Prospecting on reverb and...

[DingusMaximus]

https://reverb.com/item/39969207-jac...ept-1993-black

Just looking for cheap MIJ reverse headstocks of the 90s, came across this and noticed the high string is almost coming off the side of the neck. Is that an easy fix or... is it just fucked?

[jacksonplayer]

Sometimes you can shim the opposite side of the neck pocket and force the neck over to the side a little bit in the proper direction. It might work here, as you wouldn't need a lot of correction. Having a problem on the low side of the neck isn't as big a deal, because the force of your fingering hand typically pulls the strings in the other direction. Just as long as the low E can fret successfully with pure downward pressure, you should be okay.

However, that isn't the stock trem. This might be contributing to the problem if the saddles on this Schaller aren't aligned the same as the stock trem. It'd be interesting to locate a Lo-TRS trem (Jackson called it a "JT-580") and see if that fixes the problem. You could ask the seller if he still has the original bridge.

[Darren]

Looks like the neck needs a good shove to one side.

[DingusMaximus]

I wouldn't wanna mess around with damaged necks in any way I can think of but it's ok cause...
Apparently, and it checks out, there's no springs in the back so the strings aren't pulled straight. Could be a very unneeded but cool purchase for me who won't have income next week haha I'd have pay more for just the tremolo by itself here, anyways...

[DingusMaximus]

Looks like the neck needs a good shove to one side.

I had an Ibanez MBM1 years ago (the depreciation in value was extremely depressing) where the neck didn't sit nicely in the pocket and yeah you wouldn't wanna bump it. To hell with that! I think I prefer a good fit in addition to screws, rather than just screws in a loose joint.

[Chris]

Fuck that thing, hard pass.

[Josh]

Might be as simple as loosening the neck screws, pulling it to the side to straighten it out, and retightening it. Hard to tell without having it in hand, though, and it's definitely a risk.

[jacksonplayer]

Fuck that thing, hard pass.

This is my take, as well. This was a low-end Japanese guitar at the time. They're not bad, but I'd only take a flyer on this with that glaring problem if the price was $100-150.

[Markus]

This is my take, as well. This was a low-end Japanese guitar at the time. They're not bad, but I'd only take a flyer on this with that glaring problem if the price was $100-150.

Yup, that price is about what I've seen those for in good-ish shape without obvious problems, so it's not like it's an exceptional deal.

Get this instead!


https://muusikoiden.net/tori/ilmoitus/1598223

Something like a DKMG might be a good option. Ok, it's not from the 90's, but it's MIJ and reverse headstock.

[playstopause]

I would seriously pay a bit more for one that does not have a neck issue.

[lespauled]

First off, this is an easy and no-skills-necessary fix. You might need 2 people, one to shift the neck, and one to tighten the bolts. Loosen the bolts, hold the top of the neck and the body, and simply bend the neck to the opposite side that the string is too close to the end. No need to Hulk out on it. A little bit of effort should straighten the neck. Hold it in the position where the strings sit correctly. Have your friend tighten the bolts as you hold the neck in position (use a drill/driver). Problem fixed.

[Mike]

This is my take, as well. This was a low-end Japanese guitar at the time. They're not bad, but I'd only take a flyer on this with that glaring problem if the price was $100-150.

Agreed.

[Chris]

Yup, that price is about what I've seen those for in good-ish shape without obvious problems, so it's not like it's an exceptional deal.

Get this instead!


https://muusikoiden.net/tori/ilmoitus/1598223

Something like a DKMG might be a good option. Ok, it's not from the 90's, but it's MIJ and reverse headstock.

Fuck yeah. It's a shame Garrett's off in the bush hunting werewolves with a spork this month. That'd be right up his alley.

[DingusMaximus]

I didn't get it anyway. His reasons could have been legit... doesn't matter now! My JDX-94 concept and a PS-2 performer are the cheapest guitars I've ever found and I reckon generally the MIJ quality of that era is pretty reliable!! I'd love a DR2 but it's a big price difference. Might hold out for a DR pro with the set-in HH config.

[DingusMaximus]

Get this instead!

Really nice!! but... 10x more expensive, ha!! And I'm immune to most Rhoads GAS.. pic related!