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Description
Designed in collaboration with the legendary guitarist Marty Friedman, the Jackson Kelly KE1 Marty Friedman Signature Guitar is an embodiment of musical prowess and unique style. This solid body electric guitar is crafted for those who demand precision and power. The KE1 is equipped with a Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 bridge pickup, ensuring that every note you play is filled with clarity and punch, perfect for both intricate solos and heavy riffs.
The KE1 features a neck-through-body construction, providing exceptional sustain and stability. Its compound radius fingerboard allows for smooth playability, whether you're shredding at the top frets or riffing down low. The guitar's sharp, angular body shape is not only visually striking but also ergonomically designed for comfort during long performances. With a locking nut and a Floyd Rose Original double-locking tremolo system, this guitar delivers rock-solid tuning stability and expressive vibrato effects.
Ideal for metal and rock enthusiasts, the KE1 is a testament to Jackson's commitment to quality and innovation. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, this guitar is built to inspire and perform.
Key Features:
- Neck-through-body construction for enhanced sustain
- Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 bridge pickup for powerful, clear sound
- Compound radius fingerboard for versatile playability
- Floyd Rose Original double-locking tremolo system for reliable tuning stability
- Angular body shape for distinctive aesthetics and comfort
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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 KE1 Marty Friedman Signature Guitar.
Build quality
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Many owners find the Floyd Rose 1000 satisfactory but note the basic Jackson tuners aren't worth the premium price tag.
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Mods and upgrades
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A common mod includes swapping stock pickups for Seymour Duncan JB/Jazz sets to enhance tone.
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Owners often replace the plastic nut with a Graph Tech nut for improved stability and tone.
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Some users favor the Seymour Duncan Trash Factor (Dave Mustaine signature) pickups for a more aggressive sound.
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Golden locking tuners are recommended for those seeking aesthetic consistency with gold hardware.
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Setup and maintenance
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Some users report high frets and tight stock tuners on JS models, recommending Gotoh tuners and fretwork adjustments.
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Comparisons
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The Marty Friedman Kelly is often compared to Gibson Explorers, with users preferring its shape despite the lower horn potentially obstructing play.
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Value and pricing
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Owners feel Chinese-made Jacksons are overpriced by 30%, suggesting $800-$900 as a fair value rather than the $1,300 retail price.
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Owners who purchased before recent price hikes find the guitar to be a valuable investment, reflecting on past affordability compared to current market conditions.
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High-end American Jackson models are considered expensive, prompting some users to search for affordable alternatives with similar quality.
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Features and functionality
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The single pickup, single volume setup is favored for its simplicity and direct control, appealing to players seeking a straightforward, powerful sound.
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Enthusiasts express a strong preference for a hardtail bridge, citing discontinued models like the Jeff Loomis signature as examples of desirable configurations.
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User experience
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Enthusiasts appreciate the hardtail bridge for its tuning stability and straightforward maintenance compared to tremolo systems.
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The quilt top finish on some models is highly praised for its visual appeal, adding an element of luxury to the guitar's aesthetic.
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Despite the quality of Jackson pickups, some players still prefer using aftermarket pickups, highlighting a personal taste for specific tonal qualities.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistIn this photo, and this photo, Marty Friedman can be seen holding his signature Jackson guitar.
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 KE1 Marty Friedman Signature Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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