Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (13)
$469.99
Guitar Center
4.0 (7)
$469.99
Amazon
4.5 (125)
$469.99 New
$422.99 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$625.00 5 available Used
Musician's Friend
3.0 (3)
$469.99
zZounds
0.5 (1)
$469.99
Thomann
4.5 (44)
$359.00
Gear4Music
£329.00

Average Price: $476

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Jackson Kelly". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Jackson Kelly JS32 is not just an electric guitar; it's a statement of power and precision designed for those who demand bold sound and striking aesthetics. This solid body electric guitar is crafted with an offset poplar body that doesn’t just look aggressive but also provides a balanced tonal foundation. Equipped with Jackson's high-output humbuckers, it delivers the searing tone and biting clarity necessary for heavy metal and hard rock genres.

The compound-radius fingerboard is a standout feature, offering a smooth transition from a 12-inch radius at the nut for comfortable chording to a flatter 16-inch radius at the higher frets. This design ensures effortless playability for both rhythm and lead, accommodating fast riffs and expansive solos with ease. The bolt-on maple neck, reinforced with graphite, promises durability and resistance to warping, ensuring consistent performance for years to come.

With 24 jumbo frets and iconic pearloid sharkfin inlays, the Kelly JS32 looks as fierce as it plays. The Jackson-branded double-locking tremolo bridge allows for expressive dive bombs and pitch shifts while maintaining tuning stability. A three-way toggle switch and individual volume and tone controls offer extensive tonal flexibility, allowing you to tailor your sound precisely to your musical needs.

Whether you're shredding on stage or recording in the studio, the Jackson Kelly JS32 is your reliable partner in unleashing sonic fury.

Key Features:

  • Offset poplar body with bolt-on maple neck
  • Graphite reinforcement for neck stability
  • 24 jumbo frets with pearloid sharkfin inlays
  • Compound-radius rosewood fingerboard (12"-16")
  • Jackson high-output humbuckers with ceramic magnets
  • Jackson-branded double-locking tremolo bridge
  • Three-way toggle switch with volume and tone controls

Product specs

Available since January 2016
Shape EX-Style
Colour White
Soundboard Poplar
Top None
Neck Maple
Fretboard Amaranth
Frets 24
Scale 648 mm
Pickups HH
Active Pickups No
Tremolo FR-Style
Incl. Case No
Incl. Bag No

FAQs

What kind of neck profile does the Jackson Kelly JS32 have?

The Jackson Kelly JS32 features a maple neck with a compound-radius amaranth fingerboard, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Are the pickups on the Jackson Kelly JS32 active or passive?

The Jackson Kelly JS32 is equipped with dual Jackson high-output ceramic humbuckers, which are passive pickups designed to deliver powerful and aggressive tones.

Does the Jackson Kelly JS32 come with a case or gig bag?

No, the Jackson Kelly JS32 does not include a case or gig bag, so you may want to purchase one separately to protect your guitar.

Is the Jackson Kelly JS32 suitable for heavy metal music?

Yes, the Jackson Kelly JS32 is well-suited for heavy metal music due to its high-output humbuckers and aggressive body shape, which are designed to deliver powerful tones and a striking stage presence.

What type of tremolo system does the Jackson Kelly JS32 have?

The Jackson Kelly JS32 features a Floyd Rose Licensed double-locking tremolo system, allowing for precise tuning stability and expressive pitch modulation.

Taylor Danley

Taylor Danley

Why I LOVE my Jackson Kelly, but you might HATE it.

Video thumbnail for Why I LOVE my Jackson Kelly, but you might HATE it. by Taylor Danley

Why I LOVE my Jackson Kelly, but you might HATE it.

Taylor Danley

Taylor Danley

Video thumbnail for Here's Why The Jackson Kelly Is The Best "X" Style Guitar by Electric Flamingo

Here's Why The Jackson Kelly Is The Best "X" Style Guitar

Electric Flamingo

Electric Flamingo

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

User experience

  • Floyd Rose bridges can present challenges for beginners, particularly in tuning and string changes.

    Source
  • The JS32T Kelly is reported to be the same size as a typical guitar, suitable for players around 6 feet tall.

    Source
  • Despite severe neck dive, the Kelly shape feels stable due to forearm resting position, unlike a Gibson SG.

    Source
  • The body shape of the Kelly can be challenging for some, with difficulties fitting into standard gig bags and ergonomic issues during play.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A Graphtech nut is suggested for improved tuning stability and performance on the JS series.

    Source
  • Owners recommend EMG Kirk Hammett Bone Breakers for improved sound and aesthetics over stock pickups.

    Source
  • Stock switches and pots tend to develop crackling issues over time, suggesting they may need replacement.

    Source
  • The Gotoh 1996T is a recommended upgrade for the stock Floyd Rose on budget Jackson Kelly models to enhance tuning stability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Sanding and polishing sharp fret edges significantly enhance playability on JS series models.

