Few modern metal guitarists balance technical precision, melody and outright aggression as effectively as Brandon Ellis. Best known for his work with the likes of Arsis, Cannibal Corpse and The Black Dahlia Murder, Brandon has built a reputation around fluid phrasing, articulate high-gain tone and seemingly effortless speed, and the Jackson Pro Plus Series Signature Brandon Ellis Kelly KE27 was engineered to support every aspect of that approach. Built around Jackson's iconic Kelly platform, this signature model combines a resonant nyatoh body with a through-body maple neck reinforced with graphite for exceptional stability and sustain. A pair of custom Seymour Duncan pickups delivers everything from soaring lead clarity to punishing rhythm tones, while 27 stainless steel frets and a 25.1" scale length create an expanded performance range that encourages exploration beyond traditional electric guitar boundaries. Complete with an eye-catching Gold Crackle finish and premium gold hardware throughout, the Brandon Ellis Kelly KE27 is a purpose-built performance machine for players who demand speed, precision and uncompromising stage presence.
27 Frets and Neck-Through Construction Built for Technical Playing
The KE27 was designed to support modern guitar techniques without compromise. Its through-body maple neck construction, reinforced with graphite and paired with a scarf joint, creates exceptional rigidity while maximizing sustain and upper-fret access. Twenty-seven jumbo stainless steel frets extend the instrument's usable range beyond conventional designs, opening additional possibilities for lead players and progressive musicians alike. A 12"-16" compound-radius maple fingerboard transitions from comfortable chord work near the nut to a flatter surface optimized for fast alternate picking, sweeping and wide bends higher on the neck. Combined with Brandon Ellis' preferred Floyd Rose R2 nut spacing, the result is an instrument built for speed without sacrificing control.
Custom Seymour Duncan Pickups Deliver Articulate High-Gain Tone
Forming the tonal nucleus of the KE27 is Brandon Ellis' custom Seymour Duncan Dyad Parallel Axis bridge humbucker. Featuring a unique hybrid coil design and singular bar magnet, it produces exceptional clarity, bite and dynamic response under high-gain conditions while retaining impressive note separation during complex passages. A Seymour Duncan PA-STK neck pickup complements the bridge with smooth sustain and hum-free articulation for melodic solos, cleans and layered textures. Together, they create a balanced tonal platform equally suited for aggressive rhythm work and expressive lead playing.
Series and Parallel Switching Expand Tonal Flexibility
A deceptively simple control layout provides a surprising amount of versatility. A push-pull volume control allows players to switch the bridge pickup between traditional series operation and a brighter parallel configuration while maintaining hum-cancelling performance. Series mode delivers the thick, powerful response players expect from a high-output humbucker, while parallel mode introduces additional clarity and attack without sounding thin or overly compressed. Combined with a 3-way toggle switch, the Brandon Ellis KE27 moves easily between modern metal, hard rock and more nuanced tonal territory.
Premium Hardware Designed for Demanding Performances
Every hardware appointment was selected with reliability in mind. A top-mounted Gotoh GE1996T double-locking tremolo provides exceptional tuning stability during aggressive vibrato techniques and dive bombs, while Jackson sealed die-cast tuners and Dunlop dual-locking strap buttons reinforce the guitar's stage-ready dependability. Gold hardware beautifully complements the instrument's dramatic Gold Crackle finish, while the included Jackson gig bag offers practical protection between rehearsals, sessions and performances.
Brandon Ellis Precision Meets Jackson Performance
With lead guitarist stints in the likes of Cannibal Corpse and The Black Dahlia Murder, Brandon Ellis has become one of modern metal's most respected players through a unique combination of technical command, melodic sophistication and disciplined musicianship. His playing effortlessly navigates blistering alternate picking, intricate harmonized passages and expressive lead work without sacrificing musicality. The Jackson Pro Plus Series Signature Brandon Ellis Kelly KE27 reflects that same philosophy, pairing uncompromising playability, expanded range and articulate high-gain performance in a signature instrument built for today's most demanding players. Whether performing on stage, recording in the studio or pushing technical boundaries at home, the Brandon Ellis Kelly KE27 delivers the precision and confidence required for modern metal performance.