Best Maple Neck Explorer Style Guitars in 2025
Here you'll find the best Maple neck Explorer style guitars. This is one of the most popular types of wood used in all kinds of guitars. It's heavy, strong and compact, which makes it great for necks. However, it's also used for fretboards, bodies and tops due to its light color, resistance and beautiful patterns. When it comes to tone, it highlights the mid and high frequencies.
After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.
There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.
After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.
There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.
1. Jackson USA Signature Jeff Loomis Kelly
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (51 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (50 votes)
- Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (1 vote)
- Pickups power: Hot (1 vote)
Show All Specs
Jackson USA Signature Jeff Loomis Kelly | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | Jackson | |
Year: | 2019 | |
Configuration: | HH | |
Strings: | 6 | |
Made in: | United States | |
Series: | Artist Signature | |
Colors: | Black | |
Left-Handed Version: | No | |
Body | ||
Top: | Sandblasted Ash | |
Type: | Solid Body | |
Body Material: | Ash | |
Bridge: | Floyd Rose 1500 Series Double-Locking Tremolo | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Neck-Through | |
Tuners: | Sperzel Die-Cast | |
Fretboard: | Ebony | |
Neck Material: | Quartersawn Maple | |
Decoration: | Mother of Pearl Sharkfin | |
Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
Shape: | Speed | |
Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.775'' (19.7mm) - 12th Fret: 0.835'' (21.2mm) | |
Frets: | 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
Fretboard Radius: | 12" to 16" | |
Nut: | Locking | |
Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
Electronics | ||
Bridge Pickups: | Seymour Duncan Jeff Loomis Signature Blackouts (Humbucker / Active) | |
Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Jeff Loomis Signature Blackouts (Humbucker / Active) | |
Switch: | 3 | |
Knobs: | Dome | |
Volume Controls: | 1 | |
Tone Controls: | 0 | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Black |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Jackson USA Signature Jeff Loomis Kelly
Jackson USA Signature Jeff Loomis Kelly
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Locking Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Neck-Through Build
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- No Locking Tuners
- No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
- No Weight Relief
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Retainer Bar
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
2. Schecter E-1 SLS Evil Twin
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What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Easy (1 vote)
- Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
- Tuning stability: Won't stay in tune (1 vote)
- Weight: Slightly heavy (1 vote)
- Neck profile shape: C (25 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (21 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (27 votes)
- Pickups power: Hot (26 votes)
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Schecter E-1 SLS Evil Twin | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | Schecter | |
Year: | 2018 | |
Configuration: | HH | |
Strings: | 6 | |
Made in: | South Korea | |
Series: | SLS Elite | |
Colors: | Black | |
Left-Handed Version: | No | |
Body | ||
Type: | Solid Body | |
Body Material: | Swamp Ash | |
Bridge: | TonePros T3BT TOM & T1Z Tailpiece | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Neck-Through | |
Tuners: | Schecter Locking | |
Fretboard: | Ebony | |
Neck Material: | Maple/Walnut/Padauk Multi-ply w/ Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Rods | |
Decoration: | Roman Numerals | |
Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
Shape: | Ultra Thin C | |
Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.748'' (19mm) - 12th Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) | |
Frets: | 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
Fretboard Radius: | 12" to 16" | |
Nut: | Compensated | |
Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
Electronics | ||
Bridge Pickups: | Fishman Fluence Modern Ceramic (Humbucker / Active) | |
Neck Pickup: | Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico (Humbucker / Active) | |
Switch: | 3 | |
Knobs: | Dome | |
Pickup Mods: | Multi-Voicing | |
Volume Controls: | 1 | |
Tone Controls: | 1 | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Black |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Schecter E-1 SLS Evil Twin
Schecter E-1 SLS Evil Twin
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Expensive Wood
- Compensated Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Neck-Through Build
- Multi-Voicing Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- Made in South Korea
- No Weight Relief
