Switchable Tele/Esquire wiring

A few months ago someone (Eliot, maybe?) mentioned interest in a switchable Tele/Esquire, which got me thinking. Anyway, I sketched out a couple of ideas at the time but only recently had a chance to draw them up properly and test them out on the bench… and I probably got a little carried away in the process. I ended up with five different designs, each with versions for both 3 and 4-way Tele's. I don't know if they'll be of use to anyone, but I figured I post them anyway. I haven't mounted them in a guitar yet, but I have tested them on my 1-string test rig with a set of Toneriders (one of the designs will be going into my current Tele build).

For those unfamiliar with Esquires, they just have a Bridge pickup and a selector switch that provides three settings: Volume only, Volume & Tone, Volume & cap/resistor filter. Basically, three flavours of Bridge. So, the goal was to come up with a circuit that would allow a typical Bridge + Neck Telecaster to be switched over to a Bridge-only style Esquire. I think the traditional Esquire circuit is a little restrictive in this situation, so I've included some variations which I think are more flexible and generally useful, so feel free to skip ahead to the last two designs (here and here).

I've tried to make the schematics as clear as possible and to show what connects to where using the different colours, but not necessarily how it should be connected. For instance, all of the caps are drawn with coloured wires connecting them to show where they connect, but in reality you would probably connect them directly between points just using the cap legs (with heatshrink where needed) etc. The 0.047uF cap connected to the Tone pots can be changed to 0.022uF's, if that's your preference. On the standard Esquire circuits I've listed the caps as 0.05uF, but just use 0.047uF's. The grey wire linking the pots on all the schematics is only needed if your shielding or control plate isn't already linking the pot casings. And, I'm sure Lawry can pull me up if I've made any glaring mistakes… which is probably likely.


First up, a standard 3-way Tele that switches over to a standard Esquire using a mini toggle switch. It uses a 3-way lever switch, 3PDT mini toggle, and 0.05uF (0.047uF) caps with a 3K3 resistor.

Tele mode: 1. Bridge, 2. Bridge + Neck, 3. Neck.
Esquire (Bridge only) mode: 1. Volume, 2. Volume & Tone, 3. Volume & filter caps.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...re_3way_v1.png


Here's the same circuit applied to a 4-way Tele. This requires the 4-way Tele mod on the Neck pickup (to separate Neck - from ground/shield), a 4-way lever switch, 4PDT mini toggle, 0.05uF (0.047uF) caps and a 3K3 resistor.

Tele mode: 1. Bridge, 2. Bridge + Neck (parallel), 3. Bridge + Neck (series), 4. Neck.
Esquire (Bridge only) mode: 1. Volume, 2. Volume & Tone, 3. Volume & filter caps, 4. Mute (no output).

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...re_4way_v1.png


(most 4-way circuits have the series setting in position 4 but I prefer still having the Neck in the last position on the switch)

I've been calling this next version a "1 cap Esquire" for convenience, but it's more just a treble cut circuit. It's the same format as the previous design but instead of the 2 cap/resistor layout of the traditional Esquire, it just uses a single 4700pF (0.0047uF) cap to bleed off some highs (note: this cap is a factor of 10 smaller than the tone caps we normally use). You can experiment with cap values from 1500pF to 6800pF or higher to suit your own tastes, but 4700 is a good starting point (it gave a nice crisp mid sound with the Toneriders on my test rig).

3-way Tele/1 cap Esquire, requires a 3 way lever switch, DPDT mini toggle, 4700pF (0.0047uF) cap, and a 0.047uF cap.

Tele mode: 1. Bridge, 2. Bridge + Neck, 3. Neck
Esquire (Bridge only) mode: 1. Volume, 2. Volume & Tone, 3. Volume & treble cut.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...re_3way_v1.png


4-way Tele/1 cap Esquire, requires 4-way Tele mod on the Neck pickup (to separate Neck - from ground/shield), a 4-way lever switch, 3PDT mini toggle, 4700pF (0.0047uF) cap, and a 0.047uF cap.

Tele mode: 1. Bridge, 2. Bridge + Neck (parallel), 3. Bridge + Neck (series), 4. Neck.
Esquire (Bridge only) mode: 1. Volume, 2. Volume & Tone, 3. Volume & treble cut, 4. Mute (no output).

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...re_4way_v1.png

This design uses the traditional Esquire filtering, but instead of being restricted to just the Bridge it can be applied to any pickup/combination. It uses two push/pull pots and allows you to select Bridge, Bridge + Neck, Neck as per normal, but then apply the Volume only, Volume & Tone, or Volume & filter caps to whichever pickup is selected.

3-way Tele with any position Esquire, requires a 3-way lever switch, 2 push/pull pots, 0.05uF (0.047uF) caps with a 3K3 resistor.

1. Bridge, 2. Bridge + Neck, 3. Neck
Volume 'up': Volume only.
Volume 'down', Tone 'down': Volume & Tone.
Volume 'down', Tone 'up': Volume & filter caps.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...shpulls_v1.png


4-way Tele with any position Esquire, requires 4-way Tele mod on the Neck pickup (to separate Neck - from ground/shield), a 4-way lever switch, 2 push/pull pots, 0.05uF (0.047uF) caps with a 3K3 resistor.

