"Alternative" Esquire wiring with an import 3-way

[DarnWeight]

Hi,

Searching back through the forums for an Esquire wiring diagram, I found what looked to be just what I was after courtesy of Shades, namely...



Problem is, I'm using an import 3-way which only has seven lugs, i.e. where there'd normally be two common lugs, there's just a single lug. Can I get this wiring solution to work with this 3-way? I'm having difficulty seeing how to separate my volume and tone completely whilst retaining the 'direct' option...or failing that, can I either (a) get the same switching options with a different wiring layout, or (b) should I just get myself a better 3-way?

Any help much appreciated!

[Chet Johnson]

Whet doing any re-wiring job or modification I firmly believe in quality new parts. The OAK Switches on www.WDmusic.com are eally nice for the money. They're about like the Switchcraft stuff.

[e-merlin]

I'm the same way. I saved the wiring harness out of the Paisley Tele I Esquired, and I put in all new electronics. I don't know if you can use that switch for something besides what it was designed for. I'm sure the printed circuit is unique to the wiring and to change wiring you'd need a different circuit board.

Also, if you're going to upgrade the pots you'll probably need a different control plate. The new pots probably won't fit throught that plate's holes. I had that experience with my Paisley.

And +1 on the WD stuff. Top quality.

[cc9cii]

If you can post the schematic of how that 7 lug switch is wired I'll have a look.

Do you wish to use that exact circuit posted by Shades?

[DarnWeight]

Thanks cc,

Yeah, I'm after the exact same switching arrangement as in Shades' circuit.

The lugs are laid out in a single row as follows, and I've tested with a multimeter to determine the wiring is as follows...

1 2 3 C 1 2 3

...where 1 is Bridge, 2 is Middle, 3 is Neck position and C is the common lug. I was thinking maybe something like this (simplified, attached below), but I've never rewired a guitar in my life so my attempt at a "circuit" might well be utter garbage. Be gentle!

[cc9cii]

Before i look at your circuit, how does that common work when you have the switch lever in position 1? Surely it doesn't connect to *both* 1's... Can you tell me what lugs are connected (using your multimeter) when you have the switch in each of the positions?

[DarnWeight]

Hi again cc,

After double checking with the multi, I get...

Position 1: Both 1s connected to each other, both connected to Common
Position 2: Both 2s connected to each other, both connected to Common
Position 3: Both 3s connected to each other, both connected to Common

So, yes, the common surely does connect to both 1s when in Position 1! Looking at the control assembly as is, the common connects to both the Tone and Volume, so I'd guess that to wire it for standard Tele switching with a neck and a bridge pickup, the lugs 2 and 3 on one side, and the 1 and 2 lugs on the other would be coupled, with bridge going to 1-2 on one side, and neck going to 2-3 on the other. Does that make sense?

[cc9cii]

Ok, very good. From what I can tell, your diagram is electrically the same as Shades'. You didn't need any help after all.

Good luck.

[DarnWeight]

Thanks cc.

Just beginners' luck, I guess!

[DarnWeight]

UPDATE

OK, so something's amiss...I'm getting...

1 - pickup direct, no volume, no tone, OK!
2 - pickup direct(?), no volume, no tone, WRONG!
3 - pickup + tone, no volume, WRONG!

..in other words, there's either a problem with my volume pot, or the circuit is a little off.

Second opinions?

[cc9cii]

How did you wire your volume pot? one end and middle needs to be connected together (to your purple wire in your diagram) and the other end needs to be grounded, according to Shades diagram.

It could be that Shades wiring doesn't work? I've not tried it. The volume circuit is somewhat unusual in that it simply reduces impedance.

It is easy to check whether your volume should work - if you get a piece of wire and connect between your purple wire and ground, it is as if you've turned volume put all the way down. If that works, replace that wire with a small value resistor, say 27k. It should be as if you've turned the volume to half way.

[DarnWeight]

Thanks again, cc.

Grounding the pot with a piece of wire as you suggested at least proved it was actually working. I had one last idea though...and luckily it worked. It seems this switch is very picky about which side of the common terminal you use. Rewiring as in the attached image below, and everything now seems to work as it should. Now I just need to sort out the godawful grounding buzz...I have a feeling this may well be linked to the constant (and messy...I'm a bit of a novice with an iron) "solder-unsolder-resolder" I've been resorting to try and get this circuit to work!

[cc9cii]

You should ground the bottom plate of your pickup as well as the bridge plate itself (which will also ground your strings) - if you've not done so already.