Jackson Explorer Guitars

The Jackson Explorer is actually just an Explorer shaped guitar. It is actually called the Jackson Kelly or a specific model is the JS30KE.

It has been reviewed over at a few other guitar forums but we are hoping to get some first-hand reviews in our Jackson forum here. If you have played or owned a Jackson Explorer, punch some keys in our forum and tell us about it.

About Jackson Explorers

This guitar gets plenty of stage-time around the world. It is a popular model from the Jackson guitar lineup. Having never personally owned a Jackson Kelly, I can repeat what I've read.

Also, I'm not persoanlly familiar with anyone who ever gigged with a Kelly, but hopefully someone can contribute some info in our comments section.

The Jackson Kelly is an explorer-esque style guitar. The shape does not mimick the Explorer exactly, but shadows it to a certain extent.

In other words, the Jackson Kelly will give the impression of being an explorer upon first glance, yet once you've taken a closer look you can easily see the difference in the overall body shape.

Many of the Kelly JS32 guitar come stocked with a Floyd Rose for added enjoyment and wild note bending. To the best of my knowledge, they are still in production and available from many of the online guitar shops and maybe even your local guitar store.

The Kelly was designed by Kelly Bradford of the Australian rock group Heaven (they rocked but never seemed to achieve the fame they deserved). The Kelly came about after Jackson stopped making exact copies of the Gibson body shape in the middle of the 90's. Jackson Explorers are somewhat rare.

They are collectible by some guitarists, especially those who favor the hard rock style of music.

The American Kelly

You can actually get your hands on an America made Kelly if you've got some extra cash laying around. They come built with an alder body and quarter-sawn hard rock maple neck-thru-body construction.

Be prepared to pay for it, but if you enjoy the Kelly styling, the American version is definitely the way to go.

If the funky guitar shapes tickle your fancy, Jackson is also producing a model called the Warrior which is a little more extreme with its edges, and unconventional to the core.

Fans of the Explorer sometime tend to lean toward guitars that stand out on stage and maybe the Warrior may interest you. I believe this model is made abroad or in the USA depending on your budget.

Jackson Guitars, being a well-established and popular brand, has an extensive distribution network that includes international distributors. This means that Jackson guitars are available for purchase in many countries around the world through authorized dealers and retailers.

Having international distributors allows Jackson Guitars to reach a broader customer base and make their instruments more easily accessible to players outside of the United States.

If you are interested in purchasing a Jackson guitar and you are located outside of the United States, you can check Jackson's official website or contact their customer support to find out the list of authorized dealers and distributors in your region. Additionally, many musical instrument retailers with an online presence also offer international shipping options for Jackson guitars.

Jackson Explorer Guitar Forum

Stand by for the return of the Jackson guitar forum...

Jackson for Dummies

For those who are unfamiliar with the Jackson brand, this is what I call "Jackson for dummies". The first Jackson guitar was made in 1980. Jackson Guitars was founded by Grover Jackson, and the company quickly gained recognition for its high-quality custom guitars and innovative designs.

In 1980, Grover Jackson teamed up with acclaimed guitarist Randy Rhoads to create a unique and high-performance guitar design that would eventually become the iconic Jackson Rhoads model. The Jackson Rhoads was one of the first guitars produced by the company and quickly became associated with heavy metal and hard rock due to its aggressive looks and exceptional playability.

After the success of the Rhoads model, Jackson Guitars expanded its lineup, offering a wide range of electric guitars designed for various musical styles, including rock and metal. Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Jackson Guitars became highly popular among many renowned guitarists in the hard rock and heavy metal genres.

Over the years, Jackson Guitars has continued to evolve, introducing new models, signature instruments, and innovations while remaining a leading brand in the world of high-performance guitars. The company's commitment to quality craftsmanship and meeting the demands of serious players has contributed to its enduring popularity.

Pros and Cons of Jacksons

Jackson Guitars, a prominent manufacturer known for their electric guitars and basses, has received a mix of feedback from customers and players. While many players are highly satisfied with their Jackson instruments, there have been some complaints or criticisms voiced by certain individuals, including:

1. Quality Control: Some players have reported issues with quality control, including minor cosmetic flaws, sharp fret ends, or uneven fretwork on certain guitars.
2. Setup: Some customers have mentioned that their Jackson guitars required additional setup adjustments out of the box to achieve optimal playability and intonation.
3. Finishes: A few players have expressed concerns about the durability of certain finishes or paint jobs on their Jackson guitars.
4. Electronics and Hardware: There have been occasional reports of electronics or hardware issues, such as loose components or pickups that may not meet certain players' preferences.
5. Weight: Some players have commented on the weight of certain Jackson guitar models, which may be a concern for those seeking lighter instruments.

Remember that individual experiences can vary widely, and many other customers have had positive experiences with Jackson Guitars. Jackson is a reputable brand with a long history of producing high-quality instruments that cater to players in the rock and metal genres, among others.The positive vibe surrounding Jackson's can't be denied. Some of the common aspects that receive praise in these reviews include:

1. Build Quality: Jackson guitars are often praised for their excellent craftsmanship and solid construction. They use quality materials, including premium tonewoods, which contribute to their durability and reliability.
2. Versatility: Despite being popular in rock and metal genres, Jackson guitars are often found to be versatile instruments that can handle a wide range of musical styles.
3. High-Output Pickups: Jackson guitars are known for their powerful and high-output pickups, delivering the aggressive and cutting tones desired by many rock and metal players.
4. Iconic Designs: The distinctive body shapes, such as the Soloist, Dinky, Rhoads, and King V, are often admired for their visually striking appearance.
5. Signature Models: Jackson collaborates with many well-known artists to create signature models tailored to specific player preferences, further adding to their appeal.
6. Tremolo Systems: Many players appreciate the smooth and stable tremolo systems on Jackson guitars, allowing for expressive pitch bending and dive-bombing effects.
7. Consistency: Jackson guitars are often commended for their consistency in quality across different models and price ranges.
8. Professional Endorsements: The fact that many renowned guitarists, especially in the metal and rock genres, play Jackson guitars serves as a testament to their quality and playability.
9. Competitive Pricing: Jackson guitars are often regarded as offering good value for their price, making them accessible to a wide range of players.

Jackson guitarists are known for their loyalty and strong attachment to the brand. Jackson Guitars has developed a dedicated fan base over the years, especially among musicians who play rock and metal genres. There are several reasons why Jackson guitarists often exhibit a sense of loyalty to the brand.

Other Explorer style guitars...

See also: Agile | Aria Pro | Cort | Dean | Dommenget | Epiphone | ESP | Gordon Smith | Hamer | Ibanez | Jackson | Kramer | LTD | O Hagan | Peavey | Tokai