Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $6,484

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Jackson Custom Shop Kelly". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Jackson Custom Shop Kelly is a masterfully crafted instrument that combines aggressive aesthetics with precision engineering, making it a top choice for discerning guitarists. Hand-built in Jackson's renowned Corona, California Custom Shop, this guitar showcases the perfect blend of form and function. The sleek body is constructed from a neck-through mahogany design that provides exceptional sustain, while the striking koa top adds a touch of elegance to its metal-ready demeanor.

The EMG 81/60 active pickups are the heart of this guitar, delivering fierce tone and remarkable versatility. The bridge-position EMG 81 ceramic pickup is renowned for its high-output and razor-sharp clarity, while the neck-position EMG 60 alnico pickup offers a rich, full-bodied sound that excels in both rhythm and lead applications. Together, they ensure that your riffs will cut through any mix with ease.

A compound radius ebony fingerboard, ranging from 12 inches to 16 inches, offers unparalleled playability. It allows for seamless transitions between fast-paced riffage and smooth, bend-friendly solos. With 24 stainless steel frets and mother-of-pearl shark fin inlays, the fingerboard is not only durable but also visually impressive.

Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Jackson Custom Shop Kelly is built to deliver an exceptional performance every time, making it an instrument worthy of any professional's arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Crafted in Jackson’s Custom Shop in Corona, CA
  • Neck-through mahogany body with figured koa top
  • EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 60 (neck) active pickups
  • 12"-16" compound radius ebony fingerboard
  • 24 stainless steel frets with mother-of-pearl shark fin inlays
  • Gotoh locking tuning machines
  • Single volume control with a 3-way pickup selector

Product specs

Brand Jackson
Model Custom Shop Kelly
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape X-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Model Family Jackson Kelly
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Jackson Custom Shop

FAQs

What type of music is the Jackson Custom Shop Kelly best suited for?

The Jackson Custom Shop Kelly is well-suited for heavy metal and rock genres, thanks to its aggressive X-style body shape and high-output pickups that deliver powerful tones.

How is the playability of the Jackson Custom Shop Kelly for fast solos?

With its 22-fret neck and smooth, fast-playing profile, the Jackson Custom Shop Kelly is designed for shredding and intricate solos, offering excellent access to higher frets.

What is the neck profile of the Jackson Custom Shop Kelly?

The Jackson Custom Shop Kelly features a slim and fast neck profile, making it ideal for players who prefer quick, effortless movement across the fretboard.

Is the Jackson Custom Shop Kelly suitable for beginners?

While the Jackson Custom Shop Kelly offers high-quality craftsmanship, it is generally more suitable for intermediate to advanced players due to its specialized design and premium features.

Can the Jackson Custom Shop Kelly handle drop tunings?

Yes, the Jackson Custom Shop Kelly is well-equipped to handle drop tunings, making it a great choice for metal players who require versatile tuning options.

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Jackson Custom Shop Kelly.

User experience

  • Owners report Jackson Custom Shop often ignores custom specs, including incorrect finishes and pickups; one infamous case involved a Kelly with only 23 frets.

    Source
  • One owner reported significant cosmetic issues and non-functional controls in two out of four USA Jacksons purchased within two years.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Custom Shop guitars can cost over $7k in Canada, with a wait time of 5-6 years, raising doubts about their value for minimal customizations.

    Source
  • Owners find the USA Loomis model's features don't justify the 4-5k price difference over the Pro version after a proper setup.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The American Series Soloist with a Speed Neck carve and stainless frets is recommended as a cost-effective alternative for those seeking thinner necks without custom shop prices.

    Source
  • The EBMM JP15 and Majesty are noted for their superior quality compared to Jackson USA models, offering a unique feel that surpasses Jacksons post-setup.

    Source

Build quality

  • The sand blasted finish on the Loomis USA Kelly can start flaking off within a month; one case was the size of a dime below the bridge.

    Source
  • A shortage of inlay material has led to painted-on Jackson headstock logos in some models, which some consider a quality compromise.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Brandon Ellis uses Jackson Custom Shop Kelly

Brandon Ellis

Guitarist

Cannibal Corpse

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video for Jackson, Brandon shows off his Jackson custom shop kelly. This is his main tour guitar. The guitar is the first kelly to have 27 frets. 27 frets started as a way to one up people, but became more practical for solos. The guitar is fitted with a pickup brandon made himself by combining the coils of a duncan parallel access distortion and a crazy 8. The guitar is in a custom crackle seafoam finish.

See how Pat Sheridan uses Jackson Custom Shop Kelly

Pat Sheridan

Guitarist

Fit for an Autopsy

...
Verified via Photo

Pat Sheridan showcases his custom Jackson guitars on Instagram, including a Jackson Custom Shop Kelly 7-string in a sunburst color. The guitar id equipped with a single passive EMG pickup in the bridge. The guitar is fitted with a Floyd rose bridge. In his post, Sheridan mentions working closely with Jackson Guitars to have these special instruments built.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Jackson Custom Shop Kelly, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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