Unfinished Necks on Soloists

[at0micpunk]

Hey guys. I don't post very often but I've been a member since 2004. I have to say, I love this forum. Great guys, good information. I have a question that I'm sure has been brought up before somewhere and if I'm digging up old dirt please just don't mind me.

My question is, besides custom shop orders, I wonder why Jackson has never had the option to order USA Select Series guitars with unpainted necks almost like ESP does with their M-II Standard Series? Don't get me wrong, I love the soloists and I really don't mind painted necks but there is something about unfinished or even satin finished maple necks that just make them smoking fast. Was this option ever offerred on the USA Select Series or only by custom order?

I've seen a few here and there that had them. There was a white SL1 on Ebay a while back that was definitely a USA Select Series and it had the unfinished neck stock from Jackson. ???

[sully]

Probably because it's less work to paint the whole thing. From a production standpoint, I can understand it.

Sully

[DonP]

There was a white SL1 on Ebay a while back that was definitely a USA Select Series and it had the unfinished neck stock from Jackson. ???

Not as far as I know. It's either been a custom shop order or a hack job.

[neilli]

Also they can use less 'pretty' wood if it's under a solid finish. Don't have to worry about blemishes, grain matching at the scarf joint, etc

[Dave Rocks]

It's my understanding that unfinished necks are more likley to warp. I don't think Warmoth will do it unless you sign off on the warning. My guess is that has something to do with it.

[lynchfan6]

Yes,,,but often when people say "unfinished," they don't really mean "unfinished." Usually, they are referring to a neck with a wood look that feels unfinished, but usually has
something on it - gun stock oil, very very thin poly, etc.

[Axewielder]

^^^ yeah unfinished necks are always finished.

Not sure about soloists, but there were a bunch of select series WR1's made around 2004 with oiled necks.

[at0micpunk]

All extremely valid points. I just wish it was an option on USA Selects.

[MadPeter]

You have unpainted neck on Soloist SL1/SL2 with the Natural finsh.



but it depends on what you call "unfinished" for sure

Also you had some SLATQ-H that had natural necks but they are no more produced (unfortunatelly)

[Skid 9]

If Jackson USA would make Soloists with optional "oil finished" necks, they would be the "baddest" guitars available. I would buy one immediately! This is what I've always wanted, but haven't had the cash for a custom shop. I'm sure these guitars would probably be an extra $300 for the labor to do a neck thru oil finish. I believe $300. is what the Custom Shop charges for oil finish on a soloist.

[VitaminG]

so strip the neck on your production Soloist and oil it! Much cheaper than Custom Shop

[lynchfan6]

I'm always thinking about doing this (or having it done) to my SL2H

[Axewielder]

That mod requires a certain level of skill in order to not look like ass.

[lynchfan6]

That mod requires a certain level of skill in order to not look like ass.

I know,,,,,I'd be an idiot to start hacking away. My SL2H is mint, and I know I'd regret it.

[roodyrocker]

You can always look for a used older SLATQH if you don't mind a string thru. Up to a certain point in production they had unfinished necks. Like this:


...and this:



...or if it must be an SL2H, several years ago there was a special batch run of 12 Soloists in Trans Purple with unfinished necks, matching headstocks, Dimarzio pickups, and gold hardware. Stage lights mine appear more red but it is purple: