I have JStick/Sanwa-style joysticks. Their shafts are much too long if only mounted to metal -- the Japanese joysticks are only supposed to rise about the same height as the ball, not higher than the height of the ball.
Thanks about NeoGeo. I will be playing some fighters on it I think, but I guess they're not crucial (and should work with a squaer button layout as part of my 6)
Getting ready to drill the CP tomorrow morning at school, so any last minute input is appreciated...