Possible Upcoming Jackson Mods

[smitty_p]

So, my preferred control layout and function for an H-H pickup guitar is the Les Paul-style layout.

However, my Jackson has a different control layout with a single volume and tone control, instead of a separate control for each pickup. I also prefer the pickup switch in the upper bout. For quite awhile I've been contemplating some changes to my Jackson to achieve similar functionality/layout as a Les Paul.

I would add two new knobs to get separate volume and tone controls for each pickup. I'd add a three-way switch in the upper horn for pickup selection. Finally, I'd rewire the existing switch to be a coil split switch. The coil split switch would give me the following selections: H-H, H-S, and S-S.

I had contemplated using concentric pots, which I may still do instead of individual controls. But, individual controls allow for quicker and easier manipulation. Also, the good quality concentric pots have a very short threaded bushing - too short for what I need. They're made for a plastic pickguard. The concentric pots with longer threaded bushings are all very cheap-looking pieces, from what I've discovered.

Due to the wonders of Paint.net, I've been able to visualize the end result, which would look something like this:

 

[Hackmaster]

Love mod threads.
Full speed ahead Smitty!
Always acceptable to make a good guitar into a GREAT guitar.

 

[eSGEe]

DO IT !!!! DO IT !!!!! DO IT!!!!

 

[smitty_p]

DO IT !!!! DO IT !!!!! DO IT!!!!

As I would be doing my own Les Paul/Jackson merger, of sorts, I need to tread carefully.

This may just open a wormhole into deep space. We’re talking potential Wrath of Khan action, here.

 

[Hackmaster]

As I would be doing my own Les Paul/Jackson merger, of sorts, I need to tread carefully.

This may just open a wormhole into deep space. We’re talking potential Wrath of Khan action, here.

It may very well be a portal to an unknown dimension upon completion.

COOL!

 

[eSGEe]

 

[smitty_p]

That’ll be my name for this guitar when I’m done...Khan!

Assuming we all survive the ensuing intergalactic apocalypse, that is.

 

[Truss_rod]

I see a screamer in your near future.

 

[JohnnyGoo]

Love Guitar Mod threads myself. Go for it Smitty

 

[eSGEe]

bAsed on your thread -- I got the Jackson off the wall last night and had a glorious time with her --- for an "entry level cheapo" guitar-- this Dinky is really ---really good.

 

[eSGEe]

 

[jtcnj]

Smitty that is a very practical sounding mod - knowing what you want and blending the two cultures.
Hope it turns out well; I see no reason it should not.

How will you address the control cavity?
Will the existing cavity and cover work?
I dont recall what the control cavity looks like; will you be routing it to fit an existing shaped LP / SG type cover?
that would change the pot positions shown in your mock up.
I dont think I could rout the cover recess freehand my self with reasonably good results, are there templates for that?

 

[smitty_p]

Smitty that is a very practical sounding mod - knowing what you want and blending the two cultures.
Hope it turns out well; I see no reason it should not.

How will you address the control cavity?
Will the existing cavity and cover work?
I dont recall what the control cavity looks like; will you be routing it to fit an existing shaped LP / SG type cover?
that would change the pot positions shown in your mock up.
I dont think I could rout the cover recess freehand my self with reasonably good results, are there templates for that?

I will be able to use the existing control cavity and cover. I’ll probably use some high quality mini pots, like Bourns, to get better clearance in the cavity. My mock-up image shows pretty closely where the new knobs would go, given the existing control cavity shape.

For the new switch in the horn, I’ll have to create a new cavity and cover. I’ll just fashion a cover from some aluminum flat stock I have laying around.

I’ll use a long bit to drill a passage from the new pickup switch cavity to the neck pickup cavity. This will be for the switch wiring.

 

[smitty_p]

But...the real question I’ve been pondering is if I jump into these mods, or get a new Greenback I’ve been wanting to get for my rig.

The cruelty of it all...!

 

[eSGEe]

oh my that is a quandary!!!!!!!!!!! Or is it a conundrum?????

 

[smitty_p]

oh my that is a quandary!!!!!!!!!!! Or is it a conundrum?????

It’s worse.

It’s a “quanundrum”.

 

[eSGEe]

Oh my that calls for RUM!

 

[smitty_p]

I know y’all have probably been waiting with excruciating anticipation wondering what I am going to do next...a Celestion Greenback purchase or the aforementioned mods to my Jackson.

Actually, I realize y’all have probably forgotten all about this thread, and you’re probably far more curious about what @eSGEe was doing outside the Walgreens at 3:00 AM with a box of trash bags, a roll of duct tape, and a bag of Donut Gems chocolate donuts.

Anyway...

I’ve made my decision.

I am currently doing pretty well with my current Celestion G-series speaker, so I’ve decided to proceed with the Jackson mods. I’ll get the Greenback in short order.

I’ll also be upgrading the sustain block on the Floyd Rose with a pretty massive new block. The trem cavity will need to be enlarged.

So, now it’s time to buy parts and some new router bits.

@Hackmaster , I’m about to take a plunge into some serious guitar hackage. It ain’t a third pickup (though I may add a center single coil at some point!), but some chopping action is coming up. I hope to measure up to the approval of the ultimate Hackmaster!

 

[eSGEe]

They HAD sprinkles on them ------- the doughnuts --- not the bags---the hookers like the sprinkles----

 

[ivan H]

This "Les Paul type controls" mod is something I am also seriously considering for my H H Jackson. The "master volume/master tone" configuration is the only thing I don't like about the guitar. I'm thinking of removing the volume & tone pots, plugging the holes & drilling 4 new ones in the typical Les Paul layout. I need to make a template of the cavity first, to be sure it'll all fit, though the controls may all need to be tad closer together than on a Les Paul. Cheers