Anyone played or know about Michael Kelly guitars?

[GoofyDawg]

Just wanted to know if anyone is familiar with these very nice-looking guitars. From their price, it looks like they're offshore imports, though I wouldn't care as long as the guitar sounds and plays good. Any info would be helpful! Thanks!

 

[Stinky Kitty]

Their Hex series are fine instruments. I highly recommend them in the $500-650 range. Certainly as good as anything Schecter and Dean are producing offshore.

 

[BPSUL]

The patriot special looks good, I've been curios about that one for a while.

 

[GoofyDawg]

They sure have a nice lineup of guitars. Wonder where they're manufactured?

 

[eyeball987]

I played a few about 3 years ago in a random mom & pop. I really liked how they felt and rang acoustically. I didn't plug one in though. I do remember them being heavy.

 

[theraygun]

I've had a couple of Patriots and they're really nice guitars. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one.

 

[musicofanatic5]

They sure have a nice lineup of guitars. ?

I think that's their deal: make 'em look nice, at least from a distance. I will admit I've not seen many of their electric lines, but have seen many of their mandolins and acoustic gtrs. The thick, thick finish looks like they were dipped in a vat of liquid plastic and they sound like it, too.

 

[jtees4]

I had a MK Valor Custom...it was a nice guitar. I was impressed with the fit and finish and the pickups were pretty good too. Nice ebony board. My only complaint (only with this model I think) was the pickup height was not adjustable as they were direct into the body. I would not hesitate to get a Patriot if I wanted an LP type....depends on price of course, and I'd be buying used.

 

[GoofyDawg]

Hmmm... kind of a mixed bag. If I ever get up to Berkeley, I'll have to drop into the shop that sells 'em.

 

[Auriemma]

I bought a used a 2003 MK Patriot Q for $275 about a year ago. It was in excellent condition (the seller was a bass player). Let me tell you, they not only look nice from a distance, but are incredible up close. They sound great, play very well, the fit and finish are excellent. Mine weighs in at 9 pounds and was made in Korea. If you see them in your local shop, don't hesitate to try them out.

Here are some pics of mine and specs.
Don't mind the D saddle, it was a bad string that drove me crazy.

Specifications:
-------------------
YEAR MADE: 2003
MADE IN: Korea
BODY COLOR: Faded Transparent Black
CONSTRUCTION: Set-neck
BODY: Mahogany
TOP: Quilted Maple
NECK: Mahogany
BINDING: Five-ply white and black
FRETBOARD: Rosewood
INLAY: Abalone block
FRETS: 22 medium jumbo
SCALE: 24-3/4”
BRIDGE: Gutoh Fully adjustable hardtail
TUNERS: Grover 102G's
PICKUPS: Michael Kelly PAF-Plus
ELECTRONICS: Two Volume, two tone - coil tapped
KNOBS: Black Speed knobs

 

[GtrDr]

I found really cheap electronics, had to fix a lot of bad input jacks & 3 way toggles. The antique hardware wears off quickly. The fretwork was nothing to write home about. But they are pretty from about 10' away. They make a good Mandolin. There is no one named Michael Kelly. I would spend a few bucks more & get a LTD 1000 series

 

[Auriemma]

"Michael Kelly" was named for the original owners son and daughter.

 

[GoofyDawg]

I found really cheap electronics, had to fix a lot of bad input jacks & 3 way toggles. The antique hardware wears off quickly. The fretwork was nothing to write home about. But they are pretty from about 10' away. They make a good Mandolin. There is no one named Michael Kelly. I would spend a few bucks more & get a LTD 1000 series

With any of these offshore brands, you have to try out a bunch before you find a decent one. Most offshore manufacturers use cheap electronics, that's a given. But hey! If you're a guitar tech, people buying these guitars keeps you in business!

Seriously though, I don't think people buying these guitars have any illusions about them. My thought is that they're not going to be anywhere near the build and sound quality of let's say, a custom guitar, but that's not their appeal to me. If they look good, and sound good and require just a bit of tweaking, and can be had for a great price, then the important thing is if I can express myself with them. But that goes for just about any guitar I try out.

BTW, Auriemma, that is one spectacular-looking guitar! If it sounds as good as it looks, you've got a winner!