BZZZZKILL INSTALLATION STEPS
Watch Installation
IMPORTANT
The installation video covers both Single Layer and Dual Layer BzzzzKill models. We recommend watching the full video to get a solid understanding of how the Bzzzzkill works and ensure a successful installation.
The Dual Layer BzzzzKill installation steps begin at the 8:20 mark of the video.
The BzzzzKill will NOT fit in guitars with a dual-wafer 5-way switch. (There just isn’t enough room with all the extra thickness.)
If your guitar has a dual-wafer 5-way switch, you will need to replace it with a standard 5-way switch prior to installation.
BE CAREFUL!
BzzzzKills are delicate and can be easily damaged. Use caution when installing and avoid touching the copper coil wires that are soldered to the eyelets.
1.
Before you buy, identify
if your guitar’s middle pickup is reverse wound (more common) or wound in the same direction as the top and bottom pickups.
If it has less buzz in positions 2 and 4 of your 5-way selector switch, your center pickup is reverse wound, and you need a dual layer BzzzzKill.
If the buzz is the same in all positions, you need a single-layer BzzzzKill.
2.
Turn the volume control knob
on your guitar to the OFF position.
Leaving it on can overheat and damage the pot wiper.
3.
Remove the strings
at your guitar’s headstock. Unscrew the pick guard and flip it upside down on a soft cloth to prevent damage.
4.
Carefully remove all 3
pickup ground wires connected to the back of the volume pot. If you are installing a single layer BzzzzKill, solder these three wires together.
If you are installing a dual layer BzzzzKill, keep the middle pickup ground wire free and solder the neck and bridge ground wires together.
5.
Connect your guitar
to an amplifier. If you are installing a dual layer BzzzzKill, use an alligator clip to connect the loose negative wire from the center pickup coil to one of the wires on one of the layers of the BzzzzKill.
Connect the other wire on the same layer of the BzzzzKill to the negative terminal on the volume control pot using an alligator clip. If you are installing a single layer BzzzzKill connect an alligator clip to all three pickup ground wires and connect to one side of the BzzzzKill.
Connect the other side of the BzzzzKill to the negative terminal on the volume control pot using an alligator clip.
6.
Turn on the amplifier
and increase the gain. By swapping the alligator clip positions on the two wires connected to the BzzzzKill, you will hear much less buzz with one configuration. This is the correct way to connect your BzzzzKill.
Note: Due to variations in how pickup coils are wound, it is NOT unusual for a ground wire on your guitar pickup to connect to either wire on the BzzzzKill.
7.
Turn your 5-way switch
to select your bridge pickup. Using an alligator clip, connect the neck and bridge pickup wires you connected together in Step 4 to one of the two remaining wires on the BzzzzKill. Keep the other alligator clip connected to the negative terminal on the volume pot.
Connect the opposite end to the remaining wire on the BzzzzKill. Swap these two connections on the BzzzzKill end to find the configuration with the least buzz. This is the correct wiring.
8.
Clean the pick guard
with alcohol to remove any oil and dirt where the BzzzzKill will be installed. Dry fit the BzzzzKill to ensure nothing is in the way. Remove the backing from the adhesive strip.
Holding the wired end in a raised position, slide the BzzzzKill underneath the wires connected to the 5-way switch, between the 5-way switch and the pots.
Press it in place with the wired end of the BzzzzKill aligning with the end of the 5-way switch.
9.
Solder all the connections
and apply heat-shrink tubing for protection.
Replace the pick guard and string the guitar back up.
You’re ready to rock and roll, buzz-free!
10.
Dial In Your Perfect Tone
After installing BzzzzKill, your guitar’s true single-coil voice will shine through without the buzz. You may need to adjust your guitar’s tone controls, amp’s tone controls, amp’s EQ or effects settings to get your perfect sound . Think about it like this. By removing the Bzzzz, you're unmasking your guitar’s unique voice and letting the pristine sound of your single coil pickups shine through.
Your Strat now sounds the way it was always meant to!