Neck profile question (750XL/Mod 6)

[Sunbane]

Ok, I have been contemplating having a custom made for a long time (it will be a long time coming as well, but sooner or later one will be on order). I know exactly what I like, and I have most details down pat - but there's this one issue that I'm totally lost over: Neck profile.

When you use the custom quote form, you can specify either SL1, KV2, or "Custom Shape". The thing is, I have never played either an SL1 or a KV2, and I'd want the same profile that I have on my Charvels.

I have a 1997 Model 6, and a 1989 750XL. They both have the same neck profile, and have become my favourite guitars by far. Their necks are just perfect; Not too thick, not too thin, and with a back shape that fits my hand like a glove. The bolt-on Jackson Rhoads I used to have had a much thinner neck, and was not as effortless to play as the Charvels.

My question is:

Those of you who have experience with the guitars mentioned above, what current Jackson models does the 750XL/late Model 6 neck most closely resemble? Could I go with the SL1 shape, or would I have to specify a custom shape?

I would measure the necks of my guitars, but I don't have any calipers handy right now.

Thanks in advance!

[1trussell]

The best thing I can suggest is to try and find an SL1 or KV2 and try them out. You might like them. As far as that, I have never played a USA Jackson that has felt as good as my 650xl. My 750xl is damn close to my other Charvel. If you're contemplating a custom axe and you're sure you want to copy the Model 6, take it into a respectable luthier and have them measure the specs (if you're not comfortable doing it yourself). The thing is, I've heard that the Model 6's varied a bit in the neck shape. Some have been thin, some thick. My 650xl is thicker than any Model series neck I've played. And it might be the most comfortable neck I've got.

[dg]

Bane, here are the measurements I got off of my '87 Model 6 and '89 750 when I measured them a couple years ago. My 750 is more chunky with a bit rounder backshape, but still very fast & comfy. The current SL-1 spec isn't too far off the Model 6, but going strictly by what they say in the catalog it looks like the SL-1 starts out a tad thicker at the 3rd & ends up a little thinner at the 12th than the Model 6. The catalog specs are just guidelines, and there is bound to be a bit of variation from 1 guitar to the next.



750XL............................Model 6

nut: 1 11/16...................nut: 1 11/16

fret..thickness..................thickness

1....3/4....(.750)...............3/4....(.750
3....25/32 (.781)*...........49/64 (.766)*
5....13/16 (.813).............51/64 (.797)
7....27/32 (.843).............27/32 (.843)
9....27/32 (.843).............27/32 (.843)
12..29/32 (.906)*...........7/8....(.875)*
15..15/16 (.938).............29/32 (.906)


*For comparison, the 2003 catalog shows the SL1 neck to be .790 at the 3rd and .850 at the 12th.

Sorry for all the ...... in the table, but I couldn't get it to line up right without them

[jtr]

My 2 soloist (85&86) and my 86 mod6 ,5fx and 550xl all have very close to the same profile neck . They also are close to the few sl1 that I've tried.

[Sunbane]

Ah, thanks all you guys for your feedback.
You rock.

I don't think I will get to play an SL1 anytime soon, because no dealers take them in over here. They all just sell the cheapo JS series. If you want a USA model, it's a special order.

Therefore, once I decide to buy a USA Select or a Custom, I would rather give the business to Matt or Scott. Would probably end up being less costly as well, even after import fees and taxes.