Sound Differences: RR/KV/KE

[Fyrd]

Firstly hallo to everyone here, i`ve been around for a while, but this is actually my first post and thread.

I want to know the Sound difference between the Rhoads, Kelly and King V Body styles assumed they ve got the same construction, wood and electronics.

I`m asking because I`m planning to buy a new Guitar (so far I got a PS1 and a Gibson Explorer 84), it`s gonna be a Jackson but I can`t decide which Shape, wanted to buy a Rhoads but now with the KE5 and KV5 there are new options in the price range I`m looking at.

Hope you Guys can help me out

Fyrd

[MartinBarre]

Hmm, I doubt there's gonna be a massive difference in tone between the three, especially if they all have the exact same pickups and stuff.
Best thing to do is try some of each out if you can.

[Newc]

The RR and KV will have a very similar sound, but the KE will sound as different to them as a Gibson Explorer and V sound. The Kelly and Explorer have a bit more bark, whereas the Vs have more bite.

[Fyrd]

Hmm, so if I got that right the Kelly sound is inbetween a Rhoads and a Gibson Explorer (thought a bit nearer to the Rhoads because of the construction and wood)?

[KBRR]

i have found that the smaller body rhoads is the brighter guitar of the 3 and the kelly is the darkest, keep in mind it wont be a huge difference between the 3.

[Fyrd]

Thanks for the answers!

Since its not a big tonal difference I`m gonna go with an RR or KV, because I always wanted a V shaped Guitar and already have an EX shaped.

[black cherry]

I've found that the KV tends to have higher mids and treble in tone, while the KE tends to have more lower midrange and bass. Might be the influence of the bigger body on the Kelly, although both bodies are made of alder.

Remember also that the KV has Duncan JBs while the KE has a Duncan Jazz at the neck and a JB at the bridge.

You should try before you buy if possible

What kind of music would you be playing on it? Mainly leads or rhythm?

[Fyrd]

I`ve already tried lots of RR Models, but it`s gonna take some time until the KV5 and KE5 gonna make it to European shops to try them, thats why i was asking cause I`m quite curious about them.

Rhythm or Lead I would say both, a bit more rhythm probably, but in Death Metal (which is my favourite music style) the dinstinction between rhythm and lead isn`t always that clear.

[Robotechnology]

Tell you what, never picked up a KV that didn't sound unbelievably awesome!

[BeholdTheFallen]

The RR and KV will have a very similar sound, but the KE will sound as different to them as a Gibson Explorer and V sound. The Kelly and Explorer have a bit more bark, whereas the Vs have more bite.

+ 1

I have a RR1T and a Ke2 and came to the same conclusion