Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $676
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Jackson David Ellefson Signature Kelly Bird V Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Designed for the distinct sound and style of Megadeth's bassist David Ellefson, the Jackson David Ellefson Signature Kelly Bird V Bass is a powerhouse of performance and design. This electric bass offers a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, making it the perfect companion for both stage and studio. The EMG® pickups deliver a robust and versatile tonal range, allowing you to seamlessly shift from deep growls to cutting highs with precision. Coupled with a sleek, compound-radius maple fingerboard, this instrument ensures smooth playability across all 21 jumbo frets.
The Kelly Bird V Bass sports a basswood body, known for its balanced tone and light weight, ensuring comfort during long gigs. A high-mass bridge provides enhanced sustain and stability, while the active 3-band EQ gives you full control over your sound shaping. The bolt-on maple neck, adorned with bold block inlays, offers a fast and comfortable playing experience.
Whether you're laying down the foundation in a recording session or taking the spotlight in a live performance, this bass is engineered to meet the demands of any musical endeavor. With its combination of signature aesthetics and performance-driven features, the Jackson Kelly Bird V Bass stands out as a truly exceptional instrument for serious bassists.
Key Features:
- Basswood body with gloss polyester finish
- Bolt-on maple neck with 21 jumbo frets and block inlays
- EMG® HZ40B and HZ40N pickups for dynamic sound
- Active 3-band EQ for precise tone shaping
- Jackson high-mass bridge for superior sustain
- Compound-radius maple fingerboard for comfortable playability
- Jackson die-cast mini tuners for reliable tuning stability
Product specs
| Number of Strings | 5 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | Kelly Bird |
| Body Material | Basswood |
| Body Finish | Gloss Polyester |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Joint | Bolt-on |
| Radius | 12"-16" compound |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Black Blocks |
| Number of Frets | 21, Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Width | 1.75" |
| Nut Material | Plastic |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Jackson High Mass |
| Tuners | Die-cast Mini Tuners |
| Neck Pickup | EMG HZ40B |
| Bridge Pickup | EMG HZ40B |
| Controls | 2 x volume, 3-band Active EQ |
| Strings | .045-.130 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What type of music is the Jackson David Ellefson Signature Kelly Bird V Bass best suited for?
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The Jackson David Ellefson Signature Kelly Bird V Bass is ideal for metal and rock genres, offering powerful and aggressive tones thanks to its EMG HZ40B pickups and active 3-band EQ.
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Does the Jackson Kelly Bird V Bass have a comfortable neck for fast playing?
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Yes, the bass features a maple neck with a 12"-16" compound radius, providing a smooth transition from easy chording to fast soloing, making it comfortable for quick playability.
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What are the tonal characteristics of the EMG HZ40B pickups on this bass?
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The EMG HZ40B pickups deliver a clear and punchy sound with a strong midrange presence, perfect for cutting through dense mixes, especially in rock and metal settings.
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Is the Jackson Kelly Bird V Bass suitable for live performances?
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Absolutely, with its high mass bridge and active EQ, this bass provides stable tuning and versatile tone shaping, making it a reliable choice for live performances.
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How does the body material of the Jackson Kelly Bird V Bass affect its sound?
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The basswood body of the Jackson Kelly Bird V Bass contributes to a balanced sound with a warm midrange, complementing the aggressive tone of its pickups for a full-bodied sound.
Videos
Jackson Guitars
Megadeth's David Ellefson on his X Series Signature Kelly Bird V Bass | Jackson Guitars
Reviews
PROS
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Smooth neck allows for fast, easy movement and playability
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Maple fretboard delivers poppy, punchy tones
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Versatile 3-band EQ offers a massive variety of tones
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Stunning aesthetics with blueburst body and block inlays
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Affordable compared to competitors like Spectors and Warwicks
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Unique eighties-era headstock adds visual appeal
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Bound fretboard is a rare feature at this price point
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Highly complimented design at gigs
CONS
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Neck dive due to headstock-heavy design
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Difficult to find fitting case for its unique shape
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Requires strap locks for secure performance
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Initial setup required for optimal playability
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Jackson David Ellefson Signature Kelly Bird V Bass.
Features and functionality
Comparisons
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Owners compare the Kelly Bird V Bass to the Epiphone EB-0, noting a preference for the Jackson due to its sound and build quality.
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Some prefer the Yamaha TRBX 305's mahogany body over Jackson's poplar, citing better pickup performance.
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The Jackson CBXNT model is often preferred by users for its perceived higher build quality compared to the David Ellefson Signature model.
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User experience
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Despite the impressive sound and feel, owners face challenges finding a suitable gig bag due to its unique Thunderbird/Explorer shape.
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One owner highlights the bass's sentimental value despite its flaws, like neck dive, due to its rarity and personal history.
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Despite concerns about quality, the lightweight build and aesthetic appeal of the bass garner positive attention and compliments.
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Use cases and applications
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The bass is well-suited for rock and metal genres, with its aggressive sound profile and distinctive aesthetic appealing to players in these styles.
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Value and pricing
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Owners report finding the bass at an exceptional value, with some purchasing it used for as low as 200-300€ in Europe, highlighting its affordability compared to other models.
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Some owners feel the bass is overpriced relative to its quality, recommending alternatives like Sire and Ibanez for better value.
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Build quality
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this video, David Ellefson shows his signature Jackson bass. He says, "We should each have one of these because they're awesome."
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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