User Manual
Table Of Contents
Congratulations! You’ve just joined countless others in what may be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.
For over 30 years, Jackson has been creating some of the nest guitars and basses in the music world. You are now
the owner of one of them, so be proud. Long before the late, great Randy Rhoads walked into our shop, we made it our
business to make the tools that musicians want. Take a few minutes to read this manual to become better acquainted
with your new Jackson instrument. Understanding the correct setup procedure will keep your Jackson playing great in
all conditions. Keep in mind that some procedures in this manual should only be performed by qualied technicians or
persons who have experience in neck adjustments and intonation.
JACKSON OWNER’S MANUAL
ALL MODELS - GUITAR AND BASS
CONTROLS
1. VOLUME CONTROL: This knob acts as the master output of the guitar. Rotating the knob clockwise will increase the
volume, counterclockwise will decrease the volume.
2. TONE CONTROL: This knob acts as a high frequency roll off. With the knob turned fully clockwise, all frequencies are
present. When the knob is turned counterclockwise, the higher frequencies are rolled off, giving a darker tone.
3. PICKUP SELECTOR SWITCH: The pickup switch is used to switch between different combinations of the pickups.
We use three main types of switches in most of our models. The 3-way slotted and toggle; the 5 way slotted; and
the Jackson JE-0005. The 3-way is used in most of our 2 pickup guitars and works as follows: 1=neck pickup;
2=neck and bridge pickup: 3=bridge pickup. The 5-way switch is used on many Jackson guitars in
both 3-pickup and some 2-pickup models. In a 3-pickup model, the switch is as follows: 1=neck; 2=neck and middle;
3=middle; 4=middle and bridge; 5=bridge. The JE-0005 5-way switch operates as follows: 1=neck; 2=neck and
bridge in parallel; 3=neck and bridge in series; 4=neck and bridge in parallel with lter; 5=bridge.
BRIDGE
Jackson guitars use an assortment of bridge styles for various models. Here is a brief explanation of
each type we use.
1. Tune-o-matic: It has a simple height adjustment via two mounting posts. Intonation is adjusted by screws at each
bridge saddle. The strings can either run through the body or attach to a stop bar tailpiece.
2. Vintage Style Hardtail: String height is adjusted by small allen screws on each side of the saddles. Intonation is
adjusted by the screws mounting the saddles to the rear of the bridgeplate.
3. Vintage Style Tremolo: It is a very basic, 2 point fulcrum style tremolo with self centering saddles. This bridge is
designed to rest at on the body (non-oating).
4. Vintage Style Floating Tremolo: This is an upgraded type of the Vintage Style tremolo. It can be adjusted to sit at,
or oat above the body.
5. Jackson Bass Bridge: We use a variety of low mass, high density, at mounted bridges. On most of our Concert
Basses, the bridges are convertible. This means the strings can be top loaded, or strung through the body.
All have self centering saddles with individual intonation and string height adjustments.
6. Double Locking Tremolos: This is the most common type of bridge, and can be found on most of our guitars. It is
very simple to setup with a little guidance and patience. Note: For more information and technical tips and help,
be sure to check out www.jacksonguitars.com
RESTRINGING THE DOUBLE LOCKING TREM
1. Before loosening the strings, slip a small stack of business cards or a pencil under the bridge
plate to maintain spring tension and keep the bridge parallel to the body.
NOTE: There are many products on the market today that will assist in Floyd Rose® setups. Ask your local
retailer for more info or check out our website www.jacksonguitars.com.
2. Loosen the 3 screws on the locking nut.
3. Loosen all strings via the tuners on the headstock until there is no tension.
4. Loosen the string clamping screws at bridge.
5. Remove the strings from the guitar.
6. Cut the ball end off the new strings.
7. Insert the new strings between the clamping block and the saddle.
8. Tighten the screws to lock the strings in place. Do not overtighten!
9. Wind strings onto the tuners.
10. Tune all stings to pitch, and stretch the strings by lightly pulling on them. Retune and repeat several times until the
strings will not detune.
11. Repeat this process for all strings before tightening the locking nut and retuning using the ne tuners on the bridge.
This is the one step that will determine the feel or “action” of your guitar. A few things should be taken into consideration
before setting the intonation. What type, brand and gauge strings are you going to use? How high do you want the strings
from the fretboard? How much spring tension do you want (how high do you want the bridge to oat)? These will need to
be determined before you get started. These steps should be completed in the order listed below.
1. Neck Relief: The ideal neck setup will have a moderate amount of relief (curvature) to accommodate the
vibrating strings. With the guitar tuned to pitch, x a capo to the rst fret, and depress the sixth string (low E) at the
last fret. Measure the gap from the bottom of the string to the top of the 7th fret (using a feeler gauge, ruler with .010”
increments, or similar tool) – the gap should be around .010” (see factory specs for more detail). If there is
excessive relief, tighten the truss rod by turning it clockwise. If there is not enough relief, loosen the truss rod. Truss
rod adjustments should be made in ¼ turn increments. The truss rod is located behind a plastic cover on the
headstock of most Jackson instruments.
2. Tremolo Spring Tension: This adjustment determines the neutral position of the tremolo. It is recommended to
balance the spring tension with string tension – causing the bridge plate to sit parallel with the body. Heavier strings
will require more spring tension, lighter strings (and drop tunings) will need less. To increase spring tension,
tighten the 2 screws that hold the spring claw to the body (behind tremolo cavity cover on rear of body); loosen the
screws to decrease tension.
