Solderless Pre-Wired Volume harness | DeLonge Strat kit | Right Handed
Please use the tabs below to read through the information about this Solderless Pre-Wired harness kit. From a run down of what the kit does, to important fitting information and full specs.
Order times
I usually make harnesses to order, due to the variety of spec options that could be chosen across the whole range. The current turnaround time for a harness orders is around 5-7 working days depending on quantity of orders in at the time and your order will be updated accordingly when it is dispatched. This turnaround time doesn't include the transit time. Thanks for your patience whilst I get your harness made!
Model description
This kit is as simple as they can come, but it is a tip of the Hurley Cap to one of my most favourite signature Fender guitar models and is incredibly nostalgic for me, the Tom DeLonge Signature Stratocaster. I spent countless hours staring at the Fender Frontline catalog back in the day wishing I had one of these guitars, super back to basics design but nonetheless wicked guitars. With the originals increasing in value, I know a lot of us are making partscaster replicas instead, so I wanted to offer a pre-wired volume pot kit to help with those projects! After having the privelege of working and inspecting an all original 2001 TD Strat thanks to one of my regular customers and supporters, I was able to have a closer look on an early example before finalising my own kits specs.
This factory Fender TD signature model had a CTS 500k pot as expected, as well as a treble bleed, which featured a 680pF capacitor and 220kOhm resistor wired in parallel. This spec was also noted on the original Fender manual/parts list for the TD strat too. It's not a totally common treble bleed cap and resistor spec, so I thought that was quite interesting and liked how it sounded with the original Seymour Duncan Invader too. So I did a little further testing of that spec on one of my own SD Invader loaded pickguard guitars and I think it suits it really well, so happy to continue on with those specs. The all new re-issue Delonge Strat launched in July 2023 also features a Treble Bleed as noted in the Fender press release info/spec. After being able to inspect one of these reissues, they have a new/different treble bleed spec which is a PCB with SMD, 1.1nf capacitor, a 150kOhm resistor in parallel with an additional 47kOhm resistor in series. This sounded and worked great but for my delonge kit, I have decided to stick with the original TD treble bleed spec. Prefer it made without the treble bleed at all though? Sure, just drop me a message prior to ordering and I can sort that no worries. I make it with the best components I have available to me, CTS 450 series audio taper pot, Gavitt 22awg wire, my treble bleed mod and the brilliant Pure Tone multi contact jack socket.
This is a further revision of my popular trusty Delonge Strat harness with the addition of solderless connections, meaning you can install this harness into your Delonge Strat without the need to touch a soldering iron. Which has a couple of benefits, perhaps if you're not particularly comfortable with soldering yet or maybe you plan on regularly swapping pickups, which this helps a great deal as it's a few screw connections and it's done.
What does 'Solderless' mean?
It's a fair question to ask/wonder. The kit is of course soldered, my aim with the series was for the specs/components all to match the Signature Series range, and also still be simple to maintain many years to come for any tech out there, not just by me. So you'll find all the same parts, pre-soldered in much the same way as I do with the traditional install Signature Series kits. Definitely do not worry about any loss in quality, any limitations in functionality or tone here, trust me, I am fussy and did a lot of A/B testing and found the Solderless range to sound and work the very same way as a Signature Series kit. So yes, the kits are all pre-soldered, but in terms of the actual installation into a guitar, it is fully solderless for you.
Your pickup wires and any ground wires simply connect into the easy quick connector blocks which I have mounted to the harness (usually secure ontop of pot casings) via a small screwdriver to secure each wire. Viola! This doesn't just benefit those that perhaps don't own soldering equipment or even those that simply hate soldering, it benefits accomplished DIY guitar modders too, as it is great for quick and mess-free pickup swaps too which can be great for experimenting.
How do I connect everything?
The Solderless series kit for the Tom Delonge Sig Strat features solderless connector blocks pre-soldered directly onto the volume pot lugs and pot casing to accomodate the various signal and ground wires directly and easily. And the jack socket has pre-soldered wires that can then be attached to the volume pots solderless connector blocks. There is a 'wiring diagram' so to speak for the kit, linked below or via the dedicated Solderless page HERE which can be great as a handy visual reference too. Please refer to that diagram for where each pickup, ground and jack wire will need to attach.
