Jackson Unveils JS Series Kelly Bird Basses

Back in April, David Ellefson gave us the scoop on a new bass he was working on with Jackson that would combine elements of a classic bass style he sported during Megadeth’s “Countdown to Extinction” tour, and the company’s Kelly guitar model. Jackson has now introduced the resulting Kelly Bird basses as part of their JS Series.

Jackson JS2 Kelly Bird IV

Available in Burnt Cherry Sunburst and Matte Black finishes, the Jackson JS2 Kelly Bird IV is built with a basswood body, bolt-on maple neck, and a 21-fret rosewood fingerboard with block inlays. The fingerboard also features Jackson’s compound radius.

Jackson JS3 Kelly Bird IV

The JS3 steps things up with flame maple tops and Trans Black and Trans Blue Burst finishes and neck binding. It also adds tonal variety by including an active 3-band EQ with Bass, Mid, and Treble controls.

Both basses feature JS high-output pickups, Jackson’s high-mass bridge, and Jackson tuners. The Jackson JS2 and JS3 Kelly Bird IV basses will be shipping soon with MSRPs of $399.99 and $506.65, respectively. For more info, check out the Jackson Guitars website.

Jackson JS2 Kelly Bird IV Bass Specs:

  • Body: Basswood
  • Body Shape: Kelly Bird
  • Neck Shape: JS2
  • Number of Frets: 21
  • Fret Size: Jumbo
  • Position Inlays: Block Position Inlays
  • Fretboard Radius: 12? to 16? Compound Radius (304.8 mm to 406.4 mm)
  • Fretboard: Rosewood
  • Neck Material: Rock Maple
  • Neck Finish: Gloss
  • Nut Width: 1.625? (41.3 mm)
  • Scale Length: 34? (86.36 cm)
  • Headstock: Jackson Pointed 4 In-Line
  • Neck Plate: Jackson Neck Plate
  • Truss Rods: Dual-Action
  • Pickup Configuration: H/H
  • Bridge Pickup: Jackson Hi-Output Humbucking Bass Pickup (Bridge)
  • Neck Pickup: Jackson Hi-Output Humbucking Bass Pickup (Neck)
  • Pickup Switching: Blend Control
  • Controls: Volume, Volume, Tone
  • Bridge: Jackson High Mass Bridge
  • Tuning Machines: Jackson Tuning Machines
  • String Nut: Black Plastic

Jackson JS3 Kelly Bird IV Bass Specs:

  • Body: Basswood
  • Body Shape: Kelly Bird
  • Neck Shape: JS3
  • Fret Size: Jumbo
  • Position Inlays: Block Position Inlays
  • Fretboard Radius: 12? to 16? Compound Radius (304.8 mm to 406.4 mm)
  • Headstock Binding: White
  • Fretboard: Rosewood
  • Neck Material: Rock Maple
  • Neck Finish: Gloss
  • Nut Width: 1.625? (41.3 mm)
  • Scale Length: 34? (86.36 cm)
  • Headstock: Jackson Pointed 4 In-Line
  • Neck Plate: Jackson Neck Plate
  • Neck Binding: White
  • Truss Rods: Dual-Action
  • Pickup Configuration: H/H
  • Bridge Pickup: Jackson Hi-Output Humbucking Bass Pickup (Bridge)
  • Neck Pickup: Jackson Hi-Output Humbucking Bass Pickup (Neck)
  • Pickup Switching: Blend Control
  • Controls: Volume Control, 3-Band EQ
  • Bridge: Jackson High Mass Bridge
  • Tuning Machines: Jackson Tuning Machines
  • String Nut: Black Plastic

Get Bass Gear News in your inbox.

Stay up to date on the latest bass gear news (every Thursday).

Leave a Reply to Braden BigNix Nixon Cancel reply

  1. I owned a Jackson bass many moons ago (serial #20!)- candy apple red, gold haedware, PJ configuration EMG pickups- beautiful bass!

  2. Lets see. This has the body of my favourite guitar ever (Gibson Thunderbird) with son ESP mods and a Jackson name. Sweet

  3. Wish it was thunderbird body.