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“It has evolved into a completely different guitar”: Would you like some guitar with your fretboard? Jackson has just introduced a 27-fret monster signature model for Brandon Ellis
Jackson has unveiled its latest signature guitar for Brandon Ellis: a 27-fret shred machine that brings some serious upgrades to the Kelly design.
The former Black Dahlia Murder member is no stranger to Jackson Kelly guitars. He already has one signature under his belt. But this new version, the KE27, is a different beast altogether.
The highlight is that epic fretboard, which bumps the fret count from 24 to a whopping 27. Twenty-seven frets?! That is insane. Not only that, they’re jumbo stainless steel. Pair that with the 12”-16” compound radius fretboard and you have a guitar primed for fretboard pyrotechnics.
The maple neck and fretboard, which has black sharkfin inlays, is fixed to a nyatoh body. Enter the next standout feature: the Gold Crackle finish. Is it an upgrade on the Green Crackle found on its predecessor? Yes, yes it is. Especially when paired with the gold hardware.
Brandon Ellis Presents His Gold Crackle Kelly KE27 | Jackson Guitars - YouTube
Tone-wise, there’s a Seymour Duncan signature Dyad Parallel Axis and PA-STK pickup combo. The former has a hybrid coil design for a wide-open dynamic sound, and is wired to a push/pull series/parallel volume pot. The latter is for “hum-free clarity with smooth sustain”.
Finishing touches include a top-mount Gotoh GE1996T double-locking tremolo, a reverse Jackson headstock, Dunlop strap locks, Luminlay side dots, and ivory binding on the neck and headstock.
(Image credit: Jackson)
“The KE27 has really evolved into a completely different guitar in its own right,” Ellis says of his new signature. “While the first iteration was built on the standard Jackson Kelly spec, this one features meaningful customizations to virtually every aspect.
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“When I pick this guitar up, I'm just in awe. It plays like a custom shop guitar and has a unique feel and sound all its own.”
The Pro Plus Series Signature Brandon Ellis Kelly KE27 is available now for $2,199.
Matt is the GuitarWorld.com News Editor, and has been writing and editing for the site for five years. He has a Masters in the guitar, a degree in history, and has spent the last 19 years playing everything from blues and jazz to indie and pop. During his GW career, he’s interviewed Peter Frampton, Zakk Wylde, Tosin Abasi, Matteo Mancuso and more, and has profiled the CEOs of Guitar Center and Fender.
When he’s not combining his passion for writing and music during his day job, Matt performs with indie rock duo Esme Emerson, and has previously opened for the likes of Ed Sheeran, Keane, Japanese House and Good Neighbours.
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