What types of pickup wires will fit into the connector blocks?
The RS Pro connector blocks will fit ANY pickup wire type, so if you have traditional single coils with cloth covered push-back style individual hot/ground wires, simply push back the cloth covering to expose around 5/6mm of central core wire and insert it into the connector. Tighten up, and push the cloth covering back down.
If you have thinner, plastic insulated/coated wires, you will need some wire strippers so you can trim back the coating to expose around 5mm of central core wire. Very often these plastic coated wires are stranded wire, so if this is the same for yours, then simply twist the wire so it forms a nice tight portion, then insert that into the relevant connector block and tighten.
If your pickups are vintage/traditional style 2 conductor 'braided' wire, then these will also fit the connector blocks, you just need to prepare them to do so. First step is to push back some of the outer metal braiding. Then using some needle nose pliers or a small screwdriver, separate some of the braiding so you can twist and form a off-shoot of wire. This will be your ground, so with that twist of wire pop that into the connector block and tighten. Then your central core wire is the 'hot' signal wire and goes into the relevant connector block via the same methods as prior, exposing around 5mm of core to ensure a nice firm seat in the connector. For much more detailed information on all of this, please check out the guide HERE
As always, if you have ANY questions or concerns about whether your pickup wires will be suitable, please just drop me a message or call and I'll be happy to help guide. I have tested these connectors with all varieties of pickup wires and they worked great so happily will advise on how to correctly install with you :)
Do you sell Invader Pickups?
You 'betcha! I am an authorised Seymour Duncan main dealer, and carry stock of invader pickups. If you need an Invader for your Delonge project, you can order one here alongside your Delonge spec wiring kit!
Product options
Pot shaft type
The first drop down option is the choice of split shaft or solid shaft control knobs. If you wish to fit a push-fit style control knob, you'll need the split shaft option and a control knob that will suit a CTS 5.95mm 24 spline split shaft pot. OR if you intend to fit the true to original TD Strat sig Telecaster style barrel control knob, they usually need a solid shaft pot so you choose the solid shaft option and install your grub screw fixed control knob on a 6.35mm solid shaft pot.
Bridge/vibrato claw ground wire
I have decided to make this option available, as many of you may be using this wiring kit on a new, partscaster type build for example. If you are fitting this kit into your existing guitar, and re-attaching the guitars original bridge or vibrato claw ground wire then simply select without. If you have had to remove the original perhaps, or it’s for a new build altogether and would find having a ground wire pre soldered, simple select with! Hope this option helps with your specific project.
Fitting information
The Solderless system makes life an awful lot easier if you're perhaps not comfortable using a soldering iron or worried about damaging components etc. So the install in terms of attaching wires is certainly more straight forward and negates the need to solder any connections, but care is still needed to to ensure it all works as it should and stands the test of time. As well of course the physical mounting of the components is the same/similar process as a regular kit install. I have written some handy install guides for the solderless harness kits, and that can be found HERE as well as the 'wiring' diagram' so to speak which can be found HERE. In this section you'll find some important fitting notes that will hopefully help you assess whether the kit is suitable for your exact Strat or what is required to allow it to fit correctly.
Will the pots/jack fit my pickguard and jack plate?
The components I use in my Signature Series wiring kits are for the most part, USA imperial specification. If you're fitting this harness to a far east built guitar such as a Squier or similar brand, then you may have to widen the holes in the pickguard to accommodate for these imperial measurement pots. Or alternatively, purchase a new pickguard that is already suited to the US spec components. The CTS pots and Pure Tone multi contact jack have a mounting thread shaft diameter of 0.369" / 9.38mm so I recommend for ease of install a pickguard and/or jackplate with 0.394" / 10mm pot/jack mounting holes. You can easily widen the holes in the pickguard too if you would prefer, I recommend doing this safely with a step cutter drill bit. I also offer this as a service so if you would like me to widen your plate for you, do please get in touch and we can organise this additionally.