- No Tremolo
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
3. Solar E1.6FRLB
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (15 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (7 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (10 votes)
- Pickups power: Slightly Hot (11 votes)
Show All Specs
Solar E1.6FRLB | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | Solar | |
Year: | 2020 | |
Configuration: | HH | |
Strings: | 6 | |
Made in: | Indonesia | |
Series: | Type E | |
Colors: | Green Burst Matte | |
Left-Handed Version: | No | |
Body | ||
Top: | Flame Maple Veneer | |
Type: | Solid Body | |
Body Material: | Mahogany | |
Bridge: | Floyd Rose 1000, with 34 mm Block | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Set | |
Tuners: | Solar 18:1 Locking Type | |
Fretboard: | Ebony | |
Neck Material: | Maple | |
Decoration: | Solar Logo on 12th Fret | |
Scale Size: | 24.75" | |
Shape: | Solar C Shape | |
Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.866'' (22mm) | |
Frets: | 22 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
Fretboard Radius: | 13.78" | |
Nut: | Locking | |
Nut Width: | 43mm (1.693'') | |
Electronics | ||
Bridge Pickups: | Duncan Solar/Bridge (Humbucker / Passive) | |
Neck Pickup: | Duncan Solar (Humbucker / Passive) | |
Switch: | 3 | |
Knobs: | Dome | |
Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
Volume Controls: | 1 | |
Tone Controls: | 1 | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Black |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Solar E1.6FRLB
Solar E1.6FRLB
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Expensive Wood
- Locking Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Coil Split Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- Made in Indonesia
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Retainer Bar
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
4. Dean Zero Select Floyd Fluence
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What our users think
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (7 votes)
- Pickups power: Hot (4 votes)
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Dean Zero Select Floyd Fluence | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | Dean | |
Year: | 2021 | |
Configuration: | HH | |
Strings: | 6 | |
Made in: | Indonesia | |
Series: | Select | |
Colors: | Black Burst | |
Left-Handed Version: | No | |
Body | ||
Top: | Flame Maple | |
Type: | Solid Body | |
Body Material: | Eastern Mahogany | |
Bridge: | Floyd Rose 1000 (Korean) | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Set | |
Tuners: | Mini Grover 18:1 | |
Fretboard: | Ebony | |
Neck Material: | 3 Piece Maple | |
Decoration: | Pearloid Ultra Diamond | |
Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
Shape: | Slim C | |
Frets: | 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
Nut: | Locking | |
Nut Width: | 43mm (1.693'') | |
Electronics | ||
Bridge Pickups: | Fishman Fluence Modern (Humbucker / Active) | |
Neck Pickup: | Fishman Fluence Modern (Humbucker / Active) | |
Switch: | 3 | |
Knobs: | Dome | |
Pickup Mods: | Multi-Voicing | |
Volume Controls: | 2 | |
Tone Controls: | 1 | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Black |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Dean Zero Select Floyd Fluence
Dean Zero Select Floyd Fluence
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Expensive Wood
- Locking Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Multi-Voicing Pickups
- Tremolo
- No Locking Tuners
- Made in Indonesia
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Retainer Bar
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
5. ESP LTD EX Black Metal
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (33 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (45 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (21 votes)
- Pickups power: Hot (13 votes)
Show All Specs
ESP LTD EX Black Metal | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | ESP LTD | |
Year: | 2021 | |
Configuration: | H | |
Strings: | 6 | |
Made in: | Indonesia | |
Series: | Black Metal | |
Colors: | Black | |
Left-Handed Version: | Yes | |
Body | ||
Type: | Solid Body | |
Body Material: | Mahogany | |
Bridge: | Tonepros Locking TOM & Tailpiece | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Set | |
Tuners: | LTD Locking | |
Fretboard: | Macassar Ebony | |
Neck Material: | 3pc Maple | |
Decoration: | ||
Scale Size: | 24.75" | |
Shape: | Thin U | |
Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.866'' (22mm) | |
Frets: | 22 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
Fretboard Radius: | 13.78" | |
Nut: | Plastic | |
Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
Electronics | ||
Bridge Pickups: | EMG 81 (Humbucker / Active) | |
Switch: | 0 | |
Knobs: | Dome | |
Volume Controls: | 1 | |
Tone Controls: | 0 | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Black |
Strengths & Weaknesses
ESP LTD EX Black Metal
ESP LTD EX Black Metal
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Expensive Wood
