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Average Price: $625

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

The Jackson Kelly KE3 is a solid body electric guitar designed for the modern guitarist who craves both power and precision. This guitar is a standout in the world of hard rock and metal, offering a blend of aggressive style and exceptional playability. Crafted with an alder body, the KE3 delivers a thick, crunchy sound with a distinct edge. The fast-playing bolt-on maple neck is paired with a rosewood fingerboard, adorned with signature shark fin inlays, providing a smooth playing experience that's perfect for intricate solos and robust chording.

Equipped with Seymour Duncan pickups, including the JB TB4 in the bridge and Jazz SH2N in the neck, the KE3 offers a versatile range of tones from warm and jazzy to searingly hot. The Floyd Rose licensed Jackson tremolo ensures rock-solid tuning stability, allowing for expressive dives and bends without sacrificing pitch accuracy. For the musician who demands reliability without compromising on style, the Jackson Kelly KE3 is your go-to instrument, ready to handle the rigors of both stage and studio.

Key Features:

  • Body: Alder
  • Neck: Bolt-On Rock Maple with Scarf Joint Head Stock
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood with Compound 14" to 16" Radius
  • Frets: 24 Jumbo Frets
  • Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan JB TB4 Humbucking Pickup
  • Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan Jazz SH2N Humbucking Pickup
  • Bridge: Floyd Rose Licensed Jackson Low Profile JT580 LP Double Locking 2-Point Tremolo
  • Tuning Machines: Sealed Die-Cast Tuners
  • Pickup Switching: 3-Position Toggle
  • Scale Length: 25.5"
  • Width at Nut: 1-11/16"
  • Inlays: MOTO Shark Fin Position Inlays
  • Hardware: Black

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 is the Jackson Kelly KE3 best suited for?

The Jackson Kelly KE3 is ideal for heavy metal and hard rock genres, thanks to its aggressive X-style body and dual humbucker pickups that deliver high-output tones.

Does the Jackson Kelly KE3 have a tremolo system?

Yes, the Jackson Kelly KE3 features a locking tremolo bridge, allowing for stable tuning even during extensive use of the whammy bar.

What is the neck profile of the Jackson Kelly KE3 like?

The Jackson Kelly KE3 has a slim, fast-playing maple neck with a bolt-on construction, making it comfortable for quick solos and intricate riffs.

What type of pickups does the Jackson Kelly KE3 use?

The Jackson Kelly KE3 is equipped with a pair of high-output humbucking pickups, perfect for delivering powerful and clear distortion tones.

Is the Jackson Kelly KE3 suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the Jackson Kelly KE3 is a professional-grade instrument, its comfortable neck and versatile sound make it accessible for dedicated beginners interested in metal and rock music.

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 Kelly KE3 Eerie Dess Swirl Made In Japan MIJ Japanese Guitar Up Close Video Review by Essex Recording Studios

Jackson Kelly KE3 Eerie Dess Swirl Made In Japan MIJ Japanese Guitar Up Close Video Review

Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

Video thumbnail for ristridi | Jackson Kelly KE3 - Dark Funeral Practice by RISTRIDI

ristridi | Jackson Kelly KE3 - Dark Funeral Practice

RISTRIDI

RISTRIDI

Video thumbnail for Jackson Kelly KE3 Pro Serie Made in Japan 2003 Eerie Dess Swirl 10 #shorts s by AleArzMusic

Jackson Kelly KE3 Pro Serie Made in Japan 2003 Eerie Dess Swirl 10 #shorts s

AleArzMusic

AleArzMusic

Video thumbnail for Jackson Kelly KE3 Eerie Dess Swirl - Change strings, clean, polish and complete setup by AleArzMusic

Jackson Kelly KE3 Eerie Dess Swirl - Change strings, clean, polish and complete setup

AleArzMusic

AleArzMusic

Video thumbnail for Jackson Kelly KE3 - Японец с Авито by 21-ый гитарный

Jackson Kelly KE3 - Японец с Авито

21-ый гитарный

21-ый гитарный

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

Video thumbnail for Jackson KE3 Kelly Eerie Dess Swirl - Eleganckie Gitary by Eleganckie Gitary

Jackson KE3 Kelly Eerie Dess Swirl - Eleganckie Gitary

Eleganckie Gitary

Eleganckie Gitary

Video thumbnail for Jackson Kelly KE3 1996 by Guitar Tales

Jackson Kelly KE3 1996

Guitar Tales

Guitar Tales

Video thumbnail for Jackson KE3 Kelly Eerie Dess Swirl - Eleganckie Gitary by Eleganckie Gitary

Jackson KE3 Kelly Eerie Dess Swirl - Eleganckie Gitary

Eleganckie Gitary

Eleganckie Gitary

Reviews

PROS

  • Great low action for smooth playability

  • Hot pickups deliver excellent sound for rock and metal

  • Stays in tune well, even with heavy use of the Floyd Rose tremolo

  • Trans Blue finish is visually stunning

  • Made in Japan, known for quality craftsmanship

CONS

  • Low E string may pop off at the bridge

  • Pot knob may come loose and require adjustment

  • Poor balance affects comfort during play

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The Kelly model is praised for its nearly unparalleled neck access, making it comfortable for playing in a standing position.

