TEST: Jackson Kelly

 They still exist, the companies whose name or if and but is associated with only one style of music. Example? Jackson = Metal! It's that simple. Fortunately, the company, founded in 1980 by Grover Jackson and now part of the Fender Group, doesn't even try to make its narrow but clear customer orientation more flexible, but instead relies on manifesting the path it has chosen.

As one of the few first protagonists when it came to power strat and airbrush layouts, Jackson quickly gained a foothold in the business in the mid-eighties and quickly became state-of-the-art when it came to musical hair metal and cock rock before the Japanese invasion put that firmly in their place The audience was gradually sold off due to cheaper prices compared to USA production.

Fortunately, when it comes to trademarks, Jackson was able to establish two body forms, unlike many competitors of his time, which to this day clearly identify their company affiliation. Although based on the Gibson forefathers Flying V and Explorer, the Randy Rhoads and Kelly models were able to retain their media/stage presence to this day and ensured that the name was not lost. However, why Jackson chose the model name “Kelly”, which in my opinion was more than just an unfortunate choice for this area of music, will probably remain an eternal mystery.

With the exception of a few signature instruments, Jackson has now outsourced the production of its products to China in order to be able to compete against the competition in terms of price. The model I have was delivered in “Transparent Black”.


construction

Although the individual components of the instrument should also contain references to one or another guitar from an earlier date, the trademark par excellence, the tapered headstock in combination with the shark inlays on the rosewood fingerboard, leave no doubt about the manufacturer, even without the widely visible lettering instruments emerge. The angle of the headstock visually forms a pleasant symmetry with two of the body flanks, which gives the instrument a sleek appearance.

When it comes to neck construction, Jackson relies on a full-length maple neck, which shines with an extremely long sustain and is therefore able to cushion the slight vibration losses caused by the construction thanks to the Floyd Rose Special Vibrato System. The instrument comes with a long scale length (648 mm) and has a strong “D” in the neck shaping.

Paired with a very flat fretboard radius and heavy jumbo frets, the playing area is, as expected, in the technically demanding solo area. The fingerboard is surrounded by a white plastic binding and has 24 frets. In contrast to the Explorer, the body, which is significantly smaller, consists of four pieces of basswood, which were glued to the neck on both sides. A thin, two-part (maple?) veneer provides a visually high-quality appearance, but due to its dimensions has no influence on the sound of the instrument.

The instrument's hardware is completely black and has a comparatively stiff master volume control, master tone control and a 3-way switch. The pickups used are the market-leading products from EMG in the heavy range, once again the very popular variation 85 in the neck area and 81 as the bridge pickup. At the back of the body there is access to the vibrato system and the wiring of the circuit, both neatly covered with recessed plastic discs. Another milling provides easy access to the 9V battery required to power the active pickups via a clip closure.



Practice

What is noticeable even when dry is the unexpectedly long sustain of the instrument. Here Jackson made a wise decision with its continuous neck and accepted the slightly increased production effort in favor of better vibration behavior. When played while sitting, the musician who is inexperienced with the Explorer form may have a bit of trouble with the elongated corner of the body at the top left, as it lacks the armrest curve that one is used to in the mainstream.

Played while standing, that flank does exactly what you miss when sitting, the armrest that ensures relaxed playing even in a comparatively low playing position. In conjunction with the “male” neck profile and the powerful jumbo frets, the guitar has to be said to be very ergonomic to handle. Fast solo work in particular can be achieved with a minimum of haptic resistance and makes it easier to implement demanding leads and licks.

In terms of sound, the guitar delivers exactly what it promises visually. In collaboration with the EMG pickup combination, the neutral-sounding Linde body adapts to all styles of rock right up to hard-core metal. Pearly-active in the clean range with a very high level of transparency even at extremely strong gain, combined with maximum assertiveness and feedback insensitivity, just as you are used to with EMGs cast with synthetic resin, the instrument covers the entire range of distortion. However, if you like non-linear vintage sounds, this is definitely the wrong place for you.

The Kelly's vibrato system does its job without any criticism. Anyone who has their hand rest under control can enjoy the expanded musical expression possibilities of the free-floating construction. As with all guitars with 24 frets, the neck pickup is forced to sit a little deeper in the body and therefore has a different overtone than in the classic 21 or 22 fret version. Everyone has to decide for themselves whether this is a sound advantage or disadvantage.



Conclusion

The Jackson KEXMG Kelly is a real workhorse in the rock/metal sector and, thanks to Asian manufacturing, offers a lot of instrument for the money. Well made and blessed with above-average sustain due to the continuous neck, the guitar impresses both in the clean and especially in the distorted range.

Whether moderate crunch or extreme high gains, the sound of the guitar always remains transparent and does not get bogged down in the infamous low-mid mud that often occurs with strong distortion. Due to the comparatively strong neck shaping, this instrument is not for slimming fetishists and can definitely handle a bold grip. High-quality hardware and the use of active EMG pickups contribute to rounding off the positive overall impression of the instrument.

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Additional Informations:

**The Genesis of Jackson Guitars: A Comprehensive Journey**

Jackson Guitars stands as an iconic brand in the realm of electric guitars, renowned for its high-performance instruments that cater to the needs of shredders and metal enthusiasts worldwide. The company's journey from humble beginnings to global prominence is a tale of innovation, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. In this in-depth article, we delve into the enthralling history of Jackson Guitars, tracing its origins, pivotal milestones, and enduring legacy.

