Kelly designer passes away.

[jackson1]

Looks like Heaven were among the very first registered customers at Jackson Guitars:

[LarryL]

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong - my understanding is that Mike Shannon is responsible for the design of the Kelly. I'm sure the guy from Heaven had some input but I believe Mike gets most of the credit.

[Accept2]

Kelly's version of the Kelly is different from the current Kelly..............

[shreddermon]

Man, that first page is a "who's-who" of 80s rock and roll.

KK Downing, Robbin Crosby, Gene Simmons, Brad Gillis and Jack Blade, Jeff Beck, etc. Very cool.

[jackson1]

Carlos Cavazo!

[Norton]

I wish he could have made profit from the kelly shape.

[Dreamland_Rebel]

brad gillis, robbin crosby, nice list!

[sonicsamurai]

Man, that first page is a "who's-who" of 80s rock and roll.

KK Downing, Robbin Crosby, Gene Simmons, Brad Gillis and Jack Blade, Jeff Beck, etc. Very cool.

Not to mention chris holmes!!

[Chrisb]

The Kelly that Kelly designed isn't the same as what you see today but its still the same basic design. I have no idea how much was who's idea but I've never before heard it said that it was Shannon's design mostly. Not sure if that true or not but I imagine if that was the case it would be common knowledge by now. The old kelly was the large size one correct? The other variations had side cuts (King Kelly) and then later the overall body size shrank. Not sure the timeline for the various changes but doubtless one of the experts here does.

[Gio]

that's sad

I'll light up the fretboard of my kelly for him today

[LarryL]

I don't think the guy from Heaven had any involvement other than asking for a more extreme / pointy Explorer. I believe Mike came up with most of the details that make it work (like the horn that mimics the headstock shape, etc.).

[sully]

fwiw, larry knows his shit. nice to see ya, sir!

[JRTME]

Well that's sad news. But there is a kickass guitar out there to remember him by.

[stephenslr]

I don't think the guy from Heaven had any involvement other than asking for a more extreme / pointy Explorer. I believe Mike came up with most of the details that make it work (like the horn that mimics the headstock shape, etc.).

Yes but I guess having the guitar named after you says it all.

It was named the Jackson Kelly not the Jackson Shannon.

s

[LarryL]

There goes the reunion

....I guess having the guitar named after you says it all.

Ironic. I believe that is the exact inscription on Roy Smeck's tombstone