Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$849.99
Amazon
5.0 (2)
$849.99 New
$721.99 Used (Very Good)
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$799.99 New
$649.99 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$849.99
zZounds
4.5 (2)
$849.99
Thomann
$774.00 $766.00 $8.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£759.00

Average Price: $808

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Jackson X Series KEX Kelly with Laurel Fretboard". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* 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

The Jackson X Series KEX Kelly with Laurel Fretboard is not just an electric guitar; it's a statement piece for any metal enthusiast. This solid body electric guitar combines aggressive aesthetics with high-performance features. The poplar body is a favorite among high-gain players for its resonant tone and lightweight feel, making it perfect for headbanging sessions. The body’s sharp, angular design is complemented by the classic Jackson pointed 6-in-line headstock, ensuring you look as fierce as you sound.

Central to the KEX Kelly's prowess is its Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo, which provides exceptional tuning stability for even the most demanding dive bombs and squeals. The laurel fingerboard presents a 12"-16" compound radius, ensuring smooth transitions from rhythm to lead, making it ideal for both chunky chords and rapid-fire solos. With 24 jumbo frets and pearloid sharkfin inlays, the neck not only looks stunning but also offers unparalleled playability.

Equipped with two Jackson high-output humbuckers, this guitar delivers a volcanic tone that can cut through any mix. Whether you're playing soaring leads or thick, crunchy rhythms, the pickups' ceramic magnets ensure clarity and power. Control your sound with precision using the single volume and tone knobs, along with a three-way toggle switch to explore a variety of tonal landscapes.

Key Features:

  • Body: Poplar
  • Neck: Maple with scarf joint and graphite reinforcement
  • Fingerboard: Laurel with 12"-16" compound radius
  • Frets: 24 Jumbo
  • Pickups: 2 Jackson high-output humbuckers
  • Controls: Volume, tone, and 3-way toggle switch
  • Tremolo: Floyd Rose Special double-locking
  • Hardware: Jackson sealed die-cast tuners and black hardware

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape X Series Kelly
Body Material Poplar (wings)
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Maple
Neck Shape Speed Neck
Neck Joint Neck-through
Radius 12"-16" Compound
Fingerboard Inlay Sharkfin
Number of Frets 24, Jumbo
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.6875"
Nut Material Floyd Rose Special Locking
Bridge/Tailpiece Floyd Rose Special Double-Locking
Tuners Jackson Sealed Die-Cast
Neck Pickup Jackson High-Output Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Jackson High-Output Humbucker
Controls 1 x volume, 1 x tone
Strings Nickel Plated Steel, .009-.042
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Jackson X Series KEX Kelly?

The Jackson X Series KEX Kelly features a "Speed Neck" profile, designed for fast and comfortable playing, ideal for shredding and intricate solos.

How does the Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo on the KEX Kelly benefit my playing?

The Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo system provides excellent tuning stability and allows for extreme pitch modulation, perfect for dive-bombs and other expressive playing techniques.

Are the pickups in the Jackson X Series KEX Kelly suitable for metal music?

Yes, the Jackson High-Output Humbucker pickups are designed to deliver powerful, aggressive tones with high gain, making them well-suited for metal and hard rock genres.

What kind of fretboard does the Jackson X Series KEX Kelly have?

The KEX Kelly features a laurel fretboard with a 12"-16" compound radius, offering smooth playability across the neck, especially beneficial for lead guitarists.

Is the Jackson X Series KEX Kelly suitable for beginners?

While the KEX Kelly is designed with advanced features like a Floyd Rose tremolo and high-output pickups, beginners with a focus on metal may still find it a rewarding guitar to learn and grow with.

Razmag696

Razmag696

Jackson Kelly KEX Gloss Black MII

Video thumbnail for Jackson Kelly KEX Gloss Black MII by Razmag696

Jackson Kelly KEX Gloss Black MII

Razmag696

Razmag696

Video thumbnail for Jackson Kelly KEX unboxing, no talking by Hack City USA

Jackson Kelly KEX unboxing, no talking

Hack City USA

Hack City USA

Reviews

PROS

  • Neck-through body design offers exceptional sustain

  • Incredible action and sustain make playing effortless

  • High-quality tuners and reliable tremolo system

  • No sharp fret ends, ensuring comfortable playability

  • Striking aesthetic with classic binding throughout

  • Ready to play straight out of the box

  • Versatile sound adaptable through various amps

  • Unique shape offers a distinct playing experience

CONS

  • Pickups have a darker sound profile

  • Floyd Rose setup can be challenging for beginners

  • Different dimensions may require adjustment for Strat players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Jackson X Series KEX Kelly with Laurel Fretboard.

Comparisons

  • Made in Japan Jackson guitars are considered decent to very good; prices are slightly inflated now but still reasonable compared to other models.

    Source
  • The Floyd Rose Special is noted for occasional stability issues, with some opting for Gotoh replacements for improved performance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The backplate on Floyd Rose guitars is often unnecessary as it's frequently removed for adjustments.

    Source
  • Gold hardware on the newer X Series models can oxidize if not carefully maintained.

    Source
  • The X Series neck is thinner with a glossy finish, while the Pro Series offers a thicker, natural finish neck, reducing hand fatigue for those with larger hands.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Jackson SKB flight case included with the Kelly is valued at over $200, making it a good deal.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners find the Warrior model more comfortable for both classical and casual sitting styles.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners experience fret buzz on the low E string when playing hard, which may require attention.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the sustain block with a brass block and adding noiseless springs significantly enhances the guitar’s tonal quality.

    Source
  • Jackson branded pickups are often swapped for Seymour Duncan models, but the tonal difference is marginal in a mix.

    Source
  • Schaller locking tuners are recommended over stock Jackson tuners for better durability and stability.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tommy Henriksen uses Jackson X Series KEX Kelly with Laurel Fretboard

Tommy Henriksen

Guitarist

Alice Cooper

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video of Alice Cooper concert at Bethlehem, PA in 2022, Tommy can be seen using a Jackson X Series Kelly in black and gold.

Genre Usage

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

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