**1. Origins and Founding:**
The story of Jackson Guitars begins in the late 1970s in Glendora, California, where a talented guitar repairman and luthier named Grover Jackson established a small custom guitar shop. Jackson's passion for guitars and dedication to craftsmanship soon caught the attention of Randy Rhoads, the legendary guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne. Rhoads approached Jackson with a unique request—to build him a custom guitar that would match his distinctive playing style and aesthetic preferences.

**2. The Randy Rhoads Connection:**
The collaboration between Grover Jackson and Randy Rhoads proved to be a pivotal moment in the history of Jackson Guitars. Rhoads' vision for a sleek, high-performance guitar that combined elements of traditional craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities inspired Jackson to create the now-iconic "Concorde" model. This radical guitar design, characterized by its asymmetrical V-shaped body and striking aesthetics, became synonymous with Rhoads' electrifying stage presence and virtuosic playing.

**3. The Birth of Jackson Guitars:**
In 1980, Grover Jackson officially founded Jackson Guitars as a standalone brand, dedicated to producing high-quality, performance-oriented instruments for discerning musicians. The company's early offerings included custom-built guitars and basses, often featuring innovative designs and cutting-edge features that set them apart from traditional instruments. Jackson's reputation for craftsmanship and attention to detail quickly earned the brand a loyal following among professional musicians and enthusiasts alike.

**4. Expansion and Evolution:**
Throughout the 1980s, Jackson Guitars experienced significant growth and expansion, fueled by the rising popularity of heavy metal music and the burgeoning demand for high-performance instruments. The company introduced several iconic models during this period, including the Soloist, King V, and Kelly, each designed to meet the demands of virtuoso players seeking speed, precision, and aggressive tone. Jackson's commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of guitar design cemented its status as a leading force in the industry.

**5. Acquisition by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation:**
In 2002, Jackson Guitars underwent a significant transition when it was acquired by the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC), one of the world's largest and most respected guitar manufacturers. The acquisition provided Jackson Guitars with access to greater resources, distribution networks, and manufacturing capabilities, allowing the brand to reach new heights of success while maintaining its commitment to quality and innovation.

**6. Contemporary Legacy and Influence:**
Today, Jackson Guitars continues to uphold its legacy of excellence, producing a diverse range of instruments that cater to the evolving needs of modern musicians. From classic shredder models to contemporary high-performance guitars, Jackson remains at the forefront of innovation, incorporating cutting-edge features such as compound-radius fingerboards, active electronics, and ergonomic body designs. The brand's roster of endorsed artists includes some of the most influential names in rock and metal music, ensuring that Jackson Guitars remains synonymous with uncompromising performance and sonic versatility.

**7. Innovations and Signature Models:**
Central to Jackson's success has been its commitment to innovation, continually pushing the boundaries of guitar design and technology. The brand has introduced numerous groundbreaking features and signature models that have left an indelible mark on the industry. Examples include the incorporation of Floyd Rose tremolo systems for enhanced tuning stability and dive-bombing capabilities, as well as the development of high-output pickups designed to deliver the aggressive tone demanded by metal and hard rock guitarists. Additionally, Jackson has collaborated with renowned artists to create signature models tailored to their specific preferences and playing styles, further solidifying the brand's reputation for catering to the needs of discerning musicians.

**8. Custom Shop and Limited Editions:**
In addition to its standard production models, Jackson Guitars operates a Custom Shop facility where master luthiers craft bespoke instruments tailored to the exact specifications of individual players. These custom-built guitars and basses offer unparalleled levels of customization, allowing musicians to select everything from tonewoods and finishes to electronics and hardware. Furthermore, Jackson periodically releases limited edition models featuring unique finishes, exotic woods, and special appointments, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts seeking one-of-a-kind instruments with exceptional craftsmanship and exclusivity.

**9. Global Impact and Community Engagement:**
Jackson Guitars' influence extends far beyond its products, encompassing a vibrant community of musicians, fans, and enthusiasts worldwide. The brand actively engages with its audience through social media, events, and artist endorsements, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual appreciation among players of all skill levels. Furthermore, Jackson supports aspiring musicians and educational initiatives through sponsorships, scholarships, and outreach programs, ensuring that the next generation of guitarists has access to quality instruments and resources to nurture their talent and creativity.

**10. Continued Evolution and Future Prospects:**
As Jackson Guitars looks to the future, it remains committed to evolving with the ever-changing landscape of the music industry. The brand continues to explore new technologies, materials, and design concepts to meet the evolving needs and preferences of musicians. From advancements in guitar electronics and hardware to sustainable manufacturing practices and environmental stewardship, Jackson is poised to remain at the forefront of guitar innovation while upholding its legacy of quality, craftsmanship, and performance for generations to come.

**11. Conclusion:**
In conclusion, the story of Jackson Guitars is one of innovation, passion, and enduring excellence. From its humble beginnings as a small custom shop to its current status as a global leader in electric guitars, Jackson has remained dedicated to providing musicians with instruments that inspire creativity, push boundaries, and deliver unparalleled performance. With a rich history of iconic designs, groundbreaking innovations, and unwavering commitment to quality, Jackson Guitars continues to shape the future of guitar craftsmanship and redefine the possibilities of sonic expression for musicians worldwide.