Kelly Case Conundrum

[lepard]

Jackson has made it a nightmare to get a correct case for a Kelly, USA or Import. First issue, there are 3 different sizes of Jackson USA Kelly's:

1. King Kelly - 1984 (20-25 units made)
2. Mid-Size Kelly - 1985 to mid/late 90's
3. "Dinky" Kelly - mid/late 90's to current

On top of that, you have the imports which to me look larger than a Dinky Kelly but smaller than a mid-size Kelly.......... ???

All this lead to a real problem when trying to get a correct case for your Kelly. My current problem, the wonderful USPS damaged the case on the 1985 USA Custom Shop Kelly I just received. The only case Jackson sells for a Kelly right now is that goofy shaped plastic thing that doubles as a case for the current Kelly and Warrior. A 1985 USA mid-size Kelly will not fit in it.

A call to Jackson gets you nowhere as you're talking to Fender Customer Service and they barely know what a Kelly is. Same story from them and every large Jackson retailer on the internet : The only case we have is the new style goofy plastic one.

So in hopes of drumming up an older case with the correct dimensions, could the Jackson brethren do me a favor ? Could you guys measure a USA Dinky Kelly and maybe some imports from various years for me in the manner shown below(top right horn to bottom left corner) ?

I come up with 26 1/8" on this one.

[levantin]

My ke3 from 1996 measures 66.5 cm while my ke1 measures 65 cm (around 26 1/8 and 25 5/8 for you 'Muricans). Based on that, your guitar should fit in the goofy shaped case for the import model. While the body of the import is definitely larger I think the proportions are a little different as well, so trial and error my friend.

[wilkinsi]

What about one of those "Gator Extreme" case? It comes with Kelly shape pads, just not sure which Kelly they're for. Either that, or you might be tempted to build your own custom case (or have one custom built for you).

[Venomboy]

You might be able to get a flight case:

http://www.roadcasesusa.com/guitar-and-bass-cases/

http://www.roadcasesusa.com/custom-cases/

http://www.roadcasesusa.com/guitar-bass-1-4-or-3-8-ata-cases-w-uncut-foam-layers-3-sizes-available/

I bought one for my Moser Bich. Got a blank bass case and I cut the foam to size. Nice case too.

[lepard]

I don't want an aftermarket case. The guitar is too nice, I want something more original. You wouldn't believe the runaround I got when trying to call G&G. They were clueless.

[shreddermon]

I had G & G build me a case for a recent custom shop Kelly, and it was quite easy. Just told them the guitar model, sent a couple of pics, and specs for the case. Wasn't cheap, but worked out great.

I think if you go old school with the case - not a form-fitting insert - you should be fine.

[Axewielder]

I don't want an aftermarket case. The guitar is too nice, I want something more original. You wouldn't believe the runaround I got when trying to call G&G. They were clueless.

Yeah I inquired about those 80's SD bolt-on cases they used to make for Jackson to see if they'd make a new one (same dimensions, no Jackson logo). They didn't even reply. They'd have SKU's for the common early ones identified and mapped out to replacements, if they had any business sense at all.

[Johnnyryche]

I had G & G build me a case for a recent custom shop Kelly, and it was quite easy. Just told them the guitar model, sent a couple of pics, and specs for the case. Wasn't cheap, but worked out great.

I think if you go old school with the case - not a form-fitting insert - you should be fine.

I'll second this. I've never dealt with G&G directly, but I know they can (and have) built hard shell cases for different size kelly bodies. They've had a price increase on their cases within the last year, so like Shreddermon said, it won't be cheap. But it's a custom made case and will be worth it.

[bombtek]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NICE-Jackson-Charvel-Kelly-Electric-Guitar-Original-Hardshell-Case-/161291288761?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item258db5c0b9

Buy this ...see if it fits/can make it fit. If not just resell at a profit?

[87jackson]

Give Coloradoman a try, he might have a original G&G case.

[87jackson]

and, another thought, the case that USPS damaged, I'm assuming was the original one? if its not all that bad, send to G&G for repair/resto

[Hellraiser6502]

If I'm reading this right...you need a mid-size kelly case?

I have a mid-size Kelly with correct G & G style case...maybe I can help. Tell me what you need.

Also, I know Gerry @ G & G very well and the factory is only a couple of miles from where I work, been there many times and they have always taken very good care of me.

Lemme know if you need help.

[lepard]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NICE-Jackson...item258db5c0b9
Buy this ...see if it fits/can make it fit. If not just resell at a profit?

I've emailed him 3 times over the past 2 weeks asking for a simple measurement. He never replies.

[bombtek]

I've emailed him 3 times over the past 2 weeks asking for a simple measurement. He never replies.

I dunno what to tell ya man. Sometimes you just gotta take the plunge. If it was me, I'd just hit the BIN and deal with it. Like I said, it either fits, you can form it to fit, or it won't fit to your liking and you can just resell it. No matter how you go about it, you're no worse off than when you started.

[Jayster]

25 3/4's on a 2001 Ke2...