some of the Gibson ES models had 'stereo' output so the pickups - lead and rhythm - could be fed to different amps set to different tone and volume settings in the days before twin channel amps.

the Gibson lead or rhythm pick up selection with different volume and tone controls for each also make switching sounds a doddle - just flick a switch. not as easy to do on a fender strat where all pickups go through one volume control although the lead pickup bypasses the tone controls.

closest fender got to that is the two separate circuits on the jaguar and jazzmaster which is much more complicated than one toggle switch.