Obsidian Wire

Overview

Obsidian Wire is a manufacturer of solderless wiring harnesses and pre-wired electronics for guitars and basses. The company specializes in plug-and-play pickup installation systems that eliminate the need for soldering, targeting both beginners and experienced musicians. The brand has established itself as an industry leader in guitar wiring upgrades, serving luthiers, touring musicians, and tone enthusiasts globally.

History

Founded in 2014 in New Zealand, Obsidian Wire emerged to address the complexity of traditional soldered guitar wiring. The company developed solderless connection technology to make pickup and electronics upgrades accessible to home installers. By 2019, the brand had expanded its product line to include specialized systems for Stratocasters and other guitar models. Obsidian Wire has grown into a recognized player in the guitar electronics aftermarket, trusted by both professional and amateur musicians worldwide.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Obsidian Wire manufactures in New Zealand, maintaining quality control over its solderless wiring systems and pre-wired components. The company uses premium components including CTS potentiometers in its harnesses. Production appears to be primarily in-house or closely managed to ensure the precision required for solderless connection systems.

Notable Products

• Custom 7-Way Stratocaster Switching System - Pre-wired switching system providing expanded tone options for standard Strat-style setups
• Universal Blender for Strat Harness - Solderless wiring harness designed for effortless pickup changes in Fender Stratocasters
• Loaded Pickguards - Complete pre-wired pickguards ready for direct installation without soldering
• Loaded Control Plates - Pre-assembled control plates with premium potentiometers and wiring
• Bass Control Panel Systems - Solderless wiring solutions for bass guitar electronics upgrades

Reputation

Obsidian Wire maintains a strong reputation among guitar enthusiasts, with customer reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5 stars across 933 reviews. The brand is praised for making electronics upgrades accessible to players without soldering skills and for the quality of its components and installation instructions. The company is trusted by professional luthiers and touring musicians, indicating credibility within the professional community. Some customers appreciate the detailed installation guides and support resources, though the solderless approach may appeal primarily to those seeking convenience over traditional wiring methods.