Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (3)
$699.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (4)
$699.99
Amazon
3.5 (2)
$699.99
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$699.99 New
$557.70 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (3)
$699.99

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

What type of music is the Jackson David Ellefson Signature Kelly Bird V Bass best suited for?

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.

Does the Jackson Kelly Bird V Bass have a comfortable neck for fast playing?

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.

What are the tonal characteristics of the EMG HZ40B pickups on this bass?

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.

Is the Jackson Kelly Bird V Bass suitable for live performances?

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.

How does the body material of the Jackson Kelly Bird V Bass affect its sound?

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.

Jackson Guitars

Jackson Guitars

Megadeth's David Ellefson on his X Series Signature Kelly Bird V Bass | Jackson Guitars

Video thumbnail for Megadeth's David Ellefson on his X Series Signature Kelly Bird V Bass | Jackson Guitars by Jackson Guitars

Megadeth's David Ellefson on his X Series Signature Kelly Bird V Bass | Jackson Guitars

Jackson Guitars

Jackson Guitars

Video thumbnail for JACKSON DAVID ELLEFSON KELLY BIRD V BASS | All You Need To Know | Review & Tone Demo by Tyler Spicer

JACKSON DAVID ELLEFSON KELLY BIRD V BASS | All You Need To Know | Review & Tone Demo

Tyler Spicer

Tyler Spicer

Reviews

PROS

  • Smooth neck allows for fast, easy movement and playability

  • Maple fretboard delivers poppy, punchy tones

  • Versatile 3-band EQ offers a massive variety of tones

  • Stunning aesthetics with blueburst body and block inlays

  • Affordable compared to competitors like Spectors and Warwicks

  • Unique eighties-era headstock adds visual appeal

  • Bound fretboard is a rare feature at this price point

  • Highly complimented design at gigs

CONS

  • Neck dive due to headstock-heavy design

  • Difficult to find fitting case for its unique shape

  • Requires strap locks for secure performance

  • 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

  • The Jackson David Ellefson Signature Kelly Bird V Bass features EMG 35hz pickups, providing a versatile sound with an active preamp that's highly praised by owners.

    Source
  • The neck is described as fast with active EQ and passive pickups, offering a wide tonal range.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source

User experience

  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The bass is well-suited for rock and metal genres, with its aggressive sound profile and distinctive aesthetic appealing to players in these styles.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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

  • Owners mention the bass is heavy with significant neck dive, affecting playability.

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  • The untreated neck can feel rough and uncomfortable for players who sweat, with reports of raw spots developing over time.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • New strings and a proper setup can significantly improve the bass's tone and playability, enhancing user satisfaction.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Ellefson uses Jackson David Ellefson Signature Kelly Bird V Bass

David Ellefson

Singer, Bassist

Megadeth

...
Verified via YouTube

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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