JS30KE Kelly Review

Jackson builds all of the models in this series with an alder body, a bolt-on maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, Jackson humbuckers and chrome hardware including an adjustable string-thru-body bridge.

Features:	9
Sound:	9.7
Action:	8.7
Reliability:	9.3
Impression:	9.7
Overall rating:	9.3
Users rating:	8.2
Comments:	34

overall: 10

Featured review by: bensk8n, on december 20, 2004

Price paid: $ 250

Purchased from: Winter Sound

Features: 24 jumbo frets, ton volume knowbs, two CVR2 Jackson humbuckers, rosewood fretboard, 1 volume 1 tone knob, 3 way Switch, thin(ner) neck. It's a deep metallic blue with a relative Explorer cut-out Jackson style. Plays smooth and easy. The two humbuckers, Jackson CVR2's I'm pretty sure are actives, sound good. The way they're set in they hardly move like other pickups. It has a set bridge, bolt on neck. // 10

Sound: The bridge pickups has a sharp crunchy sound when distorted, but doesn't have as good a clean in the bridge. It's sharp but not a smooth sounding, but nothing bad. The bridge sounds a lot like the bridge yet with more bass in it. Distorted it has a bassier less distorted sound. The best way to get a good clean is using the middle, using both pickups together. Sounds very good especially for chords. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: The set up is very well done. Pickups don't move, neck is very solid (bolt on though), set bridge - HardTail, 24 jumbo frets. Everything on it is setup just how I would like it. Since it is used I am surprised that I havent found anything on but a tiny little chip right next to the neck, obviously it was well taken care of, and/or gently/hardly used. // 10

Reliability & Durability: Since I've only a short time I cant really say how durable it is gig wise (I'll know soon), but it feels very solid, made for gigging. It feels kind of big, but then again I'm not too big my self. // 10

Impression: Very nice sounding and looking. Plays smooth, neck feels a bit long but nothing major. The guitar I'd been looking for for a long time. I would recommend it to anyone. // 10

Reviewed by: unregistered, on february 21, 2006

Price paid: $ 328.719

Purchased from: L&M

Features: I had it ordered to I guess july 2005, it says on the head "made in Korea" so not much quality built I suppose. 24 frets with dot inlays (24 kidna hard to reach), scale is 25.5 with a damn good thin flat U neck, rosewood fretboad (my nail kinda gets caught in a graving in it), XJ, alder body solid top with a bolt on maple neck, finish is a sexy dark metallic red with sparkles lol, body is like an Explorer but damn sexy but kinda small, bridge is a Tune-O-Matic string thru, stinkin passive pickups with 1 tone, 1 vol., 3-way Switch controls, 2 Jackson CVR2's pretty decent but I'm puttin EMG 85b/60n in em soon, Jackson tuners. I use a normal gig bag but the part where the horn is the fabric is tearing. // 8

Sound: I play from clean melodic chords to thrash and from rock to metal-core, and this suits my clean, metal and metalcore sounds not really anything else. I play thru a Spider II 112 and there's days when it would sound so damn good then days where its not steppin up to my expectations, well it doesn't hum in my metal setting but the insane setting it does oh wel just put your palm on the bridge and its gone, my insane setting is bassy chunk sound and my metal setting is bright kinda like a COB AYDY sound which I like. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: It's perfect for me I'm rhythm and the thin flat U is wonderful but I do perfer neck-thru's even tho I probably wont be soloing with this guitar not really a soloing guitar to my opinion, there's a slight slant in the bridge pickup but it's still good I'm using thick ernie ball stings in it and I was scared when one string wouldnt go thru the gauge but I popped it in there s alls good, all that I kno is that the jack nut is not tight and gotta tighten it now and then, the vol. knob is loose and crackles so I gotta get that fixed, dinged and chipped the shit out of the points but ya its my 1st love and will always have it from here on untill it breaks completely then ill get a USA kelly in the same color. // 8

Reliability & Durability: It's my only guitar so it's gonna be studio and live, I'm sure it will last for a long time after I get the knobs fixed. I'm gonna need strap locks and a leather strap since it dives 'cause of a long neck and small light body, well I play in different tunings from E stand. to C stand. so I'm gonna need like 3 or 4 more guitars (RR5, EX-400, F-500 and eclipse II VTB) but this guitar would be my main one when it gets new pickups along side my RR5 I'm getting right away. // 10

Impression: I'm completely and utterly in love with my guitar who I called "delilah" and will always be in love with it. If it were stolen well I would get a pro series this time, if it broke then ill have to get a new one fast since its my only one for some time. Overall it's worth the money and well a $100+ to change the pickups. // 9

