The real flaw of an HSS Strat, and how it disappears
A humbucker needs 500k to retain its life and character. Two single-coil pickups need 250k to avoid becoming harsh. On a factory HSS, the manufacturer chooses once and for all, and you live with it. Either your humbucker sounds muffled, or your single coils bite.
ObsidianWire Intelligent Switching removes the question. The volume pot automatically switches from 250k to 500k according to the selected pickup. You have nothing to operate, nothing to set. In position 1, the humbucker works as if it were on a Les Paul, while in position 5 the neck pickup retains the warmth of a Strat. It is the difference between a wiring setup you put up with and one designed with purpose.
Automatic split in the middle position
Position 2, humbucker and middle pickup together: the harness splits the humbucker automatically. Both pickups regain consistent output and tone, instead of that imbalance where the humbucker overwhelms the single coil. Nothing to activate, the selector controls it.
This function requires a splittable four-conductor humbucker. If yours only has two wires, the harness works perfectly but without the split. Check before ordering, and call us if in doubt.
Gilmour mod, 7 positions
A push-pull on the tone control unlocks two combinations the Strat has never offered: neck and bridge together, and all three pickups simultaneously. That crystalline, almost bell-like sound David Gilmour used on his Black Strat. No cutting, no extra holes in your pickguard, everything runs through the potentiometer.
HSS or HSH, you decide
An internal mode selector reconfigures the harness to suit your pickups. Install an HSS today, switch to HSH in two years by replacing the neck pickup: the same harness follows you, with nothing else to buy.
Components and details
- CTS potentiometers made to Obsidian specifications, 24-spline split shaft
- Tone 1 (neck and middle): 250k no-load
- Tone 2 (bridge): 500k, push-pull for the Gilmour mod
- 0.022 µF polyester film capacitors
- Obsidian-specific Schaller selector switch, metric thread
- Switchcraft J11 or Pure Tone multi-contact jack, pre-wired
- Built-in treble bleed: the sound stays open when you roll down the volume
Installation
Your pickup wires screw into the Plug, Play & Enjoy terminals. No soldering iron required, a screwdriver is enough, allow thirty minutes. The terminals are slim: push each wire fully home and check before closing up, this is the only step that requires attention. Your original wiring comes out intact, so you can always revert.
One point to plan for: the Schaller selector has a metric thread, so your inch-threaded selector knob will not screw onto it. You will need a metric tip, we have them in stock.
Compatible with Fender Stratocaster HSS and HSH. On a Squier, check the pickguard hole diameter, slight reaming may be required. 5-year manufacturer warranty.