Jackson Limited-Edition Legend Series Signature Marty Friedman Kelly KE-1 Electric Guitar - Gloss Black

Few guitars capture the sound and attitude of '90s metal quite like Marty Friedman's unmistakable Jackson Kelly KE-1. The Jackson Limited-Edition Legend Series Signature Marty Friedman Kelly KE-1 brings that iconic signature guitar back into the spotlight, faithfully recreating the aggressive design that became synonymous with his groundbreaking tenure in Megadeth. Developed from an original sample of the highly sought-after signature model, the KE-1 features an alder body and graphite-reinforced three-piece maple neck for powerful sustain and responsive playability. A bound ebony fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and a 12"–16" compound radius provides the speed and precision demanded by technical lead playing. A single Seymour Duncan JB bridge humbucker delivers focused, high-output tone through a direct, single-volume control layout, while a Kahler 7330 fixed bridge provides a stable foundation for demanding performance. Finished in Gloss Black with matching hardware and Marty's unmistakable white "1" body marking, the KE-1 revives a defining Jackson signature instrument with remarkable attention to its original design.

Aggressive Kelly Styling Meets Balanced Alder Tone

The KE-1 captures the unmistakable angular silhouette of the Jackson Kelly, a design that became closely associated with Marty Friedman during his influential years with Megadeth. Originally developed in the early 1980s, the Kelly's sharp, asymmetrical body gained worldwide recognition through Marty's performances, eventually inspiring his own signature interpretation. This limited-edition revival was developed from an original KE-1 sample, preserving the distinctive proportions and visual details that made the late-'90s model so recognizable. An alder body provides a balanced tonal foundation with clear attack and definition, while the Gloss Black finish and signature white "1" marking recreate the guitar's striking appearance. The result is a faithful return of one of Jackson's most distinctive artist designs.

Graphite-Reinforced Maple Neck Delivers Fast, Fluid Playability

A three-piece maple neck runs through the KE-1's body, creating a continuous structural foundation that supports sustain and smooth access to the upper register. Graphite reinforcement adds stability, while the 25.5" scale provides a firm, responsive feel under the strings. The bound ebony fingerboard features a 12"–16" compound radius, offering a comfortable curvature for chord work near the nut that gradually flattens for expressive bends and technical lead playing higher up the neck. Twenty-four jumbo frets extend the playing range across two full octaves, complemented by pearloid sharkfin inlays that reinforce the guitar's classic Jackson identity. A gloss color-matched neck finish completes the cohesive design.

Seymour Duncan JB Delivers Focused, High-Output Punch

The KE-1's electronics center on a single Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 humbucker in the bridge position, delivering the powerful output, pronounced midrange and articulate attack that have made the pickup a favorite for high-gain playing. Its focused response keeps fast riffs clearly defined and lead lines prominent through saturated amplification, while retaining enough clarity and dynamic sensitivity for more restrained passages. With no neck pickup, tone control or switching system, the KE-1 places the emphasis squarely on the JB's distinctive voice and the player's technique. A single master volume provides direct control over output and gain response, allowing players to move between cleaner textures and full-powered tones without complicating the instrument's deliberately streamlined design.

Kahler Fixed Bridge Anchors the KE-1's Performance

The Kahler 7330 Series fixed bridge provides a solid, stable string anchor that complements the KE-1's direct, high-output character. Its fixed design eliminates the moving components of a tremolo system, supporting consistent tuning and straightforward operation during demanding playing. Jackson-branded tuning machines and a graphite nut complete the string path, while a dual-action truss rod allows precise neck adjustments for maintaining a comfortable setup. Black hardware, a dome-style volume knob and a gloss color-matched neck preserve the cohesive aesthetic of Marty's original signature instrument. The guitar includes a dedicated Jackson KE-1 foam-core case for secure protection during storage and transport.

Marty Friedman's Legendary Kelly Returns for a New Generation

Marty Friedman established himself as one of metal's most influential lead guitarists during his decade with Megadeth from 1990 to 2000, bringing an unmistakable blend of melodic sophistication, unconventional phrasing and technical virtuosity to some of the band's most celebrated recordings. His association with the Jackson Kelly became an enduring part of his visual and musical identity, culminating in the distinctive KE-1 signature model of the late 1990s. Recreated from an original sample, the Jackson Limited-Edition Legend Series Signature Marty Friedman Kelly KE-1 preserves the angular silhouette, minimalist electronics and unmistakable styling of that rare instrument while delivering the neck-through performance and powerful Seymour Duncan tone that defined its appeal. This limited-edition revival brings a celebrated chapter of Jackson's signature-guitar history back within reach of today's players.