Reviewed by: unregistered, on may 20, 2005

Price paid: $ 292.2921

Purchased from: Steve's Music

Features: I'm not sure what year it was made, but I know that it was "crafted in India." It has a 24-fret maple neck, with a rosewood fretboard and dot inlays. I believe it is a solid-top, made of mahogany (or some sorta strong dark wood). The finish is an acrylic dark metallic blue with a hint of sparkle to it. However, this shows fingerprints really obviously. The Kelly body style is pretty much a Gibson Explorer, except cooler! it's got more aggressive lines, and a surprisingly comfortable figure. The bridge is a string-thru body style, but I'd rather a tremolo arm of some sort. The electronics are active I believe. There are 3 simple controls. 1 volume, 1 tone, and a 3-way pickup selector. A set of EMG-esque Jackson CVR-2 humbuckers gives it a very heavy Drive tone, but the clean isn't too defined when the selector is in the bridge position. Configuration is H/H. Simple as that. It uses grover tuners that need not be waxed as they are covered. I had to custom order a gig-bag from Jackson because the guitar wouldn't fit in any other case. I love it, though. // 8

Sound: My music style is generally blues and metal. Perhaps it isn't a common mix, but I enjoy it nonetheless. It sounds great for both of those, even without FX. I run it either through a silly little Brand X X-15R amp, or my preferred amp: Fender Hot Rod Deluxe. On a tube amp, I was surprised to hear the tone of this guitar. It's very soulful. My Pedalboard: Ernie Ball Volume Pedal, Dunlop GCB-95 Crybaby, Boss CE-5 Chorus ensemble, Boss BF-2 Flanger, Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler. On top, is a Fender 3-function footswitch. My favourite sound to make with this guitar is the Coin sound from super mario. Sounds best with a kick of Drive. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: Action's low, but it buzzes on the higher strings (G, B, E) from frets 1-3, generally. It is great for two-hand tapping and blues. The pickups are well adjusted, although a little lopsided. not really noticeable. The bridge worked fine. The volume knob is very crackly, probably the fault of poor soldering. Also, the pickup Switch cuts out a little bit, but no biggie. Jiggle it a bit and it's back to normal. // 6

Reliability & Durability: Yes it will. Jacksons are typically well built, but I doubt it'll do too well if I chuck it at the ground or something of that likeness. Hardware feels solid, as do the strap buttons. I do depend on it, but I may bring a backup just in case. First time it fell, a centimeter long chunk of paint fell off the body. Barely noticeable, besides, a guitar that hasn't been chipped, hasn't been loved. // 8

Impression: It's a bi--hin' guitar all across the board. I play blues and metal generally. This sounds fine for it. Although I've only been playing for about 2 years, I know a top notch guitar when I see one. This isn't top notch. Got it? I'm not one of those spoiled little piss ants that think their Squier Strat or Epiphone SG is the best guitar ever made. My perfect guitar would be a Fender American Telecaster. I wish I had the coin for that sucker, lemme tell ya. Best guitar I've ever played. Although, this Jackson does the trick for now and looks hella-sweet. I also have a Takamine G530S Acoustic guitar with a Dean Markley Pro-Mag Plus single coil pickup. Massive feedback. I use a Planet Waves 15' Cord. I wish I'd raised the action. I love the feeling of the smooth maple neck. I don't like the buzzing or crappy soldering. Favourite feature: I like how the volume knob is very close to the strings so that you can operate it with your pinky to make volume swells, but I've got a pedal for that anyways. I wish it had EMG or Duncan pickups. That'd be insane. Also, a tube of extra touch-up paint in case you chip it. // 10

overall: 8.8

Reviewed by: madsunday, on september 12, 2007

Price paid: $ 366

Purchased from: Peter Norris Music

Features: Made in India, the Kelly I purchased is a work of ART. It's 24 easy to reach frets are always something to boast about, and despite being the starter of the kelly range it's Ultra smooth, narrow and thin maple neck means fast playing is not a problem. It features on the front, a volume, tone and 3 way pickup selector. It has 2 Jackson special CVR humbucking pickups, a slot on bridge and it's all in chrome! (the pickups have a plastic ‘black box’ cover). The body is Indian Cedro, covered with a red plastic, which is then coated with whichever colour paint you choose (mine is black) and a gloss finish. It has the traditional strap holders but they are not locking ones, which can sometimes mean slipping! Especially on this neck heavy instrument. It has a panel on the rear which is easily removable to access the electrics. The jack socket is poorly placed, at exactly the point where the guitar rests if not in a stand. // 8