1. Bridge, 2. Bridge + Neck (parallel), 3. Bridge + Neck (series), 4. Neck.
Volume 'up': Volume only.
Volume 'down', Tone 'down': Volume & Tone.
Volume 'down', Tone 'up': Volume & filter caps.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...shpulls_v1.png

This is a 1 cap Esquire/treble cut that can be applied to any pickup/combination. It uses two push/pull pots and allows you to select Bridge, Bridge + Neck, Neck as per normal, but then apply the Volume only, Volume & Tone, or Volume & treble cut to whichever pickup is selected. Replace the 4700pF cap with values from 1500pF to 6800pF or higher to suit your own tastes.

3-way Tele with any position 1 cap Esquire, requires a 3-way lever switch, 2 push/pull pots, 4700pF (0.0047uF) cap, and a 0.047uF cap.

1. Bridge, 2. Bridge + Neck, 3. Neck
Volume 'up': Volume only.
Volume 'down', Tone 'down': Volume & Tone.
Volume 'down', Tone 'up': Volume & treble cut.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...shpulls_v1.png


4-way Tele with any position 1 cap Esquire, requires 4-way Tele mod on the Neck pickup (to separate Neck - from ground/shield), a 4-way lever switch, 2 push/pull pots, 4700pF (0.0047uF) cap, and a 0.047uF cap.

1. Bridge, 2. Bridge + Neck (parallel), 3. Bridge + Neck (series), 4. Neck.
Volume 'up': Volume only.
Volume 'down', Tone 'down': Volume & Tone.
Volume 'down', Tone 'up': Volume & treble cut.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...shpulls_v1.png

This is another 1 cap/treble cut design that can be applied to any pickup/combination, but this time uses a DP3T On/On/On mini toggle. This is a nice simple layout that is easy to tweak and keeps the pots free if you want to add push/pulls for other switching options. I'll probably be using this layout on a build I'm currently working on. Replace the 4700pF cap with values from 1500pF to 6800pF or higher to suit your own tastes.

3-way Tele with any position 1 cap Esquire, requires a 3-way lever switch, DP3T (On/On/On) mini toggle, 4700pF (0.0047uF) cap, and a 0.047uF cap.

1. Bridge, 2. Bridge + Neck, 3. Neck
Mini toggle: 1. Volume only, 2. Volume & Tone, 3. Volume & treble cut.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...ay_DP3T_v1.png


4-way Tele with any position 1 cap Esquire, requires 4-way Tele mod on the Neck pickup (to separate Neck - from ground/shield), a 4-way lever switch, DP3T (On/On/On) mini toggle, 4700pF (0.0047uF) cap, and a 0.047uF cap.

1. Bridge, 2. Bridge + Neck (parallel), 3. Bridge + Neck (series), 4. Neck.
Mini toggle: 1. Volume only, 2. Volume & Tone, 3. Volume & treble cut.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...ay_DP3T_v1.png


The advantage of this DP3T layout and the push/pull circuits is that they can be applied to any build with a Volume-Tone pair, regardless of pickup configuration. So, you can use them on TL's, JR's, even LP's etc.

Bloody hell, Weirdy. That's a lot of work you've put in! It took me a good ten minutes to go through all the set ups and work out what you'd done. There are certainly plenty of options to get any colour of sound you want/need. Impressive work, man!
Cheers.

!! awesome Wierdy, top work there, great resource

No Scott, not carried away at all. ;)

Ok Frets, just to prove I didn't get carried away… here's one more diagram ;) This is what's going into my current build. It's basically the same as the previous diagram but with some added push/pull shenanigans. It's got GFS Surf 90's with the neck pickup modified to separate the negative from the shield (ala Tele 4-way mod, some disassembly required), a Push/Pull neck phase switch on the Volume, and a Push/Pull treble cut cap select on the Tone. The treble cut caps are currently 2200pF and 4700pF, but may change depending on the final sound once everything is assembled in the guitar.

4-way Tele with any position 1 cap Esquire, Neck phase switching, and Treble cut cap select: requires 4-way mod on the Neck pickup (to separate Neck - from ground/shield), a 4-way lever switch, DP3T (On/On/On) mini toggle, 2 Push/Pull pots, 2200pF (0.0022uF) cap, 4700pF (0.0047uF) cap, and a 0.047uF cap.

1. Bridge, 2. Bridge + Neck (parallel), 3. Bridge + Neck (series), 4. Neck.
Mini toggle: 1. Volume only, 2. Volume & Tone, 3. Volume & treble cut.
Volume 'down': Neck in phase.
Volume 'up', Neck out of phase.
Tone 'down': 4700pF treble cut cap.
Tone 'up': 2200pF treble cut cap.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con..._pushpulls.png


Now, where did I put those bass wiring sketches...

