Into each Jackson, a new sound must fall

I'm really fond of Jacksons - particularly unusual ones with shark-teeth inlays.


Moreover, I'm very fond of the feel, balance, and shape of the bodies. Although I'm a huge fan of LOTS of brands, Jacksons are just plain fun to mod.


I was lucky enough to snag a low-production-number (made for Guitar Centers) DXMGTSP - with original EMG HZ H3 pickups, and the 3x3 headstock (the string-through is a great sustainer!).





But, I wasn't looking for EMG sound on this one. The journey has begun. With the first experiment done, and the second on the way over the holiday season.



I started with a pair of epoxy-set, DEAD QUIET, German (pretty sure?) made of pickups with ESP labels (from my new ESP V200). I added push-pull coil tapping, top-line electrical components, Sprague Vitamin Q capacitor tone, a great switch and jack, and lots of grounding. As it is, my DXMGTSP is absolutely a dream to play and to hear.















However, if I can find a nice basic Jackson V-shape or Dinky shape (low-end, but in great shape - anybody got any dusty project Jacksons?), I'm going to move the current wiring and pickups to a new and shreddable home.


Phase two (and probably the final state) of my DXMGTSP is going to be with a pair of Seymour Duncan's excellent P-Rails pickups.



P-Rails give you REAL P90s, plus a blade - splittable to get just great grindy nasty dirty P90 sound or a great variation on the humbucker sound. Also, with a little mini-toggle, I'll be able to tap out the pickups to do P90 or just the blade or the humbucker sound (in neck, neck+bridge, bridge). Sonically awesome, yes:?

There will be some awesome music and recordings coming from my DXMGTSP. Gotta love a great-feeling guitar like my Jackson, with lots of excellent sounds all wrapped up in a well-grounded, high-quality-part package.

Stay tuned. I'll finish this particular phase II and share a peek at it with you all...