If you’re buying this kit for a USA or Mexican made Strat/pickguard, then chances are it will be a direct, no modifications install process for you.
What control knobs will fit?
The CTS Solid shaft pots have a solid shaft diameter of 0.248" / 6.30mm. You will need control knobs that suit these measurements and secure to the pot via a grub screw on the control knob.
The CTS Split shaft pots which have a adjustable split shaft diameter of 5.95mm w/ 24 splines. You will need control knobs that suit these measurements.
Do not attempt to force fit smaller, metric/import spec control knobs onto the imperial USA spec pots, doing this can damage the pot.
If you do require a US spec control knobs, I do carry a selection of popular options in stock and they can be viewed in the Control Knob category on the store.
Will the jack socket fit my mount cup/plate?
Much like with the control knob and plate fitting notes, this will ultimately come down to where your guitar was made and/or what hardware it has already. The jack socket I use in this kit again is imperial specification, the outer thread diameter measures 0.367" / 9.32mm and ideally requires a 0.394" / 10mm hole to comfortably mount. If you have a threaded electrosocket style jack cup, you will need the imperial thread pitch version. The jack comes provided with washers and mounting nut
Specs/Parts included
- 1x CTS '450' Series audio taper short shaft pots - 500k
- 1x Pure Tone multi contact jack socket (nickel finish)
- Gavitt USA made cloth covered 22AWG wire
- 1x Cermaic 680pF capacitor & Carbon Film 220kOhm parallel wired treble bleed
- Soldered using R-Tech Premium Lead-Free (Sn95.5Ag3.9Cu0.6) 22swg Solder wire
RoHS Compliant
- RS Pro connector blocks
Please note - wiring kit does not include new control knobs/control plate etc but does include the pot/jack mounting nuts and washers.
Why these spec parts over others available?
Simply put, component choice has been one of the most important parts of my product development. I have worked on guitars for many years, and built these kits professionally since 2015, and as a result have been able to see and experience working on the majority of components available on the market. In my findings, A/B testing and more, I have found the components I decided on for my Signature Series to be the most reliable, best tolerance and great functioning parts to use to help customers get the most out of their instruments. I use CTS '450' series premium spec pots as they have a tight tolerance, and will consistently provide me with accurate value, as well as very solid build quality. I use trusty 'Mustard' style polyester film 'tone' capacitors as in my opinion they simply can't be beat for great value, solid construction, solid lead-outs, super tight tolerances and reliable tone/function. I would personally much rather use a trusty Mustard for example over something like a paper in oil, as from experience that are so much more reliable to use. This is from carrying out a lot of A/B testing, both tonally, as well as armed with the multi-meter for testing values and actual tolerances, as well as handling them to test construction quality for long lasting reliability in use. I use the brilliant 'Pure Tone' Multi Contact Jack sockets as they are incredibly reliable, due to their additional contact points for both tip and sleeve. I use CRL, Oak and Switchcraft brand switches across the range as these are built very well, with care will last for many years to come and have long since provided me with reliable use professionally. All kits are wired up with quality USA made Gavitt wire, it's great to work with, super consistent gauge and provides me with a very reliable quality item for my kits. I totally understand that with anything guitar, it is subjective, but I have, with an open mind, thoroughly tested a broad variety of components over the years and these have all become the items I trust to use every day.
Harness FAQ's
I've been proudly making, developing and installing my pre-wired guitar harnesses since the beginning of the Home of Tone back in 2015 (time flies when you're having fun right!). Although I feel I do my best in covering as much information as possible across the various product listings, fitting guides, wiring diagrams and more, I thought it might be helpful to put together an FAQ's page that covers some of the general additional questions I get asked. You can view these Harness FAQ's HERE
Do you make custom harnesses?
I'm afraid I do not offer a custom harness service. Only kits developed, tested and listed on my website are the available kits. So no custom schematics etc. If you happen to be local to my office, then I do carry out custom work in house, but in regards to shipped out pre-wired harnesses I do not offer custom kits. I am however happy to use different pot values or cap values within reason if you have a specific requirement that differs to the specs listed above. If this is relevant to yourself then please get in touch to discuss further to ensure the request is possible.
