Stratocaster ala Brian May customizing details
The stratocaster that I have modified was a simple stratocaster. You can buy them new or second hand at attractive prices. In the stratocaster I mounted the Brian May switch configuration and a set of vintage single coil elements from Adeson.
In my opinion they are slightly more powerful then the Burns Tri-Sonic elements at an attractive price. To save money you can also start with a set of bridge / centre elements. With this you can already achieve great soundings.
In my opinion they are slightly more powerful then the Burns Tri-Sonic elements at an attractive price. To save money you can also start with a set of bridge / centre elements. With this you can already achieve great soundings.
Specifications of the elements used:
- Vintage passive single-coil elements
- Vintage magnetic
- Build according to 60's specifications
- Original coil wires
- Bridge elements wired in opposite phase
- Completely wax sealed to surpress feedback
- Vintage passive single-coil elements
- Vintage magnetic
- Build according to 60's specifications
- Original coil wires
- Bridge elements wired in opposite phase
- Completely wax sealed to surpress feedback
Dimensions of the elements:
What do you need to customize a stratocaster ala Brain May?
An old stratocaster
A set of three vintage elements (you can start with less elements).The elements are slightly bigger than standard stratocaster single coil elements. So watch careful if these elements will fit in your stratocaster together with a new pick guard. With a mill you will need to take a way some wood from the body to get the elements to fit.
A new stratocaster pick guard without elements, switch and potentiometer holes
Six double pole change over slide switches
One volume potentiometer, LOG 220Kohm
One tone potentiometer, LIN 220Kohm
One tone capacitor 0,022uF
Two knobs for volume and tone
Several nuts, springs and bolts to mount all components into the pick guard
Electrical wires
One set of maxima gold strings
A set of three vintage elements (you can start with less elements).The elements are slightly bigger than standard stratocaster single coil elements. So watch careful if these elements will fit in your stratocaster together with a new pick guard. With a mill you will need to take a way some wood from the body to get the elements to fit.
A new stratocaster pick guard without elements, switch and potentiometer holes
Six double pole change over slide switches
One volume potentiometer, LOG 220Kohm
One tone potentiometer, LIN 220Kohm
One tone capacitor 0,022uF
Two knobs for volume and tone
Several nuts, springs and bolts to mount all components into the pick guard
Electrical wires
One set of maxima gold strings
Below you find some pictures of the construction process
Additional space for the slide switches
Are you interested to customize your own stratocaster?
If you want to know more, or want to know where you can buy parts and what the total cost are you can send me an email. If you want to try the stratocaster ala Brian May first you are welcome after an appointment.
Some additional pictures of the end results
