I think I finally figured out the wiring diagram I want for my new ESP M-300FM (stock electronics are 1 volume, 1 tone, 1 3-position "tele" style 8 poll switch). Problem is, I came up with it myself, because I couldn’t find a diagram that showed what I wanted. I asked someone about it, and they said “you have to ground the unused coil to use just one coil.” Thing is, I don’t think so? The way I’d have it wired, the “unused” coil wouldn’t be connected to ANYTHING when it’s off… So, why ground it? I was hoping I could get a professional opinion here?
I'm going to go with 1 Bare Knuckle Warpig in the bridge, and just put a blank plate over the neck pickup hole. I’m going to keep the stock 3 position 8-pole switch, and the volume and tone knobs. I'm going to get it wired so I get 3 tone choices with the 3 position switch.
With the switch all the way towards the neck, it will just be one coil from the pickup, running through the volume and tone knobs. So, I can get a sort of stratocaster/telecaster sound, and play with tone/volume.
With the switch in the middle, it will be both coils (full humbucker), running through the volume and tone knobs.
With the switch all the way back towards the bridge, it will be full on (both coils, full humbucker) bypassing the volume and tone. Just "ON."
I think it will be really cool because then if I turn the volume off, the switch will be like a "kill" switch. You know, like a Les Paul where you turn the neck off, and the bridge up, and you toggle the switch to go on/off to cut the sound. Or, I can have the volume and tone right for rhythm, and then kick it "full on" with the switch for lead.
What do you think?
Crude sketch attached. The dots marked 1-8 are on the switch, the loops between dots to the outside are what the switch does. The “VT” is the volume-tone… etc…