Please use the tabs below to read through the information about this Solderless Pre-Wired harness kit. From a run down of what the kit does, to important fitting information and full specs.
Order times
I usually make harnesses to order, due to the variety of spec options that could be chosen across the whole range. The current turnaround time for a harness orders is around 5-7 working days depending on quantity of orders in at the time and your order will be updated accordingly when it is dispatched. This turnaround time doesn't include the transit time. Thanks for your patience whilst I get your harness made!
Model description
This kit is as simple as they can come, but it is a tip of the Hurley Cap to one of my most favourite signature Fender guitar models and is incredibly nostalgic for me, the Tom DeLonge Signature Stratocaster. I spent countless hours staring at the Fender Frontline catalog back in the day wishing I had one of these guitars, super back to basics design but nonetheless wicked guitars. With the originals increasing in value, I know a lot of us are making partscaster replicas instead, so I wanted to offer a pre-wired volume pot kit to help with those projects! After having the privelege of working and inspecting an all original 2001 TD Strat thanks to one of my regular customers and supporters, I was able to have a closer look on an early example before finalising my own kits specs.
This factory Fender TD signature model had a CTS 500k pot as expected, as well as a treble bleed, which featured a 680pF capacitor and 220kOhm resistor wired in parallel. This spec was also noted on the original Fender manual/parts list for the TD strat too. It's not a totally common treble bleed cap and resistor spec, so I thought that was quite interesting and liked how it sounded with the original Seymour Duncan Invader too. So I did a little further testing of that spec on one of my own SD Invader loaded pickguard guitars and I think it suits it really well, so happy to continue on with those specs. The all new re-issue Delonge Strat launched in July 2023 also features a Treble Bleed as noted in the Fender press release info/spec. After being able to inspect one of these reissues, they have a new/different treble bleed spec which is a PCB with SMD, 1.1nf capacitor, a 150kOhm resistor in parallel with an additional 47kOhm resistor in series. This sounded and worked great but for my delonge kit, I have decided to stick with the original TD treble bleed spec. Prefer it made without the treble bleed at all though? Sure, just drop me a message prior to ordering and I can sort that no worries. I make it with the best components I have available to me, CTS 450 series audio taper pot, Gavitt 22awg wire, my treble bleed mod and the brilliant Pure Tone multi contact jack socket.
This is a further revision of my popular trusty Delonge Strat harness with the addition of solderless connections, meaning you can install this harness into your Delonge Strat without the need to touch a soldering iron. Which has a couple of benefits, perhaps if you're not particularly comfortable with soldering yet or maybe you plan on regularly swapping pickups, which this helps a great deal as it's a few screw connections and it's done.
What does 'Solderless' mean?
It's a fair question to ask/wonder. The kit is of course soldered, my aim with the series was for the specs/components all to match the Signature Series range, and also still be simple to maintain many years to come for any tech out there, not just by me. So you'll find all the same parts, pre-soldered in much the same way as I do with the traditional install Signature Series kits. Definitely do not worry about any loss in quality, any limitations in functionality or tone here, trust me, I am fussy and did a lot of A/B testing and found the Solderless range to sound and work the very same way as a Signature Series kit. So yes, the kits are all pre-soldered, but in terms of the actual installation into a guitar, it is fully solderless for you.
Your pickup wires and any ground wires simply connect into the easy quick connector blocks which I have mounted to the harness (usually secure ontop of pot casings) via a small screwdriver to secure each wire. Viola! This doesn't just benefit those that perhaps don't own soldering equipment or even those that simply hate soldering, it benefits accomplished DIY guitar modders too, as it is great for quick and mess-free pickup swaps too which can be great for experimenting.
How do I connect everything?
The Solderless series kit for the Tom Delonge Sig Strat features solderless connector blocks pre-soldered directly onto the volume pot lugs and pot casing to accomodate the various signal and ground wires directly and easily. And the jack socket has pre-soldered wires that can then be attached to the volume pots solderless connector blocks. There is a 'wiring diagram' so to speak for the kit, linked below or via the dedicated Solderless page HERE which can be great as a handy visual reference too. Please refer to that diagram for where each pickup, ground and jack wire will need to attach.