    Source
  • The licensed Floyd Rose on 90s Jackson models, especially the Takeuchi, is prone to corrosion, particularly in non-chrome finishes.

    Source
  • The black KE3 models from 1995-1997 featured black hardware, indicating variations in hardware finishes over different production years.

    Source
  • A user found an original Owner’s Manual dated 1999, suggesting that certain production details can be verified through included documentation.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The reverse shark fin inlays are indicative of the 96-97 Pro Series, adding a unique aesthetic appeal to the guitar.

    Source
  • Post-2006 KE3 models come with Seymour Duncan SH4 and SH2 pickups, which are preferred over the earlier Duncan Designed versions.

    Source
  • KE3 models with satin chrome hardware and Duncan Designed HB103 pickups likely originate from the late 90s, aligning with catalog details from 1998-2000.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A user reported purchasing the guitar for $180, noting that similar models in worse condition have sold for $950+ on Reverb.

    Source
  • It's noted that KE3 models now often sell for significantly more than pre-pandemic prices, sometimes double for poorer condition.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Jackson Kelly is noted for its suitability for heavy metal, offering a distinct, more pointy body shape appealing to metalheads.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find the neck easy to play, making it hard to put down once picked up, enhancing the overall playing experience.

    Source
  • KE3 models from the 2000s are often mistaken as 90s models due to serial numbers starting with 96, 97, or 98; all originate from the same Chushin Gakki factory.

    Source
  • Owners express nostalgia for the build quality of Japanese Jackson Kellys, with some repurchasing due to past positive experiences.

    Source

Comparisons

  • KE3 models are generally bolt-on, which can lead to neck dive issues, while KEX models are neck-through and better balanced.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Guitar Review: Jackson Kelly KE3 Pro Review -Jackson Guitars

gear-vault.com

The Jackson Kelly KE3 packs a punch with its aggressive design and high-quality craftsmanship at an affordable price. Featuring Seymour Duncan pickups, this guitar delivers a powerful, versatile sound that excels in both rhythm and lead tones. While the KE3 is a great choice for those on a budget, it does have some minor quirks, such as a hint of microphonic squeal from the pickups. Overall, the KE3 is an excellent option for metal enthusiasts seeking style and substance without breaking the bank.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 12 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
S

Exploring guitar riffs in EDM production

I started producing only recently, and if you read my bio, or know me previously, you'd know that I was a guitarist (i still am) who was hard core into rock and metal, but I eventually decided to diversify and embrace all kinds of music. I hope to incorporate some of my guitar riffs into my EDM music (yes, I know it's unconventional) and hopefully I can make something good and different.

D

Jaska

It has horrible balance.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Gallagher uses Jackson Kelly KE3

John Gallagher

Singer, Guitarist

Dying Fetus

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Dying Fetus - Mountains of Death 2010" by Lumbago Productions, John Gallagher is seen playing a Jackson Kelly KE3 during a live performance.

See how Ben Cohen uses Jackson Kelly KE3

Ben Cohen

Guitarist, Music Producer

PowerGlove

...
Verified via YouTube

Ben Cohen, lead guitarist of PowerGlove and Lattermath, uploaded this video to his personal YouTube account demonstrating how to play, "Voice Divides" by Thy Will Be Done. In the background, his Jackson Kelly KE-3 Electric Guitar is hanging on the wall.

See how Dave Carlo uses Jackson Kelly KE3

Dave Carlo

Guitarist, Composer

Razor (Ca)

...
Verified via Photo

Played this guitar in the Osaka True Thrash Fest in Japan in 2018

See how Benn Suede uses Jackson Kelly KE3

Benn Suede

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Benn can be seen playing at 2:01

See how Trond Bråthen uses Jackson Kelly KE3

Trond Bråthen

Guitarist

Angst Skvadron

...
Verified via DARKSIDE.ru
Color/Finish: Black

In the article from DARKSIDE.ru, Trond Bråthen is seen using a Jackson Kelly KE3 guitar, identifiable by its all-black finish, Floyd Rose tremolo system, left strap button located behind the guitar, two humbuckers, two knobs, and a switch.

See how Angel Ramirez P uses Jackson Kelly KE3

Angel Ramirez P

Guitarist

...
Verified via Jacksonguitars

Angel Ramirez P uses the Jackson Kelly KE3 electric guitar, as featured in the Jackson Guitars X Series lineup.

See how Walter Tjwa uses Jackson Kelly KE3

Walter Tjwa

Guitarist, Composer

Sinister

...
Verified via Photo

Played this guitar recently with his band Sinister

Genre Usage

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

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