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Average Price: $600

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Unleash your inner rockstar with the Jackson KE3, a guitar that marries iconic design with powerful performance. Engineered for the modern guitarist, this solid body electric guitar boasts a compound-radius fingerboard that transitions seamlessly from a more pronounced curve at the nut for effortless chording to a flatter profile towards the neck joint. This innovative design supports low-action bends without the risk of fretting out, allowing for fluid, expressive play.

The KE3's aggressive aesthetic is matched only by its sonic capabilities. Equipped with genuine Seymour Duncan humbucker pickups—a Jazz SH2N at the neck and a JB TB4 at the bridge—this guitar delivers a wide range of tones, from warm and smooth to fiery and punchy. The JT580LP tremolo system is your ticket to expressive pitch manipulations, enabling you to bend and twist notes without compromising tuning stability.

Whether you're shredding on stage or jamming in your garage, the Jackson KE3 stands as a formidable companion. Its edgy body design and distinctive shark fin inlays ensure you make a visual and auditory impact every time you plug in.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar with aggressive design
  • Compound-radius fingerboard for versatile playability
  • Seymour Duncan Jazz SH2N (neck) and JB TB4 (bridge) humbucker pickups
  • JT580LP tremolo system for dynamic pitch control
  • Distinctive shark fin inlays for a striking visual statement

Product specs

Brand Jackson
Model Pro Series KE3 Kelly
Finish Black, Cobalt Blue, Crimson Swirl, Deep Candy Blue, Eerie Dess Swirl, Pile O' Skulls, Transparent Black, Transparent Blue, Transparent Green, Transparent Red, White with Black Pinstripes
Year 2003 - 2011
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape X-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Green, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Jackson Kelly
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Jackson Pro Series

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Jackson KE3 Transparent Black suitable for?

The Jackson KE3 Transparent Black, with its Seymour Duncan humbucker pickups and locking tremolo bridge, is ideal for rock and metal genres, offering powerful tones and stable tuning even during aggressive playing.

How does the compound radius fretboard on the Jackson KE3 affect playability?

The compound radius fretboard (14" to 16") on the Jackson KE3 allows for easier chording near the nut and faster, more comfortable soloing and bending higher up the neck, enhancing overall playability.

What are the tonal characteristics of the pickups on the Jackson KE3?

The Jackson KE3 features a Seymour Duncan Jazz SH2N neck pickup for smooth, articulate tones, and a Seymour Duncan JB TB4 bridge pickup known for its high output and aggressive, biting sound, perfect for lead playing and heavy riffs.

Does the Jackson KE3 come with a locking tremolo system?

Yes, the Jackson KE3 is equipped with a JT580LP locking tremolo bridge, which provides excellent tuning stability and allows for expressive pitch modulation techniques.

Is the Jackson KE3 Transparent Black suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Jackson KE3 Transparent Black is well-suited for advanced players, offering professional-grade features such as high-quality pickups, a fast-playing compound radius fretboard, and a reliable locking tremolo system.

Sam Pedneau

Sam Pedneau

Jackson Kelly KE3 Made in Japan

Video thumbnail for Jackson Kelly KE3 Made in Japan by Sam Pedneau

Jackson Kelly KE3 Made in Japan

Sam Pedneau

Sam Pedneau

Video thumbnail for Jackson KE3 Kelly Japan guitar by alexvivat

Jackson KE3 Kelly Japan guitar

alexvivat

alexvivat

Video thumbnail for Jackson Japanese Kelly KE3 Trans Black Guitar with Dimebucker - Up Close Video Review by Essex Recording Studios

Jackson Japanese Kelly KE3 Trans Black Guitar with Dimebucker - Up Close Video Review

Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Jackson KE3.

Build quality

  • The shark fin inlays are a standout feature, inspiring owners to shred with their unique aesthetic and functionality.

    Source
  • The pre-Fender late 90’s models had matte silver hardware, while post-Fender models improved with thicker black hardware and Seymour Duncan pickups.

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User experience

  • Many owners appreciate the Kelly's shape for its unparalleled neck access, making it comfortable for standing play.

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Value and pricing

  • A KE3 in good condition was purchased for $180, significantly lower than typical market values seen around $850-$950.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's smooth playability and neck ease make it difficult to put down once picked up.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Kelly body shape is considered by some to be a tasteful, pointier alternative for metalheads compared to standard Explorers.

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  • Post-2006 models are favored for their hardware improvements over late 90’s models, despite older models having initially better hardware before the Fender acquisition.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Serial numbers on 7-digit bolt-on MIJ models don't indicate the manufacturing date; checking catalogs or neck stamps is necessary for accurate dating.

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Features and functionality

  • The 1996-1997 series had a "professional" logo on the headstock, differentiating it from other batches.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend changing the stock volume knob for aesthetic improvement.

    Source

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Genre Usage

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