- Top Brand Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Made in Indonesia
- No High-Quality Nut
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
- No Weight Relief
- No Tremolo
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
6. Schecter E-1 SLS Elite
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (25 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (21 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (27 votes)
- Pickups power: Hot (26 votes)
Show All Specs
Schecter E-1 SLS Elite | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | Schecter | |
Year: | 2018 | |
Configuration: | HH | |
Strings: | 6 | |
Made in: | South Korea | |
Series: | SLS Elite | |
Colors: | Black, Orange | |
Left-Handed Version: | No | |
Body | ||
Top: | Flamed Maple | |
Type: | Solid Body | |
Body Material: | Swamp Ash | |
Bridge: | TonePros T3BT TOM & T1Z Tailpiece | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Neck-Through | |
Tuners: | Schecter Locking | |
Fretboard: | Ebony | |
Neck Material: | Maple/Walnut/Padauk Multi-ply w/ Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Rods | |
Decoration: | Abalone Offset/Reverse Dots | |
Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
Shape: | Ultra Thin C | |
Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.748'' (19mm) - 12th Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) | |
Frets: | 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
Fretboard Radius: | 12" to 16" | |
Nut: | Compensated | |
Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
Electronics | ||
Bridge Pickups: | Fishman Fluence Modern Ceramic (Humbucker / Active) | |
Neck Pickup: | Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico (Humbucker / Active) | |
Switch: | 3 | |
Knobs: | Dome | |
Pickup Mods: | Multi-Voicing | |
Volume Controls: | 1 | |
Tone Controls: | 1 | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Black |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Schecter E-1 SLS Elite
Schecter E-1 SLS Elite
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Expensive Wood
- Compensated Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Neck-Through Build
- Multi-Voicing Pickups
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- Made in South Korea
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No Tremolo
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
7. Jackson Pro Plus XT Kelly KE HT6 Baritone
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (51 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (50 votes)
- Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (2 votes)
- Pickups power: Hot (2 votes)
Show All Specs
Jackson Pro Plus XT Kelly KE HT6 Baritone | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | Jackson | |
Year: | 2024 | |
Configuration: | HH | |
Strings: | 6 | |
Made in: | Indonesia | |
Series: | Pro Plus | |
Colors: | Black | |
Left-Handed Version: | No | |
Body | ||
Type: | Solid Body | |
Body Material: | Nyatoh | |
Bridge: | Jackson HT6 String-Through-Body Hardtail | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Neck-Through | |
Tuners: | Jackson Sealed Die-Cast Locking | |
Fretboard: | Ebony | |
Neck Material: | 3-piece Maple | |
Decoration: | Black Sharkfin | |
Scale Size: | 27" | |
Shape: | Speed | |
Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.775'' (19.7mm) - 12th Fret: 0.835'' (21.2mm) | |
Frets: | 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
Fretboard Radius: | 12" to 16" | |
Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
Electronics | ||
Bridge Pickups: | Seymour Duncan Nazgul (Humbucker / Passive) | |
Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Sentient (Humbucker / Passive) | |
Switch: | 3 | |
Knobs: | Speed | |
Pickup Mods: | Killswitch | |
Volume Controls: | 1 | |
Tone Controls: | 0 | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Black |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Jackson Pro Plus XT Kelly KE HT6 Baritone
Jackson Pro Plus XT Kelly KE HT6 Baritone
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Expensive Wood
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Neck-Through Build
- Killswitch Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- Made in Indonesia
- No Weight Relief
- No Tremolo
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
8. Schecter Balsac E-1 FR
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (25 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (21 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (27 votes)
- Pickups power: Hot (26 votes)
Show All Specs
Schecter Balsac E-1 FR | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | Schecter | |
Year: | 2020 | |
Configuration: | HH | |
Strings: | 6 | |
Made in: | Indonesia | |
Series: | Artist | |
Colors: | Red | |
Left-Handed Version: | No | |
Body | ||
Type: | Solid Body | |
Body Material: | Mahogany | |
Bridge: | Floyd Rose 1500 Series | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Set | |
Tuners: | Schecter Locking | |
Fretboard: | Ebony | |
