Question Converting Cutlass SSS to HSS

[unclewally87]

I'm wanting to throw a humbucker in the bridge spot on my Cutlass SSS. I know I'll need to get a different pickguard as well as 500K pots. Besides those 2 things, is there anything else I need to be aware of to match MM's HSS specs?

 

[beej]

Besides the pots, the HSS versions have a resistor wired to ground across the lugs of the switch where the singles are wired to reduce the load.

That said, you don't necessarily need 500k pots for the humbucker, it'll just be a tad darker. In your shoes I might look for a humbucker that works well with 250k pots. Or ... another option is to find a single-coil sized humbucker, then you can keep your existing pickguard. For example, I have a Dimarzio Chopper in the bridge spot of my AL with 250k pots and it sounds fantastic. (I went down that same route ...)

 

[unclewally87]

I was looking at a PRS 57/08. Not sure how those are with 250k pots.... It's not too much of a hassle to change those out anyway.

 

[jmmp]

Double check your instrument is routed for a humbucker in the bridge. Early (2016) non RS models (produced before HSS was an option) were only routed for single coils.

 

[unclewally87]

Thanks for the heads up. That is one of the first things I checked. It's a 2020 model so it's routed for HSS. I sent a message via the MM website asking for an HSS wiring diagram but have not heard back yet. Does anyone happen to have one?

 

[TripHazard]

I’ve got one. PM your email address and I’ll send it over

 

[Astrofreq]

I'm looking for an Axis/EVH bridge hum bucker to do this same conversion on my Cutlass.

 

[unclewally87]

Does anyone know if the pots are long or short shaft?

 

[jmmp]

Does anyone know if the pots are long or short shaft?

Probably short shaft. EBMM tend to use mini pots in their instruments, and pickguard mounted pots tend to be short shaft.

 

[Ben M]

Besides the pots, the HSS versions have a resistor wired to ground across the lugs of the switch where the singles are wired to reduce the load.

Do you happen to have a wiring diagram for that, and the resistor value? if you have a pic of the innards of the controls that would be awesome.
Thanks in advance.
Ben

 

[DrKev]

Do you happen to have a wiring diagram for that, and the resistor value? if you have a pic of the innards of the controls that would be awesome.
Thanks in advance.
Ben

EBMM use a 560k parallel resistor. Snd me a PM with your email address and I'll fire you the wiring diagram.