What types of pickup wires will fit into the connector blocks?
The RS Pro connector blocks will fit ANY pickup wire type, so if you have traditional single coils with cloth covered push-back style individual hot/ground wires, simply push back the cloth covering to expose around 5/6mm of central core wire and insert it into the connector. Tighten up, and push the cloth covering back down.
If you have thinner, plastic insulated/coated wires, you will need some wire strippers so you can trim back the coating to expose around 5mm of central core wire. Very often these plastic coated wires are stranded wire, so if this is the same for yours, then simply twist the wire so it forms a nice tight portion, then insert that into the relevant connector block and tighten.
If your pickups are vintage/traditional style 2 conductor 'braided' wire, then these will also fit the connector blocks, you just need to prepare them to do so. First step is to push back some of the outer metal braiding. Then using some needle nose pliers or a small screwdriver, separate some of the braiding so you can twist and form a off-shoot of wire. This will be your ground, so with that twist of wire pop that into the connector block and tighten. Then your central core wire is the 'hot' signal wire and goes into the relevant connector block via the same methods as prior, exposing around 5mm of core to ensure a nice firm seat in the connector. For much more detailed information on all of this, please check out the guide HERE
As always, if you have ANY questions or concerns about whether your pickup wires will be suitable, please just drop me a message or call and I'll be happy to help guide. I have tested these connectors with all varieties of pickup wires and they worked great so happily will advise on how to correctly install with you :)
Do you sell Invader Pickups?
You 'betcha! I am an authorised Seymour Duncan main dealer, and carry stock of invader pickups. If you need an Invader for your Delonge project, you can order one here alongside your Delonge spec wiring kit!
Product options
Pot shaft type
The first drop down option is the choice of split shaft or solid shaft control knobs. If you wish to fit a push-fit style control knob, you'll need the split shaft option and a control knob that will suit a CTS 5.95mm 24 spline split shaft pot. OR if you intend to fit the true to original TD Strat sig Telecaster style barrel control knob, they usually need a solid shaft pot so you choose the solid shaft option and install your grub screw fixed control knob on a 6.35mm solid shaft pot.
Bridge/vibrato claw ground wire
I have decided to make this option available, as many of you may be using this wiring kit on a new, partscaster type build for example. If you are fitting this kit into your existing guitar, and re-attaching the guitars original bridge or vibrato claw ground wire then simply select without. If you have had to remove the original perhaps, or it’s for a new build altogether and would find having a ground wire pre soldered, simple select with! Hope this option helps with your specific project.
Fitting information
The Solderless system makes life an awful lot easier if you're perhaps not comfortable using a soldering iron or worried about damaging components etc. So the install in terms of attaching wires is certainly more straight forward and negates the need to solder any connections, but care is still needed to to ensure it all works as it should and stands the test of time. As well of course the physical mounting of the components is the same/similar process as a regular kit install. I have written some handy install guides for the solderless harness kits, and that can be found HERE as well as the 'wiring' diagram' so to speak which can be found HERE. In this section you'll find some important fitting notes that will hopefully help you assess whether the kit is suitable for your exact Strat or what is required to allow it to fit correctly.
Will the pots/jack fit my pickguard and jack plate?
The components I use in my Signature Series wiring kits are for the most part, USA imperial specification. If you're fitting this harness to a far east built guitar such as a Squier or similar brand, then you may have to widen the holes in the pickguard to accommodate for these imperial measurement pots. Or alternatively, purchase a new pickguard that is already suited to the US spec components. The CTS pots and Pure Tone multi contact jack have a mounting thread shaft diameter of 0.369" / 9.38mm so I recommend for ease of install a pickguard and/or jackplate with 0.394" / 10mm pot/jack mounting holes. You can easily widen the holes in the pickguard too if you would prefer, I recommend doing this safely with a step cutter drill bit. I also offer this as a service so if you would like me to widen your plate for you, do please get in touch and we can organise this additionally.
