Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $408

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Jackson Kelly Bird IV JS3". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.

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Description

Dive into the world of low-end mastery with the Jackson Kelly Bird IV JS3 bass guitar. This electric bass is a powerhouse of design and functionality, perfectly crafted for both the stage and the studio. Its basswood body and flame maple top deliver a rich, resonant tone with smooth sustain, making it an ideal choice for players who seek both substance and style. The maple neck, paired with a rosewood fingerboard, offers a 12"-16" compound radius that ensures effortless playability, allowing you to transition smoothly from rhythm grooves to intricate solos.

Equipped with high-output humbucking pickups, the JS3 Kelly Bird IV guarantees a full-bodied tone that can be tailored to your liking with dual volume controls and a master tone control. Whether you’re thumping out rock anthems or laying down a smooth jazz line, this bass has the versatility to handle it all. The iconic shark fin inlays and tilt-back headstock not only add to its visual appeal but also confirm its Jackson heritage and quality.

Join a community of passionate musicians and explore new sonic territories with the Jackson Kelly Bird IV JS3. Its combination of classic design elements and modern technology positions it as a must-have for any serious bass player looking to make a statement.

Key Features:

  • Solid basswood body with flame maple top
  • Maple neck with a 12"-16" compound radius rosewood fingerboard
  • Dual high-output humbucking pickups
  • Two volume controls and a master tone control for sound customization
  • Iconic Jackson shark fin inlays and tilt-back headstock for distinctive style

Product specs

Brand Jackson
Model JS Series JS3 Kelly Bird IV Bass
Finish Transparent Black, Transparent Blue Burst
Year 2012 - 2015
Made In China
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Color Family Black, Blue
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 4-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Jackson Kelly Bird IV JS3 bass suitable for?

The Jackson Kelly Bird IV JS3 bass, with its HH pickup configuration and active preamp, is versatile and well-suited for rock, metal, and other genres that benefit from powerful, punchy bass tones.

Does the Jackson Kelly Bird IV JS3 bass have a neck that is comfortable for fast playing?

Yes, the Jackson Kelly Bird IV JS3 features a maple neck with a rosewood fretboard, providing a smooth and fast playing experience, ideal for players who enjoy quick, intricate bass lines.

How does the offset body shape of the Jackson Kelly Bird IV JS3 affect playability?

The offset body shape of the Jackson Kelly Bird IV JS3 offers improved balance and comfort, making it easier to play for extended periods, especially during live performances.

Are the pickups on the Jackson Kelly Bird IV JS3 active or passive?

The Jackson Kelly Bird IV JS3 features passive pickups paired with an active preamp, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities and enhanced sound control.

How many frets does the Jackson Kelly Bird IV JS3 bass have?

The Jackson Kelly Bird IV JS3 bass is equipped with 21 frets, providing ample range for both traditional and more adventurous bass playing styles.

What materials are used in the construction of the Jackson Kelly Bird IV JS3 bass?

The Jackson Kelly Bird IV JS3 bass features a maple top with a flamed wood style, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard, combining aesthetics with durability and playability.

GAK

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Jackson - JS3 Kelly Bird IV Demo at GAK

Video thumbnail for Jackson - JS3 Kelly Bird IV Demo at GAK by GAK

Jackson - JS3 Kelly Bird IV Demo at GAK

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Jackson Kelly Bird IV JS3.

Setup and maintenance

  • Neck dive can be mitigated by installing a strap button in one of the neck bolt holes for better balance.

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  • Owners suggest using a high-friction leatherette strap to reduce neck dive, improving playability.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Jackson Kelly Bird JS3 is favored for metal genres, though some users prefer using pedals for tone versatility.

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  • The Kelly Bird is described as performing well in rock and metal genres, with its sound tailored to these styles due to its pickup configuration.

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Features and functionality

  • The tone can be fidgety past the 10th or 11th fret, requiring frequent adjustments for tonal balance.

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  • The Jackson Kelly Bird Bass features EMG 35hz pickups, known for their active preamp and versatile sound across various amplifiers.

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Value and pricing

  • While aesthetically appealing, this model may not offer significant resale value compared to brands like Fender or MusicMan.

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  • The bass is noted to be available at low prices in Europe, such as 200-300€ used, providing exceptional quality for the cost.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate the bass's aesthetic and quality, often describing it as a high-quality instrument with a "killer" sound that exceeds expectations, especially for its price.

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Comparisons

  • Some users compare the Kelly Bird to the Epiphone EB-0 and Thunderbird, noting its unique shape and sound as differentiators.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
christi_garofil

Great tone versatility for metal, not that good for other genres

You can get a great range of sounds from this active circuit.From a David Ellefson sound to Geezer Butler sound. It is not particularly great for other genres but metal tho.

Artist usage

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See how Don Van Stavern uses Jackson Kelly Bird IV JS3

Don Van Stavern

Bassist

Riot

...
Verified via Photo

Don Van Stavern is seen using the Jackson Kelly Bird IV JS3 bass, as shown in a user-uploaded image on Discogs.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Jackson Kelly Bird IV JS3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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edgar_bassist

edgar_bassist

Gear IQ 93

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