So tell me, Weirdy. If I came round to your place and picked it up for a bit of a strum, would I need in-service training first?

I'm certainly no expert when it comes to wiring but this thread seems like it fast becoming a comprehensive tele/esquire wiring resource so I thought I may as well drop this diagram I stumbled across. I'm planning on using on my next build.

http://i.imgur.com/L1sGJPi.jpg

I think there needs to be more threads like this, I also think there is a potential wiring book in the making too!

nice thread, some great info and diagrams Weirdy

Quote:

---

Quote from lawry on August 11, 2014, 04:56
...would I need in-service training first?

---

Don't worry Lawry, there's a special setting just for you.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...Lawry_mode.png


;)

hahahahaha love your humour Weirdy, is there a suitable switch for amateur wiring people like me ?

Amazing thread Wierdy, I will definitely be using one of these wiring schemes in the near future! Thanks for all your efforts.

cheers,
Gav.

Quote:

---

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from WeirdBits on August 11, 2014, 15:46

Quote:

---

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from lawry on August 11, 2014, 04:56
...would I need in-service training first?

---

Don't worry Lawry, there's a special setting just for you.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...Lawry_mode.png


;)

---

Where do I get me one of them thar sweetches?

Inspired by Bargey's awesome Esquire DC Special build and the diagram he contributed to this thread, here's a couple of variations on the single Humbucker Esquire layout.

First diagram is just a change in the selection order for the 3-way to put the single coil mode in position 3 (personal preference):
1. Series, 2. Parallel, 3. Single (Split)
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...b_option_2.jpg


The tone variation with this option may be too insignificant to be worth it... but by using a 4-way Tele switch you can add the choice between either coil:
1. Series, 2. Parallel, 3. Single coil (South), 4. Single coil (North)
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...b_option_3.jpg


The cap on the diagrams is shown as a 0.05uF, but with a Humbucker you'll probably want a standard 0.022uF. Use at your own risk, I take no responsibility for my incompetence ;)

Now that's interesting Weirdy, what sort of tone variance could one expect between north and south and would it be clearly audible? (you'll have to excuse my electronics ignorance)If it's going to be a noticeable difference I'd definitely give it a try. I'm glad you mentioned the capacitor thing too, I was going to use an orange drop (0.047uF) I had laying around but would you recommend I go with a 0.022uF instead?

I guess it will depend on your ears on both counts. The tone difference between the screw and slug coils is likely to be minor at best, it's more their relative position that could have an impact. Typically, the closer to the bridge the more treble and bite you get but also possibly more harshness. Depending on the overall tone of the guitar and the position of the pickup the couple of cm's difference in the coil positions may have a worthwhile effect... then again, it may not. As for cap, the original diagram was for a Tele-specific style humbucker in a Tele-style bridge so it may have needed a 0.047/0.05uF cap, whereas you would normally use an 0.022uF cap with a humbucker. So, again it will depend on how your pickup sounds in your specific build. If it turns out to be a little harsh or trebly you may want to go with a 0.047 to remove a few more highs but it could get muddy, so a 0.022 may be safer to start with.

If it was me, I'd install just the pickup and then use some clip leads to try the different coil combo's to work out which are worthwhile (green-red pair for south, white-black pair for north etc), then install the control plate with a 0.022 cap and only if it's too bright switch to a 0.047. Also, 500K pots help humbuckers keep some brightness whereas 250K pots will reduce it slightly.

Quote:

---

If it was me, I'd install just the pickup and then use some clip leads to try the different coil combo's to work out which are worthwhile (green-red pair for south, white-black pair for north etc), then install the control plate with a 0.022 cap and only if it's too bright switch to a 0.047. Also, 500K pots help humbuckers keep some brightness whereas 250K pots will reduce it slightly.

---

As much as I'd love to have a play round with different wiring setups the fact that I'm massively over budget with this one I just can't go and buy a 4 way switch just to find out it the tone variation is negligible.
I'll definitely try your idea in regards to the different caps and see if there's any noticeable change though, also I already scored some Bournes mini 500k's right back at the start of the build so they'll be going straight in once I begin wiring.
Cheers for the handy info man.

Just a quick question for the wiring guru(s) out there (weirdy)...
I'm just getting ready to sort out the electronics on this Esquire and had planned on using a CRL switch I had laying round from a previous upgrade and noticed the lug configuration is a bit different from the Seymour Duncan diagram (they're using an Oak Grigsby switch).
I had a play round and made up a diagram for my CRL switch but I'd just like some verification that it's correct before I move forward, cheers in advance.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-con...-CRL-3-way.jpg

Looks fine. Same layout, just a different offset in the lug positions.

As long as your red and white wires (shown in the diagrams) are connecting to the 'common' lug on their respective sides then it's fine. If you're uncertain just have a close look at the switch as you move it through the positions. On each side there will be one lug that is always connected in each position, that's the side's 'common', and they'll be at opposite ends. For example, in this image of a CRL 3-way the common lugs are the red and yellow(gold) wires.

Beautiful, thanks man:-)