    Source
  • Immediate professional setup recommended due to high action and fret leveling issues out of the box.

    Source
  • Blocking the bridge during string changes with a cassette tape case or cardboard is crucial for maintaining tuning stability with a Floyd Rose.

    Source

Other

  • The JS32T Kelly's hard-tail, ABR style bridge is familiar to players of entry-level guitars like the Harley Benton.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Considered a good modding platform due to its lower cost and potential for improvement.

    Source
  • Higher-end Kelly models offer superior finishes and hardware, but the JS series is still a viable entry-level option if modified.

    Source

Build quality

  • The JS series Kelly has been criticized for neck dive, which can be mitigated by relocating the strap button to the neck plate.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar is noted for its suitability for seated play despite its non-traditional shape.

    Source
  • The Kelly’s stock pickups are considered underwhelming and replacing them with Seymour Duncan Full Shreds or Bareknuckles is suggested for improved tone.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
fleshwound

My Unicorn

This is the guitar that made me fall in love with Jackson Guitars. I finally got one and it did not disappoint.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Adrian Smith uses Jackson Kelly

Adrian Smith

Guitarist

Iron Maiden

...
Verified via YouTube

Here at 1.19:27 (and during some more songs) Adrian plays a red Jackson Pro demolition fury series. Possibly a custom shop model made for him but first seen as a Phil Demmel model.

See how Karl Sanders uses Jackson Kelly

Karl Sanders

Guitarist

Nile

...
Verified via Photo

Karl Sanders is seen with a Jackson Kelly Pro, featuring a fully scalloped fingerboard and Seymour Duncan pickups, in the referenced image.

See how Adam Darski uses Jackson Kelly

Adam Darski

Singer, Guitarist

Behemoth

...
Verified via YouTube

This video (from April 2000 in Kraków) shows Nergal playing a Jackson Kelly

See how Josh Rand uses Jackson Kelly

Josh Rand

Guitarist, Bassist

Stone Sour

...
Verified via Photo

I’m starting to track the 2nd song that I’ve been kicking around in my head today. It’s probably the fastest thing that I have ever written. I’ve decided to busted these 3 out for the extra inspiration. A kelly is seen in the image he posted

See how Barry Thomson uses Jackson Kelly

Barry Thomson

Guitarist

Bolt Thrower

...
Verified via Boltthrower

Barry Thomson is listed on the Bolt Thrower website as using a Jackson Kelly guitar.

P

Petri Lindroos

Singer, Guitarist

Ensiferum

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: White

Petri Lindroos uses two Custom Shop Jackson Kelly guitars as his primary instruments for Ensiferum, one in plain white and the other with a brown snake skin finish. This is confirmed by a post from Lindroos himself on Instagram, where he shares a photo of his guitars with the caption: "Nothing beats a good night with these babes😍😎 #jackson #officialjacksonguitars #kelly #blondi #snakey #seymoreduncan #dunloppicks #jazz3picks #itsinmyblood."

See how Grayson Stewart uses Jackson Kelly

Grayson Stewart

Guitarist

Norma Jean

...
Verified via Photo

Artist quote: "Here’s a little quarantine lick challenge for ya’ll to learn if you’re bored. I’ve been using this as a speed building exercise lately and decided to make it a little more interesting. Basically just a long run of triplets with a @martyfriedmanvideos inspired arpeggio lick at the end. Full speed tempo is 210 BPM. Learn it, post it, and tag me! • • • #guitar #normajean #guitarplayer #guitarsofinstagram #shred #rockandroll #martyfriedman #megadeth #jacksonguitars #jacksonkelly #quarantine #lickchallenge"

See how La Sale Famine de Valfunde uses Jackson Kelly

La Sale Famine de Valfunde

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

La Sale Famine de Valfunde uses a black Jackson Kelly guitar both in the studio and during live performances. There are two models: one featuring Burzum and Wehrmachtadler designs, and the current model, as seen in the photos.

See how Alex Nelson uses Jackson Kelly

Alex Nelson

Guitarist

Lizzy Borden

...
Verified
Color/Finish: Black Year: 2002

In an image on Alex Nelson's Find a Grave page, he is depicted playing a Black Jackson Kelly guitar, likely from the later years of his life (2002-2004), confirming his use of this instrument.

See how Belisario Dimuzio uses Jackson Kelly

Belisario Dimuzio

Guitarist

Cattle Decapitation

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Black with White Pinstripes

Guitarist Belisario Dimuzio is confirmed to have used a Jackson Kelly during his time with the band Eukaryst, as evidenced by an image showing him with the instrument. You can also see him recording for the eukaryst album with the guitar.

Used With

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

Community setups

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M

metalheadforlifeguitar

Gear IQ 73

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