Common Issues with Jackson guitars (specifically neckthroughs)
In an effort to make my site well rounded, I will mention some common problems I have encountered. I will also offer methods I have used to correct these issues for reference. If you choose to use these you do so at your own risk. I offer no guarantees.
Fret buzz between the 12th and 24th frets:
For some reason, probably due to the stresses on the neckthrough neck the frets tend to pop up over time. A couple of taps with a fret hammer and they played perfectly. One that was obviously played for a long time with the raised frets needed some dressing of the frets, but the others were fine.
Kahler tremolo is going out of tune:
The Kahler tremolo requires a bit of maintenance to keep functioning properly. The first thing I would check is the rollers at the bridge saddles to make sure they spin freely. If they do not, simply remove the saddle and soak it for a few hours in WD40. Try moving the roller again. If this does not work, apply some heat from a lighter. Re-soak. If this still does noting, you may need to remove the pin holding the roller in place. You can do this with a small nail and a hammer. Clean and lube the inside with 2 in 1 machine oil.
If you still have some problems, check your locknut. Tighten the clamps with the guitar fully tuned. Place your fingers on the strings between the clamp and the tuners, press down on the tremolo arm and feel if the strings are losing tension. If they are, the little blocks inside the locknut are worn. Usually you can remove the nut and flip the little blocks over for a new clamping surface, but sometimes this has already been done once in the past and they will require replacement. Kahler sells these parts and occasionally they can be found on eBay.
Electronics upgrade/replacement:
Often people wish to upgrade electronics, or replace deteriorated components. Here are a few things I have discovered.
Potentiometer replacement- If you decide to replace the stock pots with modern 250K or 500K pots from CTS, WD, AllParts, Fender, etc.., you should be aware that most 1980's Soloists used cheap import pots. These use a smaller diameter hole, so if you plan to upgrade, you will need to ream out the original holes to accommodate the new pots. When you buy pots, be sure you buy ones with a threaded shaft length of at least 1/2". Will also mention you may have a hard time getting your original knobs to fit these pots. Because of this I suggest buying split shaft pots and squeezing the shaft closed before installing the knobs.
Single Coil pickup replacement- With a San Dimas era Soloist with the standard route, you can use almost any single coil sized pickup you want. 1980's Ontario guitars with the oval route are a bit more difficult. EMG's with the quick disconnect wires are useable. Older hardwired EMG's are often not useable, but some do exist that are. The thing to look for is the exit of the wires. If the wire exits off the bottom, it will work. If the wire exits off the side, it will not clear the route.
With Seymour Duncan pickups, you will need to use a pickup with a Fender Jaguar style bobbin. Many of the Custom series Strat pickups are wound on these. Inquire before you order.
Another good choice is the Bill Lawrence mini humbuckers. These are made to fit those routes as well.
Sustainers: I tried to install a Fernandes brand sustainer into a Ontario Soloist. As large as the route was, it was unable to accommodate the system if I chose to use the stock knob holes. I would look into a Jackson unit, or another brand that had the switches wired to the PC board rather than direct mounted. This will allow you to choose the electronics placement.
Pickup rings: If you own a 1980's Ontario Jackson, you are likely aware they use a wider than usual pickup ring. www.fretsonthenet.com offers a wide range of replacements far superior to the originals.