4-way joystick placement opinions needed

[NoBonus]

I need your opinion! 
Imagine a 36" x 20" control panel.  There are two 8-way joysticks with 7 buttons each (X-Arcade-style) and a trackball directly between them with the mandatory three buttons.  I want to add a 4-way joystick or maybe two.  I presume it would be best to install the 4-way (s) in the area above the trackball and buttons, but WHERE?  Should it be centered with a few buttons of it's own like a Slik-Stik?  Should it be centered over left joystick and buttons area? the right joystick and buttons area? directly above the left joystick? What do YOU prefer for game play? Also, I might create a 8-4 way switch mech. for my left joystick, but I would still want the additional 4-way installed at an angle for Q-Bert (I dig Q-bert and yes a Q-bert only stick is worth it to me). Where though? Anyone?

[Hoagie_one]

what about teh 49-way option.

that thing is looking like the universal stick replacment for all types of play

[NoBonus]

No 49-way stick for me... I need to use what I already have.  If anyone is giving them and compatible encoders away for free though... PM me!

[1UP]

I think centered at the top of the CP if you have other controls, with a couple extra buttons given the size of your CP.

[NoBonus]

That's sort of what I thought.

[SteveJ34]

I think centered at the top of the CP if you have other controls, with a couple extra buttons given the size of your CP.

I agree with this placement. Mine is setup this same way. The joy is not directly centered, a little to the left so that is does not interfere with trackball when you need a big forward *swoosh*.....

Steve

[NoBonus]

Hmmm.  Point well taken... I have plenty of real estate up there so this might be the best option.