Sound: I play mainly old metal, early maiden, that sort of thing. I have not found a nicer sounding guitar for my purposes. The Kelly series is used by Slayer and System Of A Down so have a listen to some of there tones and you will get the general idea. Without the distortion pedal it sounds beautifully soft, with a nice full sound, but with a pedal on it sounds unbelievably huge. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: The guitar arrived in perfect condition. I immediatly adjusted the bridge (which is just a case of turning 2 screws, really easy) to remove the buzz from the low strings and lower the side of the high strings to make tapping easier. It is so adjustable to suit whatever you want. // 9

Reliability & Durability: I have had the guitar for 2 years now and it has just developed a buzz on one of the tuning head, but this will not be hard to replace. Let me say this first, it is VERY durable. I have dropped it a number of times and it still plays like new. Although you will not want to damage the look of such a beautiful guitar. The problems I have had are: the neck heavy guitar leans awkwardly whenever you let go (and it wieghs a ton! No jumping round on stage with this unless you have a neck of steel). The straps slipping off the poorly shaped holders. An internal wire being wrapped around the volume knob inside the guitar, which in turn caused the wire to be ripped out. Some quick soldering solved this though. // 8

Impression: Despite soem minor problems I love this guitar. I have recently bought a JT-XG2 and Switch between this and my Jackson. I know some people Who baught Jacksons higher up the price scale, and unless you need a floating trem, there's no need to spend the extra cash. This instrument will be one that you keep until you upgrade into the legendary guitars (the razorback etc). // 9

Reviewed by: unregistered, on march 31, 2006

Purchased from: Steve's music, Toronto

Features: This guitar is basically prtty simple when it comes to features, but it still sounds great and looks awesome. It's got volume and tone knobs, and a 3-way pickup Switch. Like I said, pretty simple, but it does it's job. It also has 24 frets which is nice. // 9

Sound: My music style is either nice clean stuff or metal, but not much in between, but it sounds great for those styles. It hums a little when you're not playing, but once you start it stops the buzz. I'll give it a 9 for this cause I haven't really experemented with other kinds of music to say its amzing or sucks for those. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: The guitar came set up nearly perfect, although I'd reccomend changing the strings on it cause the factory ones arent the greatest. It's a little weird to play at first because of the way it's shaped and where the strap ataches, but you get used to it. It's also really hard to play sitting down, but eventually you'll find a comfy way to hold it. The finish on it was very good. I haven't found any flaws in it, but with the black finish, fingerprints stand out on it really good, but what are you gonna do? // 9

Reliability & Durability: This guitar will definitaly last within the first hour I banged it off a wall and there wasnt even a chip. The strap hasn't fallen off at all, even though the buttons look fairly small. I would definately gig it without a backup. // 10

Impression: Like I said, I play metal or clean stuff, and it's a perfect match. If it was stolen or lost, I'd probably sit in my basement and stare at the empty stand where it usually goes for a few weeks, then I'd go fing who stole it and steal it back, or definately buy a new one. Speaking of stands, it's weird to put on a stand, but as long as the bottom part of it can tilt to accomidate for the curve, and it's got some non slip rubber or something, then it's fine. Overall this is a great guitar, especally for the price. It'd be pretty nice if it came with a gig bag or something, because it doesn't fit into a normal one. One thing I wouldn't reccomend is the hard case for this, because if you've got that kind of money (about as much as the guitar costs), then you might as well buy the Kelly KE or whatever the better one is. It's great. I'd definately recomend this to begginers or anyone because of its price and great sound. // 10

Reviewed by: unregistered, on march 13, 2006

Features: This guitar is a 2005 model, not too sure where it was made to be honest. It's got 24 jumbo frets that are great to play. The neck has a nice feel to it, thin, flat, fast, great for shredding and soloing in general. My model is just in a black colour, but it looks so damn sexy! The body style is one of the things that attracted me to this guitar. I was looking for a metal guitar, not too expensive, and yet had some form of individuality to it, and then I found this. I didn't wanna be part of the crowd with there Strat body designs and there Ibanez guitars. The shape is like a Gibson Explorer thats been on a diet basicly. It has Jackson CVR2 humbucking pickups which I think are awsome at taking distortion, however in the future I will be upgrading to an 81 and an 85 pair of EMG's, and itt has one volume and one tone control with a 3 way pickup selector. // 10

