History of the Kelly shape

[THETRIUMPHOFSTEEL]

I've heard reports that the Kelly shape was first made for a certain Aussie guitarist who wanted a modified explorer shape. Is this true? I'm trying to find out who the guy was and what group he was in at the time, also the year it was made and then first offered as a standard model.

[RacerX]

Re: History of the Kelly shape

Yes
Brad Kelly
Heaven
1984




http://www.jacksonmuseum.com/archive...ders/sf84.html

[Chrisb]

Re: History of the Kelly shape

Brad himself will probably tell you the story if he sees this. He posts here from time to time. Screename is XXX I believe? He also came up with the King Kutt, and the King Kelly (and I believe the pointy star, least I have never seen any pointy stars other than the ones he has).

[THETRIUMPHOFSTEEL]

Re: History of the Kelly shape

Cool! I'd love to hear it from the man himself, I always enjoy it when our little corner of the world has an influence in wider circles.

[Hellraiser6502]

Re: History of the Kelly shape

Uhhhh.....

XXX is DEFINITELY NOT the same Brad Kelley!

[Chrisb]

Re: History of the Kelly shape

Might be wrong about the screenames, there are like 30 brads on the boards...but I'm pretty positive he's posted here in the past, back when it was on the Jackson site. I dunno about since the move though.

[THETRIUMPHOFSTEEL]

Re: History of the Kelly shape

I know that Heaven did OK in the states, but I'm actually struggling to remember them. Most of my friends have drawn a blank when I asked them also. This seems to happen a lot here; Aussie bands build a huge US or European fanbase, yet they remain virtually unknown at home!

[Jacksonite]

Re: History of the Kelly shape

i think that the Kelly is the sexiest shape Jackson makes...

[img]/images/graemlins/drool2.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/drool2.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/drool2.gif[/img]

[Accept2]

Re: History of the Kelly shape

I thought Alan from Heaven said that Kelly doesnt even play anymore. Could be wrong. I'll have to see if I can dig up his email address again, and if it still works...........

[Accept2]

Re: History of the Kelly shape

Here's the email address I have for Allan. Im sure if it still works, he may have some info on Kelly........
eafryer1 at prodigy dot net

[mattsmusiccenter]

Re: History of the Kelly shape

I hope Brad Kelly gets something from Jackson for designing the Kelly body style. Jackson has certainly made alot of money off his creation!

[sevser]

Re: History of the Kelly shape

Brad Kelly designed the King Kutt but, it was the Heaven guitarist who designed the Kelly (His namesake) guitar shape. Two different people.

[JimmyApollo]

Re: History of the Kelly shape

I also believe it's Brad Kelley (aka XXX). Brad Kelly from Heaven is a totally different guy.

[Chrisb]

Re: History of the Kelly shape

That makes sense, I was probably fooled by the name similarity. I dunno how guitar design works, I hope Kelly is getting something for the design too but it wouldn't suprise me if he isn't because of the seemingly wierd way guitar design works. I mean I was stunned when I heard BC Rich was suing Moser over his own designs.

[THETRIUMPHOFSTEEL]

Re: History of the Kelly shape

So let me see if I've got this correct:
* Brad Kelly (of Heaven) designed the Kelly.
* Brad Kelley (xxx of the JCF) designed King Kutt.