Esquire wiring. Why even have a switch?

[tomteriffic]

I've owned or played Teles from every era and finally got my brain wrapped around some of the (ahem) unusual early wiring schemes that Leo cooked up.  But I've never gotten my mitts on an Esquire.  Why is there even a switch?  I could see two positions (cap full on for all bass, and the normal volume-tone).  Edjimicate me?

 

[velorush]

Premier Guitar did a series of Esquire articles back a half-dozen years ago.  Here's the one explaining the initial philosophy:

Esquire Basics

and here's one with (Custom Shop director) Mike Eldred Wiring (hottest thing going back in the day

Mike Eldred Esquire Wiring

 

On a similar note: I find it absolutely fascinating that Telecasters had a similar goofy "mud" circuit wiring all the way until 1967 when what we call "modern" wiring was adopted.  How difficult was it to conceptualize, two pickups, three switch selections, gee, maybe one, both and the other one?  I have read, however, that Leo did not like the sound of two pickups together, feeling it sounded "gimmicky."  I am glad we got over that.

[tomteriffic]

Well, then!  That's very helpful, it's much appreciated!

[LordsoftheJungle]

so you can have a cocked wah position of course! I know you can do at least 3 voicings with a Humbucker,,, not sure how much you could do with a single coil.

 

 

[HamerCustomEr]

On 10/3/2020 at 12:06 PM, LordsoftheJungle said:

so you can have a cocked wah position of course! I know you can do at least 3 voicings with a Humbucker,,, not sure how much you could do with a single coil.

 

 

Nice cleavage!  This is a good look for laundry day.