Sound: My preferred music style is all genre's of metal. Ranging from the God like riffs of old Metallica (Black Album etc) to more thrash riffs like Pantera, death metal etc. I am currently running it through a 50 watt Axl U35R amplifier, and a death metal distortion pedal, which it sounds great with. There is barley any noise from this at all, even with the huge distortion from the pedal, it can only be heard when on very high volume levels, which doesn't worry me, 'cause that's still not a lot of noise. The stock Jackson pickups are noisy bitches! I am currently in a band with a friend who owns an Ibanez RG model, and a similer set-up, and he has trouble competing volume wise. Again, heavy distorted riffs sound great, and so do solo's higher up the fret board. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: This guitar was great from the factory! I only had the action altered slightly and I was playing straight away. The only thing I'd say is that when playing, you tend to play above the neck pickup so you can palm mute effectivly. The large amount of picking the top strings has caused the pickup casing to become very mildy marked. However this does not effect the sound in the slightest and shouldn't be worried about. // 9

Reliability & Durability: This guitar would easily withstand live play, I know cause I've done it! The hardware is sturdy, and is all set firmly in place, the jack screw does loosen from time to time, but again, not to be worried about. I have and would use this guitar without a backup cause I believe in it that much. I've had this guitar for about a year now, and there's no sign of wear and tear at all. // 9

Impression: This guitar matches well with the metal styles I play. I've been playing about 2 years now, and frankly, if this was stolen I'd get whatever money I could and get out and buy one again, then go slaughter the guy that took it, slowly and painfully, anyway I love the overall look of this beast, the sexy black with the sexy body is just sexy! I do wish that I did buy the model with the floyd rose style bridge, however this problem will be solved with the purchasing of an Ibanez (going against what I said earlier) later this year. Overall, awsome guitar. // 10

overall: 10

Reviewed by: Ratt, on november 21, 2005

Price paid: $ 220

Purchased from: Sam Ash

Features: // 10

Sound: This guitar is a great metal guitar (as well as all other Jackson guitars). The bridge close coil pickup is fierce and puts out a great metal sound when played through my Zoom multi-effects pedal and a 30 watt Crate. Using both pickups at once is great for an acoustic tone, and the neck pickup is excellent for all your soloing needs. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: Everything was set-up fine right out of the box. However I did some adjustments to the bridge just because of personal preference. // 10

Reliability & Durability: It will definatly withstand live play, and I have taken it on many "jam sessions" and it has been fine. The hardware seems reliable, as are the strap buttons. I wouldn't use it at a gig without a backup because I'm just a cautious person, but theres about a %99. 9 chance that I wont need the backup. // 10

Impression: I play metal and rock, it's a great match up for both, but mainly metal. I have been playing for over 2 years, and I own lots of gear which include: BC Rich Mockingbird, Squier Strat, Fender acoustic/electric, and then a 15 and 30 watt Crate, and a 120 watt Behringer, also a Zoom pedal. If it were lost or stolen I wouldn't re-buy it, simply because I would buy a more expensive model of Kelly because I love Jackson. // 10

Comments

[alex-t]

what currency is this money in?

[james4]

^^^i got mine for about 250 or so canadian

[Simpleplan_rulz]

duuuuude

[steveclark1212]

over all mine was just under 400

[Panterica]

wtf mine was 899.99 .....at guitar center

[CA Guitar Guy]

they are selling it at samash for only 300 american dollars right now

[GTB24]

i really like the look but i ve never heard one

[Eternal_One]

@Panteria

Do not mistake the JS30 Kelly for one of the more expensive and mid/top range Kelly's that Jackson makes.
The one you bought was prob from a different model range but same "Kelly" shape.

The reviews were horrible, spelling was atrocious and just didn't make sense at places.Shame.

[Dimebag_Chuck]

i just recently bought my JS30KE Kelly and im puttin a Seymour Duncan SH-8 Invader in the neck, and hoping to put either a Full Shred, or Dimebucker... and i must say the look..... is AMAZING!!! im soon to play in a Thrash Metal Band in GP but im waiting on installation, all in all i must agree witheveryone here and say the guitar is sweet A$$!

[68_SG]

man awsome guitar i bought one recently and its crazy never seen a thinner neck and the action is unbelievable, my marshall valvestate and that baby sounds just like megadeth's rust in peace when the amp is set properly dude just buy the damn thing ( also getting dimarzio's)

[68_SG]

yep got the Dimarzio super distortion and super 2 in its unbelievable, you can sound like pretty much any one that uses the super's pickups, and the best part is the versitile sound, it surely has one of the best tone for the cleanest to the heaviest, long live marty friedman's sound

[fhdx]

Bensk8n said: It feels kind of big, but then again I'm not too big my self.