Neck Material: | Maple 3-pc w/ Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Rods | |
Decoration: | BälSäc Jaw at 3rd Fret | |
Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
Shape: | Ultra Thin C | |
Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.748'' (19mm) - 12th Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) | |
Frets: | 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
Fretboard Radius: | 14" | |
Nut: | Locking | |
Nut Width: | 41.3mm (1.625'') | |
Electronics | ||
Bridge Pickups: | Fishman Fluence Modern Ceramic (Humbucker / Active) | |
Neck Pickup: | Fishman Fluence Modern Alnico (Humbucker / Active) | |
Switch: | 3 | |
Knobs: | Speed | |
Pickup Mods: | Multi-Voicing | |
Volume Controls: | 2 | |
Tone Controls: | 0 | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Black |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Schecter Balsac E-1 FR
Schecter Balsac E-1 FR
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Expensive Wood
- Locking Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Multi-Voicing Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Tremolo
- Retainer Bar
- Made in Indonesia
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
9. Schecter E-1 Apocalypse Red Reign
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (62 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (49 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (6 votes)
- Pickups power: Hot (6 votes)
Show All Specs
Schecter E-1 Apocalypse Red Reign | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | Schecter | |
Year: | 2022 | |
Configuration: | HH | |
Strings: | 6 | |
Made in: | South Korea | |
Series: | Apocalypse | |
Colors: | Red | |
Left-Handed Version: | No | |
Body | ||
Type: | Solid Body | |
Body Material: | Swamp Ash | |
Bridge: | TonePros T3BT TOM & T1Z Tailpiece | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Set | |
Tuners: | Schecter Locking | |
Fretboard: | Ebony | |
Neck Material: | Maple/Padauk Multi-ply w/Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Rods | |
Decoration: | Roman Numerals | |
Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
Shape: | Thin C | |
Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.79'' (20.1mm) - 12th Fret: 0.87'' (22.1mm) | |
Frets: | 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel | |
Fretboard Radius: | 12" to 16" | |
Nut: | Black Tusq XL | |
Nut Width: | 42mm (1.654'') | |
Electronics | ||
Bridge Pickups: | Schecter USA Apocalypse-VI (Humbucker / Passive) | |
Neck Pickup: | Schecter USA Apocalypse-VI (Humbucker / Passive) | |
Switch: | 3 | |
Knobs: | Dome | |
Pickup Mods: | Coil Split | |
Volume Controls: | 1 | |
Tone Controls: | 1 | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Black |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Schecter E-1 Apocalypse Red Reign
Schecter E-1 Apocalypse Red Reign
- Stainless Steel Frets
- Locking Tuners
- Expensive Wood
- Black Tusq XL Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Coil Split Pickups
- Luminescent Inlay
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- Made in South Korea
- No Neck-Through Build
- No Weight Relief
- No Tremolo
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
10. Jackson USA Select Kelly KE2
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (51 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (50 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (10 votes)
- Pickups power: Hot (9 votes)
Show All Specs
Jackson USA Select Kelly KE2 | ||
---|---|---|
General | ||
Brand: | Jackson | |
Year: | 2020 | |
Configuration: | HH | |
Strings: | 6 | |
Made in: | United States | |
Series: | USA Select | |
Colors: | White, Black | |
Left-Handed Version: | No | |
Body | ||
Type: | Solid Body | |
Body Material: | Alder | |
Bridge: | Floyd Rose Original Double-Locking Tremolo | |
Neck | ||
Neck Joint: | Neck-Through | |
Tuners: | Jackson Sealed Die-Cast | |
Fretboard: | Ebony | |
Neck Material: | Quartersawn Maple | |
Decoration: | Mother of Pearl Sharkfin | |
Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
Shape: | Speed | |
Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.775'' (19.7mm) - 12th Fret: 0.835'' (21.2mm) | |
Frets: | 24 Jumbo | |
Fretboard Radius: | 12" to 16" | |
Nut: | Locking | |
Nut Width: | 42.9mm (1.688'') | |
Electronics | ||
Bridge Pickups: | Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 (Humbucker / Passive) | |
Neck Pickup: | Seymour Duncan Jazz SH-2 (Humbucker / Passive) | |
Switch: | 3 | |
Knobs: | Dome | |
Volume Controls: | 1 | |
Tone Controls: | 1 | |
Hardware | ||
Strap Lock: | No | |
Hardware Color: | Black |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Jackson USA Select Kelly KE2
Jackson USA Select Kelly KE2
- Made in United States
- Expensive Wood
- Locking Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Neck-Through Build
- Tremolo
- Compound Radius Fretboard
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
- No Weight Relief
- No Luminescent Inlay
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Retainer Bar
- No Strap Lock