I am at a point in my playing where I think I want a custom made guitar...

[psychodave]

I love Jacksons, but the volume knob really gets in my way. I have compensated for it over the years, but it still is in my way. I have 2 USA soloists and I am really considering selling them and getting a custom made soloist. I really dont know what one will cost though. I am not looking for anything fancy. A soloist body, reverse maple neck, maple board, dot matrix camo paint, one push/push knob located out of the way of my picking hand. I really wonder how much it would cost?

[Axewielder]

I have the same problem. For me, it's as follows :

Evil control config: SL, DK, KE (except Friedman model), WR
Good control config: KV, RR, Friedman KE1

Sorry, didn't really answer your question.

[kelly user]

it will be cheaper to mod your current jackson, the prices of customs these days are ridiculous from what i have heard.

[Axewielder]

Opinions seem to be sharply divided on this issue. See this thread :

http://www.jcfonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71002

[DonP]

Is it possible to relocate the knob? I.e. fill the hole and redrill? Depends on the paint job of you soloist.

Of course I say sell and get a custom because I'm always on the hunt for a used soloist.

[Carbophos]

Just re-positioning the volume pot definately does not worth CS upcharge, especially now, when the prices are about 30% up compared to 2006.

[rocksoldier]

If you doesn't use the tone knob, just remove it and put the volume in its place.

[psychodave]

There is something inside me that doesnt want to mod the guitar for my liking. I cant explain it.

[rocksoldier]

Well it's your choice, but moving the volume would be a VERY easy mod, and you could still have the disconected tone knob there for looks if you wanted to.

But of course, if you have the money a reverse maple soloist would kick some serious ass no doubt.

[wakeUPdead]

I'm a big fan of H/S setups, on my SL1 I leave the middle naked, and use a JB/CR. Which I might change to DD/HR soon, but who knows! The point is that I've thought about it too, but modding a guitar..psh I don't know. I don't think I would. But then again I don't have a problem with the volume knob.

But its yours, you only live once, if your gonna keep it and never sell it! Mod that son of a bitch.

[Super_shredder]

get a ran!

[Axewielder]

Maybe us volume knob haters can hijack that snakehead custom build thread and get the knob moved on it!!

[thenine]

swap vol and tone. disconnect tone

[shreddermon]

swap vol and tone. disconnect tone

+1 Easy solution.

And - to all those who dislike the volume knob being so close - many of us prefer it right where it is. I like the standard J/C volume knob placement becuase it makes it very easy to do volume swells or cut-offs while playing. And I've NEVER had a problem of accidentally hitting the knob while playing. This "problem" is something that is just as easily fixed by merely adjusting your picking/playing style and/or hand position. All it takes is a little practice & effort.

[Axewielder]

And - to all those who dislike the volume knob being so close - many of us prefer it right where it is.

You are the fortunate ones! Personally, I tried to get used to it on my WR1 for almost 3 years, no joke. After 3 years of playing every day, I was more miserable with it then when I started. Everything else about the guitar was awesome. It seems like the players who have a problem with it are definitely in the minority. I'm not expecting Jackson to change their basic design for everyone. Maybe just a limited run now and then with the controls swept back? Throw a playa a bone!