Help with Esquire wiring mod

Alvin Lee Fan

Alvin Lee Fan

New member
I'm going to convert my Tele to an Esquire today. I got a tip on a cool mod for the Esquire wiring, but in looking over the schematic I need to clarify something.

The mod is to replace the dark tone switch position, two caps and a resistor, with a single 4700 pfd cap. I have the Duncan wiring diagram, and it shows the original wiring as coming from one side of the switch to a juntion of one of the caps and the resistor. The cap is routed to ground. The resistor contiues to the other cap, which is attached to a lug on the other side of the switch.

My question, when I replace that whole system with the single cap, do I attach the cap from one side of the switch to the lug on the other side, or does one end of the cap get grounded?

Thanks
 
Re: Help with Esquire wiring mod

You rang sir? (In my best Lurch voice.) :laugh2:

The diagram linked by ALF and Tyler are exactly the same, just drawn in two different styles. As for the mod that ALF is talking about, I'd really need to see a bit more info before I could give you a definitive answer.

Is there another link somewhere, that talks about this mod?

I'll check back later. Just getting ready to head out the door. ;)

Artie
 
Re: Help with Esquire wiring mod

Thanks ArtieToo. No, I don't know of any links to that mod, it was only mentioned in a discussion. All I know is that you substitute a 4700 pfd cap in place of the little cap/resistor network (consists of two .05 mfd caps and one 3.3k ohm resistor).

How would I wire it up if I just wanted to make the neck switch position a mute, no output?
 
Re: Help with Esquire wiring mod

Oh, this might help too. I found that my guitar was put together with parts from Stew-Mac and uses the wiring diagram on their site. The switch lugs appear to be reversed from most of the switches and wiring diagrams I've seen, making it confusing for me to figure out how to rewire this thing. I'm a noob when it comes to soldering and wiring. This will be my first project.

Here's the wiring my guitar has currently as a Telecaster.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electronics,_pickups/Components:_Switches_and_knobs/1/Lever-action_Pickup_Switches/Instructions/I-3191.html#details
 
Last edited:
Re: Help with Esquire wiring mod

okay let me get a few things straight, you want a mute position (normally the neck) a posistion that runs off some extra highs/midhighs and then one that just goes through the volume and tone like normal or would you like the usual bridge position of no volume no tone just straight to the output jack? i think if i know what all you are trying to do i may come up with something for you
 
Re: Help with Esquire wiring mod

That mute position thing was just in case I couldn't get this other mod figured out. Here's really what I'm looking for, standard Esquire wiring except instead of the deep bass position (normally neck) I would sub the mod of replaacing that tone network with a single 4700 pfd cap.

So, it would go like this through the switch positions:

Pos 1 (normally bridge): bridge with just volume, no tone control
Pos 2 (normally both): bridge with regular tone control
Pos 3 (normally neck): bridge with volume control and 4700 pfd cap

Thanks!
 
Re: Help with Esquire wiring mod

i think i would start by wiring the pickup straight to the volume pot and then out to the switch. from the switch i would have the outputs, bypassing the tone control for two of the settings and one running straight to the tone control. and then to the output jack. i will see if i can come up with anything tonight. maybe artie will think of something too Good Luck
 
Re: Help with Esquire wiring mod

mrfjones said it exactly. I was just making up them purty pictures. :laugh2:

First of all, your switch should look something like this:

modified_esquire_4-way.jpg


The important thing to note, is the lug thats got the red and green arrow pointing at it. Thats the "common" terminal. In the next drawing I show you, it would be the one on the right-hand side bottom. But here's the important part: I'm not sure, using that pic, whether its the top of the switch, or the bottom, that is the common. So, you need to wire it so that it goes:

volume control to "common" terminal
skip one lug
tone control (Red A connected to red A)
4700 pf cap

Doesn't matter whether you're going top-to-bottom or bottom-to-top, use that order. Like this:



(Click the image for full-size version.)

Note that the two red A's connect together. I didn't draw the wire because I didn't want too many lines to cross.

If that confuses more than helps . . . let me know. We'll get it. :wink:
 
Re: Help with Esquire wiring mod

well i was working on some pics but arties are great. this really sounds like it will be a killer guitar. good luck
 
Re: Help with Esquire wiring mod

Thanks mrfjones, but to give credit where credit is due . . . those above are Seymour Duncans pictures.
I just do little "mods" to make them fit the situation. ;)
 
Re: Help with Esquire wiring mod

the mods are the most important part in this one. besides i have seen some that you have drawn out.
 
Re: Help with Esquire wiring mod

Holy crap, Artie! That's brilliant
biggrin.gif


Is this the wiring for the whole setup, or just that one mod? From my basic-level reading of the diagram, I'm thinking it's the whole setup. I think I'm understanding now how the switching works, if that's true.

Awesome! Looks like I'll have a little project to do tomorrow :laugh2:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

OceanTurquois
Strat Metal/Blues Best Set up
Replies
6
Views
298
Artie
Artie
C
EMG Mark Knopfler mod
Replies
9
Views
277
freefrog
freefrog
5
Fighting with my interpretation of a Nashville Tele
Replies
2
Views
158
56LPC
5
G
High pass switch on guitar
Replies
15
Views
419
Chistopher
C
solspirit
Best $30 I've spent. The Busker's intro.
Replies
10
Views
325
solspirit
solspirit
Back
Top