Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $600
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
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.
Videos
Sam Pedneau
Jackson Kelly KE3 Made in Japan
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
User experience
-
Many owners appreciate the Kelly's shape for its unparalleled neck access, making it comfortable for standing play.
Source
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.
Source -
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.
Source
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.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The 1996-1997 series had a "professional" logo on the headstock, differentiating it from other batches.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
More Jackson Solid Body Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Artist usage
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
berkay_korkmazGear IQ 82
-