Big where?...

[Nhex (PT)]

believe me Bensk8n this guitar is not big

[heminder]

i got this guitar...
will submit a review once i've bashed around with it for a while...

[Pingis_Or_Death]

The two humbuckers, Jackson CVR2's I'm pretty sure are actives

I highly doubt it

[Hanger 17]

This or a Js30KV or a JS30RR?

[jackson_bummage]

too right this is a disgrace. the second review gave wrong information saying that it came with EMG-esque Jackson CVR-2 humbuckers, id like to point out that these pick-ups are nothing to do with emg as emg are a seperate company, these are basic jackson pick-ups, you will only find emg pick-ups on the jackson ke2 or ke3 if they're special models as they usually come with seymour duncan pick-ups.

the js30ke is a guitar for starters or people wishing to personalize the guitar itself.

know your stuff before you post wrong information leading people to believe this

Eternal_One wrote:

@Panteria

Do not mistake the JS30 Kelly for one of the more expensive and mid/top range Kelly's that Jackson makes.
The one you bought was prob from a different model range but same "Kelly" shape.

The reviews were horrible, spelling was atrocious and just didn't make sense at places.Shame.

[jackson_bummage]

by the way the cvr-2's are not active pickups they are standard jackson humbuckers

[odb56]

Panterica wrote:

wtf mine was 899.99 .....at guitar center

man....your nuts ...this is a beginners guitar...

[odb56]

jackson_bummage wrote:

by the way the cvr-2's are not active pickups they are standard jackson humbuckers

yeah...so true ...active pick-ups wouldn´t sound that crappy

[Hanger 17]

EMG-esque means they are kinda like EMG's, I think he was saying that they look like EMG's cause i highly doubt someone would compare stock Jackson pick-ups to arguably the best pick-ups around, so get back in your box.

[GuitarManNick]

Panterica wrote:

wtf mine was 899.99 .....at guitar center

dude are u sure urs is a Kelly JS30KE and not a Kelly KE2 or a Jackson Custom shop model ?!? coz the only Kelly guitars which cost more than 500 are KE2 and Custom Shop models...

[ralleymonkey]

Hey im am looking in to buying this guitar and i was wondering if the pickups were active or passive if anyone can help me id greatly appreciate it.

[|\puto_rodas/|]

ralleymonkey wrote:

Hey im am looking in to buying this guitar and i was wondering if the pickups were active or passive if anyone can help me id greatly appreciate it.

Would U please read a few comments above?!
God, there are still people that cant read!!!
0.o
rock on...

[ralleymonkey]

Hey |\puto_rodas/| calm ur ass down im just a kid and asked a simple question, and wanted a simple and polite answer, i may be young but not ignorant!!! Cheers

[DenHond]

GuitarManNick wrote:

Panterica wrote:

wtf mine was 899.99 .....at guitar center

dude are u sure urs is a Kelly JS30KE and not a Kelly KE2 or a Jackson Custom shop model ?!? coz the only Kelly guitars which cost more than 500 are KE2 and Custom Shop models...

Its probably a KE3 (pro series)

[millynell14]

I got one of these in august '06 i was well chuffed with it, its a really good guitar for ametuers but after a year you start to break out of it, and you think "wow this guitar is lame i could of bought a much better 1 for 50£ more" it's quite heavy and most of the weight is at the head (for some reason) and its awkward to get a decent cheap case but other wise its great! the sound, build and design are fabulous. but if you're gonna buy 1 save up for a bit more and search for a better giutar.

[321caleb]

im desperate on this. please answer my question asasp.. Does the jackson kelly have a thick neck comapred to other guitars like epiphone explorers?? I went to the guitar store and tried out a randy rhoad and the neck was pretty thick compared to my squire strat.

[Wardster]

Love this geeetar

[Punk-Goth-Angel]

that's the greatest shape I've seen

[guitarmaster97]

is this guitar sound better then the js30rr?

[Tele LeSg]

To bad this is a beginner guitar

[ilovebamboo]

This is a beginner guitar and it looks sick. But how cheap can i get it? I can only spend between $150-$220 as i blew my money on an Epiphone (not that its bad i just need a second guitar) And does anyone know if i can get it off the internet cheap? thanks!

[dobby240]

im about to go buy it!!! i played it in the shop yesterady and i loved it, im getting a Line 6 amp with it soon too (but ill have to save for that)