The Jackson Kelly
The Jackson Kelly is actually a version of the popular Explorer guitar built by Gibson which was made popular by a guitar player named Marty Friedman, who played for Megadeth. In fact, Marty Friedman actually had a signature model made for him, which is called the KE1. All in all, the Jackson Kelly helps to embody the true style and feel of the original Explorer, but does it in true Jackson style, pumping out monster tone and screaming sustain while at it.
Here are some of the specs on this amazing piece of musical gear:
- Alder body
- Maple top
- Neck thru body design, made from quartersawn Maple
- Die cast tuning pegs
- Ebony fretboard
- Jumbo sized frets 24 of them
- Two EMG hum bucking pickups
- Floyd Rose Double Locking Tremolo 2 point
- Pickup selection toggle
- 25.5 inch scale length
A lot of people compare the Jackson Kelly to other Explorer-like body styles made by other companies, but everyone who plays a Jackson guitar agrees there is no substitute for a real Jackson! This axe might cost a few dollars more than the competition, or even a few dollars more than the cheaper Jackson Kelly (there are two kinds, one made in the U.S.A. and one made in Japan). But if you can, buy the one made in the U.S! Why? Because, for one, it has the neck through body design and it also comes with a maple fretboard, while the Japan-made Kelly has a bolt on neck, and a Rosewood fretboard. Of course, the Japan made KE3 only costs a fraction of what the KE2 costs, you will be glad you spent the money if you are at all thinking of gigging out on any wide scale.
If you gig out a lot, play a LOT of music in the practice room, need a chunky, full-toned guitar to record with, or love the sound of a Jackson at its best then you are probably going to love the Jackson Kelly. Jackson is known for making hardy instruments that do not falter, and the Jackson Kelly is no different.
One thing that the Jackson Kelly does boast is a chunky, full tone that you can only get with a solid wood, thru body neck. That much wood, combined with the EMG hum buckers, give the guitar some serious kick, some monster sustain, and some amazing tones. The tones range from dark-branded audio assaults to mellow, lighter sounds as you switch between the pickups and if you have an amp that can deliver, this guitar will never fail you. Some guitar players own two of these guitars, and they claim to be set for life!
Some Jackson Kelly owners have even gone as far as to say that once you own a Jackson Kelly, you will never be able to play another electric. And since the body style is so beautiful, your fans will love how it looks almost as much as how it sounds!
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