Jackson Introduces David Ellefson Signature Kelly Bird V Bass

Jackson Guitars has announced a 5-string version of Megadeth bassist David Ellefson’s signature Kelly Bird Bass. Building on the 4-string version, the bass retains many of the same features including a basswood body and a bolt-on bound maple neck with block inlays.

The bass is fitted with a pair of EMG HZ40 pickups matched with separate volume controls and a 3-band active EQ. Hardware includes a Jackson high-mass HM-5 bridge and Jackson die-cast mini tuners. Its finish is Ellefson’s signature blue burst with a black center stripe.

Jackson originally introduced the Kelly Bird bass in 2012 after working with Ellefson on the design. “I had a bass [that] Jackson had made for me back in 1992, when we were on [Megadeth’s] “Countdown to Extinction” tour,” Ellefson told us. “I just wanted this rock and roll looking bass, so what we did is we took the elements of this classic look of a bass, then Jackson has a guitar called the Kelly, which is Kelly Rhoads, who was [late guitarist] Randy’s brother. When they did a guitar for Randy they did one for Kelly, and this one was called “the Kelly”. It has this kind of cool horn down on the bottom that kind of curves down and has this cool hook on it.”

Jackson’s David Ellefson Signature Kelly Bird V will be available this summer and carries a MSRP of $741.24.

Jackson David Ellefson Signature Kelly Bird V Bass Specs:

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