Marty Friedman’s Jackson Kelly San Dimas from 1985, which was released on Megadeth’s legendary Rust in peace (1990) and Countdown to extinction (1992) albums, is currently for sale. It is also reportedly one of the first 500 guitars Jackson ever made, which probably explains why it could ultimately sell for as much as $125,000.
In addition to Megadeth’s two mammoth albums, the famous guitar was also Friedman’s preferred guitar for Cacophonys Speed Metal Symphony (1987) and Go away! (1988) and his solo albums Kiss of the Dragon (1988) and Scenes (1992).
“I bought it in Hawaii around 1985 when I was in the band Hawaii,” Friedman explains in the certificate of authenticity. “Originally it had a black and white tiger stripe graphic and two humbuckers and two tone controls. When I joined Megadeth, it was repainted black and converted to a single humbucker with a volume control.”
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(Image credit: Guitar Shredder/Reverb)
(Image credit: Guitar Shredder/Reverb)
(Image credit: Guitar Shredder/Reverb)
“I did several Hawaii recordings and concerts with it. One time it even had a flamethrower on the headstock. This was my No. 2 touring guitar for most of my Megadeth years. Like Kelly No. 1, this guitar was featured in many ’90s magazines, Jackson catalogs and advertisements.”
After countless performances, the guitar shows “all the signs of a loved, well-played instrument” as well as “scratches, dents, chips, cracks and faded finishes”.
Nevertheless, it promises a sound that is “pure Marty Friedman, with those mids that cut through any mix.” The guitar is already strung with Friedman’s preferred 10-46 strings and is therefore ready to play.
The rare guitar is being sold by Friedman’s longtime manager, who purchased it in 2011 at an eBay auction with proceeds benefiting the Jason Becker Special Needs Trust and the ALS Therapy Development Institute.
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According to the certificate of authenticity, the guitar has been kept in a climate-controlled warehouse since Friedman’s time with Megadeth and serviced by one of the world’s best guitar makers.
The auction is still open and all offers will be considered. For more information, visit Reverb.