3. String Height: String height, or action, is measured as the distance between the bottom of the string and the top of
the 17th fret (with strings tuned to pitch, no capo). If your tremolo or tune-o-matic bridge rests
on two mounting posts that go into the guitar body, the string height is adjusted by raising or lowering these posts. If
your bridge is a vintage style or a bass, there are two allen wrench adjustments on each saddle that will
raise and lower each string independently. Optimal string height depends on playing style and
preference. See the factory specs section below for recommended string heights to get started. Low string
height takes less effort to fret the strings, but may induce fret buzzing and less sustain if it’s too low.
4. Pickup height: To set the pickup height, fret all strings at the last fret and use a 6” ruler (with 1/64” increments, or
similar tool) to measure the distance from the bottom of the strings to the top of the pole pieces. The optimal distance
depends on the type of pickup, and the player’s preference. See factory specs for pickup height guidelines.
5. Intonation: All of the adjustments listed above must be completed prior to setting the intonation. Ensure that all
strings are tuned to pitch. With intonation set properly, the 12th fret harmonic should be in tune with the 12th fret
fretted note on every string. First play the 12th fret harmonic (lightly rest your nger on the string over the
12th fret), and tune to pitch (use an electronic tuner for best results). Then, play the 12th fret fretted note (by evenly
pressing the string on the 12th fret). If the fretted note is sharp, lengthen the string by moving the bridge
saddle rearward. If at, shorten the string by moving the bridge saddle forward. After adjusting the string
length, retune the guitar (this will require unlocking the nut on guitars equipped with a double locking tremolo), and
repeat this procedure until the harmonic and fretted note are both in tune.
FACTORY SPECS
The following are Jackson’s recommended neck relief, string height, pickup height, and string gauge specs. Please note
that any problems that may arise from lowering the string height below our factory specications, will not be covered by
the Jackson warranty.
NECK RELIEF
GUITAR .007” - .008” (.18mm - .20mm)
BASS .012” - .014” (.30mm - .36mm)
STRING HEIGHT
BASS SIDE TREBLE SIDE
GUITAR 4/64” (1.6mm) 3/64” (1.2mm)
BASS 6/64” (2.4mm) 5/64” (2.0mm)
PICKUP HEIGHT
BASS SIDE TREBLE SIDE
HUMBUCKER 4/64” (1.6mm) 4/64” (1.6mm)
STANDARD SINGLE COIL 5/64” (2mm) 4/64” (1.6mm)
NOISELESS SINGLE COIL 8/64” (3.6mm) 6/64” (2.4mm)
FACTORY STRING GAUGES
1
st
2
nd
3
rd
4
th
5
th
6
th
7
th
6 STRING GUITAR .009 .011 .016 .024 .032 .042 -
7 STRING GUITAR w/ TREM .009 .011 .016 .024 .032 .042 .052
7 STRING GUITAR w/o TREM .009 .011 .016 .024 .032 .042 .054
4 STRING BASS .045 ,065 .085 .100 - - -
5 STRING BASS .045 .065 .085 .100 .125 - -
GENERAL CARE
These are a few guidelines to keep your new Jackson in top form. The body, neck and headstock should be wiped clean
with a clean soft cloth and a guitar polish after every use. The ngerboard should be cleaned every time you change
strings. There are many cleaners on the market and most will dry the ngerboard (most window cleaning products have
ammonia in them and will certainly dry the ngerboard dramatically) so be sure to oil the ngerboard after you clean it.
There are many great oils today made just for ngerboards, so ask your local dealer for more information. Don’t let the
board dry out, it will shrink and/or crack, causing the frets to raise up and become unlevel and unplayable. The hardware
can be cleaned with a dry rag. If you have acidic perspiration or perspire excessively, please keep the hardware well
oiled or it will rust and corrode. There are several tips on cleaning and maintaining your guitar on our website at
www.jacksonguitars.com.The Jackson you’ve chosen is a ne musical instrument and like any high quality product,
care and regular maintenance should be a priority to help your guitar or bass last a lifetime. Thank you for choosing
Jackson, we appreciate the opportunity to serve you. Please take a moment to ll out the enclosed owner’s registration
and return it to us so that we may learn to better serve your needs. Also, be sure to read the care suggestions listed
below. For more help be sure to visit our website at www.jacksonguitars.com, thank you. For your own records, in case
of loss, theft, etc., please ll in the following information and store it in a safe place.
MODEL:__________________________________________________________________________
COLOR:__________________________________________________________________________
SERIAL NUMBER:_________________________________________________________________
DEALER:________________________________________________________________________
PURCHASE DATE:________________________________________________________________
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
On all of our active circuits, 9 volt batteries are used to power-up. The systems feature the latest in IC circuitry, with very
low power requirement. The battery is switched on when a cord is inserted into the input jack, so be sure to unplug the
guitar/bass when not in use to avoid unnecessary power drain.
NOTE: All PC1 guitars use an 18volt system (two 9 volt batteries) and both must be replaced as a pair in order
for the sustainer system to function correctly. NOTE: Unless the instrument is equipped with a separate battery
box, the battery is contained within the electric control cavity.
CARE SUGGESTIONS
~ NEVER store your guitar/bass in a hot car trunk! The HEAT WILL CAUSE SEVERE DAMAGE to your instrument.
~ Always clean your strings after every use.
~ Change strings at least every 20 playing hours.
~ Wipe down the guitar with a clean, soft cloth after every use to remove sweat, etc from building up.
~ Clean and oil ngerboard everytime you change strings.
~ Do not overtighten any of the screws on the instrument. In most cases snug is best.
~ When traveling by air be sure to detune strings by 1 step. Have an agent check your guitar before locking the case and
tape the case closed to prevent tampering.
~ Adjustments may need to be performed when you move your instrument into or out of different climates of altitude or
humidity
STRING LOCK SCREWS
INTONATION SCREWS
SUSTAIN BLOCK
GUITAR BODY
BASE PLATE
FINE TUNING SCREWS
SADDLE