Choice between Dean VMNT1, or Jackson Kelly KE2

[bre4dfish]

I just bought a Dean VMNT1 in black, and I'll be able to try it for a few days, before I make my decision, I've yet to try a Jackson Kelly KE2, but I have the choice of returning the VMNT, and replacing it with a USA kelly, could you give me some pros and cons about the kelly, and which one I'd get more value out of?

Also, any pics of your kellys would be greatly appreciated.

[ToneZone]

I just bought a Dean VMNT1 in black, and I'll be able to try it for a few days, before I make my decision, I've yet to try a Jackson Kelly KE2, but I have the choice of returning the VMNT, and replacing it with a USA kelly, could you give me some pros and cons about the kelly, and which one I'd get more value out of?

Also, any pics of your kellys would be greatly appreciated.

Are you joking? You buy the KE2. Jackson simply makes better guitars.

[DC_rhoads82]

I'd go for the Kelly too. Hands down. Pros would obviously be that you'd probably have an easier time sitting down playing the kelly than with the VMNT (but some people love how a V feels sitting down). I haven't played a VMNT so thats all I can say regarding playability. But, I have played a kelly and it smoked!

[KBRR]

i have played both, the kelly is an obvious better quality guitar being US made vs the dean which is korean, but the dean is a nice guitar as well. Pros of the dean , real MOP inlays , good pickups and wood, dunlop straplocks. Cons, V sucks for sitting down , korean guitar so quailty doesn't compare to the kelly. Biggest con i can see for the jackson is Kellys are bad for neck dive, so the next big question is ... do you want a V guitar or and explorer type.. your call. the kelly is the better instrument. good luck

[Mazrim]

Not even close. KE2 by a million miles. Nay, a billion.

[Bri]

You're the one who has to play it, you pick. I love my Kelly. Some have a problem with balance, some don't. The highest two or three frets are harder to play on then a soloist or other guitars with a generous amount of cut-a-way. If you like explorer type bodies, the kelly is top of the heap.

Pics
Mine
latest round
the big show your kelly thread

[wilkinsi]

No contest really. A Jackson USA Select will easily shit all over a Dean.

[Brooke]

USA Jackson is a much better guitar. I wouldn't even put those two guitars in the same category.

[DonP]

Ke2

[Bri]

Pros of the dean , real MOP inlays , good pickups and wood, dunlop straplocks.

That part is a bit confusing since listing them as pros for the Dean implies the KE2 kelly lacks real MOP, good pickups and wood. The only thing the kelly lacks of those pros is the dunlop straplocks. I prefer the Schaller locks anyway and didn't mind adding them myself

[Phantom Hawk]

Hit the Kelly, man.

[BeholdTheFallen]

kelly.
my best/favorite guitar easily.

Also, any pics of your kellys would be greatly appreciated.

i couldn't resist showing her off.

[Ben...]

Pro's for the Kelly:
-It's not a Dean
-It's headstock isn't butt ugly

I think that should suffice.