[@SixStringSupplies]

we never have stocked them. We only stock the strat wiring kit and the pickups. However, there are links on where to buy the other bits in the description above

[@briw4647]

@@SixStringSupplies cheers

[@michaeltimothy487]

is your voice even real

[@myname1469]

I can't just watch a video, no. I have to wait hovering over the skip button or it will play an infinite series of successively more annoying adverts. Yup, KZbin has it down.

[@noahstewart785]

"bollocks" ..... "sorry"

[@Aceroxx02]

Rather than drilling and installing a mini switch, the best way to do this mod is to make the neck tone knob a master tone and the bottom tone knob a blender pot which when rolled off to 0 turns the neck on in positions 1 and 2, and the bridge on in 4 and 5. Same results, less hassle, and cleaner looking. As for that bracket, stupidest part created. You DO want the full switch if you are using one that way you can work it properly. Seriously, you might want to STOP giving tutorials if you're going to teach the most ridiculous way to achieve something.

[@SixStringSupplies]

Hello Jeremy - thanks for your pleasant feedback. I agree, the blend control you refer too certainly is cleaner and more efficient giving the same result - that wiring mod is covered here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnbYiYp_h8-cmMU The video is entitled "Gilmour Strat Wiring Mod" because it is exactly that. Gilmour had a mini toggle switch (which was recessed, using a bracket i might add). PS for clarity, you can also use a push pull pot. Thanks for watching!

[@scottmoffat452]

Dude. He has built the switch in exactly the same as David Gilmour's Strat, you know, the most expensive guitar in the World!!! Everyone has their own opinions, I for one applaud the man, well done.

[@MaTTheWish]

Duh spaz.

[@EFEP]

this wiring works in ibanez 5 way switch?