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Description

Step into the world of high-performance guitar playing with the Jackson X Series KEXQ Kelly. This solid body electric guitar is designed for those who crave both style and substance. With a striking body shape, the KEXQ Kelly is an eye-catching instrument that stands out on any stage. Equipped with Jackson high-output humbucking pickups, this guitar delivers powerful, dynamic tones suitable for a wide range of musical genres, from shred to hard rock.

The KEXQ Kelly features a 25.5" scale length, providing a familiar feel and excellent tension for down-tuning. Its compound radius fretboard transitions from 12" at the nut to a comfortable 16" at the higher frets, offering optimal playability whether you're chording or soloing. The neck-through construction enhances sustain and stability, ensuring that every note rings clear and true.

Aesthetic touches like the distinctive sharkfin inlays and bound fingerboard add a touch of elegance to this powerhouse performer. Whether you're performing intricate solos or laying down heavy riffs, the Jackson X Series KEXQ Kelly is built to deliver exceptional sound and playability.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar with iconic Kelly shape
  • Jackson high-output humbucking pickups for dynamic tones
  • 25.5" scale length for balanced tension
  • Compound radius fretboard (12"-16") for improved playability
  • Neck-through construction for enhanced sustain
  • Distinctive sharkfin inlays and bound fingerboard for an elegant look

Product specs

Brand Jackson
Model X Series KEXQ Kelly with Laurel Fretboard
Year 2017 - 2025
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Poplar
Body Shape X-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Green, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Laurel, Rosewood
Model Family Jackson Kelly
Neck Construction Neck-Through
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Jackson X Series

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Jackson X Series KEXQ Kelly's pickups?

The Jackson X Series KEXQ Kelly features a dual humbucker (HH) configuration, delivering powerful, high-output tones suitable for heavy metal and hard rock. The pickups provide a balanced sound with clear highs and robust lows, ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.

Is the Jackson X Series KEXQ Kelly suitable for beginners?

While the Jackson X Series KEXQ Kelly offers advanced features like a locking tremolo bridge, its playability and design cater more to intermediate and advanced players. Beginners might find it challenging due to its specialized setup and need for maintenance.

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

The Jackson X Series KEXQ Kelly features a fast-playing maple neck with a neck-through construction, providing excellent sustain and easy access to higher frets. The neck is designed for speed and comfort, making it ideal for shredding and complex solos.

Does the Jackson X Series KEXQ Kelly come with a locking tremolo system?

Yes, the Jackson X Series KEXQ Kelly is equipped with a locking tremolo bridge, allowing for stable tuning even with aggressive whammy bar use. This feature is perfect for players who utilize dive bombs and other tremolo techniques.

What materials are used in the construction of the Jackson X Series KEXQ Kelly?

The Jackson X Series KEXQ Kelly features a poplar body with a striking sunburst gloss finish, a maple neck, and a laurel or rosewood fretboard. These materials contribute to the guitar's durability and distinctive tonal qualities.

Jackson Guitars

Jackson Guitars

Jackson X Series Kelly KEXQ Demo | Featured Demo | Jackson Guitars

Video thumbnail for Jackson X Series Kelly KEXQ Demo | Featured Demo | Jackson Guitars by Jackson Guitars

Jackson X Series Kelly KEXQ Demo | Featured Demo | Jackson Guitars

Jackson Guitars

Jackson Guitars

Video thumbnail for Jackson X Series Kelly KEXQ Demo-'Symphony Of Destruction'(Cover) by Guitarist 'Yeongseong Lee'(이영성) by Music Force Official

Jackson X Series Kelly KEXQ Demo-'Symphony Of Destruction'(Cover) by Guitarist 'Yeongseong Lee'(이영성)

Music Force Official

Music Force Official

Video thumbnail for Jackson KEXQ Kelly Review – Sharp Looks, But How Does It Play? by ICEIOKYI

Jackson KEXQ Kelly Review – Sharp Looks, But How Does It Play?

ICEIOKYI

ICEIOKYI

Reviews

PROS

  • Stock pickups offer a hot and clear tone

  • Lightweight despite its large size

  • Floyd Rose tremolo allows for impressive divebombs and squeals

  • Remarkable tuning stability

  • Great sustain for dynamic playing

  • Comfortable rosewood neck enhances playability

CONS

  • Cosmetic issue with neck binding clearcoat

  • Reverse headstock is missing

  • String changes are complex with Floyd Rose bridge

  • Tuning adjustments are not straightforward with Floyd Rose

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The upper fret access is generally praised, but some find reaching frets 23-24 slightly challenging compared to other Jackson models like the Soloist or King V.

    Source
  • It's noted that the Floyd Rose Special uses a cheaper metal compared to the FR1000, potentially reducing its long-term reliability and tuning stability.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Schaller Lockmeister is suggested as a cost-effective alternative to the Floyd Rose 1000 series, offering similar quality and compatibility.

    Source
  • EMG pickups, particularly the 81/60 combo, are popular upgrades for enhancing tone and matching aesthetics, especially with gold covers.

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  • Replacing the high E saddle with a Schaller model can improve tuning stability on the Floyd Rose Special.

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  • Users recommend upgrading tuners before pickups, suggesting this as a priority for better stability and performance.

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  • Seymour Duncan Invaders are suggested for a significant tonal upgrade, especially in the bridge position, though they may require EQ adjustments to manage bass levels.

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  • An EQ pedal, such as the MXR 10-band or Boss GE7, can provide substantial tone shaping for less than the cost of new pickups.

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User experience

  • Despite its unconventional shape, the Kelly is reported to be comfortable for sitting play, thanks to its balanced weight distribution.

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  • Despite the construction quality, the Floyd Rose Special may be unreliable for gigging if using string gauges larger than 9-42 without modifications.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners appreciate the fast neck and playability for styles requiring intricate solos, especially when moving from guitars with less accessible upper frets.

    Source
  • Invaders are noted for their high output and may require reducing bass on the amp for balanced tone, making them ideal for aggressive styles.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Floyd Rose Special bridges may require replacing the high E string saddle with a Schaller for better stability when using larger string gauges.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • For non-gigging scenarios or lighter string gauges, the KEX offers satisfactory performance without needing modifications.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Jackson X Series KEXQ Kelly's stock "Jackson High-Output Humbucking" pickups are described as decent for 80s music but considered mediocre overall compared to aftermarket options.

    Source

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