If you’re buying this kit for a USA or Mexican made Strat/pickguard, then chances are it will be a direct, no modifications install process for you.
What control knobs will fit?
The CTS Solid shaft pots have a solid shaft diameter of 0.248" / 6.30mm. You will need control knobs that suit these measurements and secure to the pot via a grub screw on the control knob.
The CTS Split shaft pots which have a adjustable split shaft diameter of 5.95mm w/ 24 splines. You will need control knobs that suit these measurements.
Do not attempt to force fit smaller, metric/import spec control knobs onto the imperial USA spec pots, doing this can damage the pot.
If you do require a US spec control knobs, I do carry a selection of popular options in stock and they can be viewed in the Control Knob category on the store.
Will the jack socket fit my mount cup/plate?
Much like with the control knob and plate fitting notes, this will ultimately come down to where your guitar was made and/or what hardware it has already. The jack socket I use in this kit again is imperial specification, the outer thread diameter measures 0.367" / 9.32mm and ideally requires a 0.394" / 10mm hole to comfortably mount. If you have a threaded electrosocket style jack cup, you will need the imperial thread pitch version. The jack comes provided with washers and mounting nut
Specs/Parts included
- 1x CTS '450' Series audio taper short shaft pots - 500k
- 1x Pure Tone multi contact jack socket (nickel finish)
- Gavitt USA made cloth covered 22AWG wire
- 1x Cermaic 680pF capacitor & Carbon Film 220kOhm parallel wired treble bleed
- Soldered using R-Tech Premium Lead-Free (Sn95.5Ag3.9Cu0.6) 22swg Solder wire
RoHS Compliant
- RS Pro connector blocks
Please note - wiring kit does not include new control knobs/control plate etc but does include the pot/jack mounting nuts and washers.
Why these spec parts over others available?
Simply put, component choice has been one of the most important parts of my product development. I have worked on guitars for many years, and built these kits professionally since 2015, and as a result have been able to see and experience working on the majority of components available on the market. In my findings, A/B testing and more, I have found the components I decided on for my Signature Series to be the most reliable, best tolerance and great functioning parts to use to help customers get the most out of their instruments. I use CTS '450' series premium spec pots as they have a tight tolerance, and will consistently provide me with accurate value, as well as very solid build quality. I use trusty 'Mustard' style polyester film 'tone' capacitors as in my opinion they simply can't be beat for great value, solid construction, solid lead-outs, super tight tolerances and reliable tone/function. I would personally much rather use a trusty Mustard for example over something like a paper in oil, as from experience that are so much more reliable to use. This is from carrying out a lot of A/B testing, both tonally, as well as armed with the multi-meter for testing values and actual tolerances, as well as handling them to test construction quality for long lasting reliability in use. I use the brilliant 'Pure Tone' Multi Contact Jack sockets as they are incredibly reliable, due to their additional contact points for both tip and sleeve. I use CRL, Oak and Switchcraft brand switches across the range as these are built very well, with care will last for many years to come and have long since provided me with reliable use professionally. All kits are wired up with quality USA made Gavitt wire, it's great to work with, super consistent gauge and provides me with a very reliable quality item for my kits. I totally understand that with anything guitar, it is subjective, but I have, with an open mind, thoroughly tested a broad variety of components over the years and these have all become the items I trust to use every day.
Harness FAQ's
I've been proudly making, developing and installing my pre-wired guitar harnesses since the beginning of the Home of Tone back in 2015 (time flies when you're having fun right!). Although I feel I do my best in covering as much information as possible across the various product listings, fitting guides, wiring diagrams and more, I thought it might be helpful to put together an FAQ's page that covers some of the general additional questions I get asked. You can view these Harness FAQ's HERE
Do you make custom harnesses?
I'm afraid I do not offer a custom harness service. Only kits developed, tested and listed on my website are the available kits. So no custom schematics etc. If you happen to be local to my office, then I do carry out custom work in house, but in regards to shipped out pre-wired harnesses I do not offer custom kits. I am however happy to use different pot values or cap values within reason if you have a specific requirement that differs to the specs listed above. If this is relevant to yourself then please get in touch to discuss further to ensure the request is possible.