Esquire wiring using an "in-line" switch

[Sollophonic]

I have just "Esquired" my Squier Affinity, and I want to use the existing chunky switch which has its tabs all in a line, to get three useable tones, Ideally I want the usual pickup straight to volume/jack, + pickup through tone =something in the forward position that is a bit more useful than the standard bassy tone.

Does anyone have a wiring diagram that uses an in-line switch or do I have to swap out the switch for a double sided one?

Thanks

[Sollophonic]

Just trying bumping this one up.

Do folks here just think I should just replace the switch?

[TG]

I could have sworn I answered this today. Maybe something went wrong when I hit the 'post reply' button.

Nope...found it on the other thread. Here's a cut 'n paste (although I'll add first that most people would get a new switch but it probably doesn't matter. I'm sure the current will find its way thru your switch OK. And you can always change it later anyway.)....

When I work with switches I don't understand I find a commmon tag that is 'on' all the time (the wire going to the switch from the volume pot will be soldered to one). Keep that wire attached and disconnect all the rest of the wires on the switch. Then on a workbench with your guitar plugged into an amplifier put the switch in a position and touch the pickup wire to the switch tags until you get a sound thru the amp. That's the tag for that switch setting. Repeat for the other settings. Write it down.

With the Esquire options you requested you can do it with just those 4 tags (ie, one 'side' of the switch). Ignore the other 4, unless you find a wiring scheme that requires them (in which case you have to experiment moving around the volume and pickup wires while plugged into an amp to work out which is which).


First you wire your pickup to either end of the wire that connects the volume pot to the switch. Doesn't matter which end.

The tag that is 'on' in switch position 1 (I count right to left, so that's the 'lead' position) keep unconnected to anything. Ignore it. That's for your no-tone option.

The tag for position 2 connects to the tone pot. You should see where on the tone pot since there will be a wire going there from the switch or volume pot now. Remove that wire completely and connect a wire from there to tag 2 on the switch.

For the left 'rhythm' switch setting on position 3 what is commonly done here...I just tried it last week and it's pretty good, I think...is to run a wire from that tag thru a small capacitor (usually a .0047) to ground on the back of a pot to get a 'cocked wah pedal' sound. There will be no tone control, just a mellower sort of honky tone, but still clear and usable.


Hope that helps.

[Sollophonic]

Thanks TG,

You know what, I'm going to ditch the switch and I have ordered an Oak 3 way.

Now I just need to find me a wiring diagram that will give me Pickup straight to jack/pickup volume only/pickup volume and tone

[EddieN]

Heh, I posted just a li'l while ago about me converting a BSB Affinty into an Esquire and having to ditch that confusing switch as I couldn't figure it out. It's a cheap & worthwhile upgrade anyway. Good luck.

Oh, and if you get around to upgrading the pots to some CTS 250k's, also recommended, you'll have to embiggen the holes and, as I recently found out the hard way, probably get new knobs. We live & learn.