Description

Killer Kerry! BC Rich KKV Kerry King Flying V, $549

The B.C. Rich KKV (Kerry King V) is an electric guitar designed in collaboration with Kerry King, the legendary guitarist of the thrash metal band Slayer. The KKV model is part of B.C. Rich’s lineup of signature guitars, specifically crafted to meet the demands of heavy metal music. Known for its aggressive design, powerful tone, and high-performance features, the KKV is a favorite among metal guitarists who seek both style and substance.

Key Features

Body and Construction

  • Body Shape: Iconic “V” shape, associated with heavy metal and rock, providing a striking visual presence and easy access to higher frets.
  • Body Material: Usually made from mahogany, which offers a warm, resonant tone with good sustain, ideal for heavy distortion.
  • Finish: Black with tribal graphics, which reflect Kerry King’s personal aesthetic.

Neck

  • Neck Material: Maple neck, providing strength, stability, and a bright tonal quality that complements the guitar’s aggressive sound.
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood fingerboard, known for its smooth feel and warm tone.
  • Neck Profile: Thin and fast neck profile designed for ease of play, particularly suited for shredding and fast, technical playing styles.
  • Scale Length: Standard 25.5 inches, offering balanced string tension and familiar playability.
  • Frets: 24 jumbo frets, providing a full range of notes and easy bending, perfect for high-speed solos.

Hardware

  • Tuners: Die-cast tuners for reliable tuning stability and smooth operation.
  • Nut: Locking nut to ensure tuning stability, especially when using the tremolo system.

Electronics

  • Pickups:
    • Typically equipped with high-output active humbuckers, such as EMG 81/85, delivering a powerful, punchy tone with excellent clarity and sustain, even under heavy distortion.
  • Controls: Simple control layout with one volume knob, one tone knob, and a 3-way pickup selector switch, allowing for quick and easy tonal adjustments.
  • Electronics: Active electronics, providing a boosted signal that is ideal for cutting through dense mixes and producing high-gain tones.

Sound Characteristics

  • Powerful and Aggressive: The KKV’s active humbuckers provide a high-output, aggressive tone with plenty of bite, making it perfect for heavy metal and thrash.
  • Clear and Articulate: Despite its powerful output, the guitar maintains clarity and definition, even with high levels of distortion.
  • Sustain and Resonance: The mahogany body and set neck construction contribute to the guitar’s sustain and resonance, ideal for lead playing and heavy riffs.

Applications

  • Metal and Rock: The KKV is tailor-made for metal and hard rock genres, where powerful, aggressive tones are essential.
  • Live Performance: The guitar’s striking design, reliable hardware, and high-output pickups make it a great choice for live performances, especially in metal bands.
  • Recording: Offers a clear, articulate tone that records well, particularly when using high-gain settings.

Specifications

  • Body Shape: V-shaped body
  • Body Material: Mahogany
  • Neck Material: Maple
  • Fingerboard: Ebony or Rosewood
  • Scale Length: 25.5 inches
  • Frets: 24 jumbo frets
  • Bridge: Tremolo bridge
  • Tuners: Die-cast tuners
  • Pickups: High-output active humbuckers (often EMG 81/85)
  • Controls: Volume, Tone, 3-way pickup selector switch
  • Finish: Typically black with tribal graphics

Notable Features

  • Signature Design: The KKV features Kerry King’s signature design elements, including the tribal graphics and aggressive V shape.
  • High-Output Pickups: Equipped with active EMG pickups for a powerful, cutting tone that excels in high-gain environments.
  • Fast Neck: Thin, fast neck profile and jumbo frets for ease of play, particularly suited for metal guitarists.

Notable Users

  • Kerry King (Slayer): The primary user and namesake of the KKV, Kerry King has used this model extensively throughout his career with Slayer, contributing to the band’s signature heavy and aggressive sound.
  • Other Metal Guitarists: While the KKV is specifically associated with Kerry King, its design and features have made it popular among other metal guitarists who appreciate its aggressive tone and playability.

The B.C. Rich KKV is a high-performance electric guitar designed for metal guitarists who demand powerful tone, aggressive aesthetics, and reliable hardware. With its iconic V-shaped body, high-output active pickups, and fast neck, the KKV is built for shredding, heavy riffs, and high-gain tones. Whether on stage or in the studio, this guitar delivers the power and precision needed to excel in metal and hard rock genres. As the signature model of Kerry King, the KKV embodies the spirit of thrash metal and is an excellent choice for guitarists looking to achieve that heavy, aggressive sound.