Tune Up Your Sound: 18 Best Michael Kelly Guitars

The Michael Kelly Guitars brand has established itself through a blend of classic design elements and modern craftsmanship. This roundup examines their most popular guitar models, highlighting the features that make them stand out in the competitive world of musical instrument manufacturing.

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Reviews

Michael Kelly 1955 Custom Collection Electric Guitar

This Michael Kelly guitar combines a rare ebony top with professional-grade features, including real flame maple binding and versatile pickup configurations. Reviewers praise its comfortable playability, with one highlighting the exceptional sound quality when paired with a Ronald JC 40 amplifier. The guitar's humbucking pickups offer remarkable flexibility, from warm overdrive to creamy distortion, making it a practical and high-quality addition to any collection.

Michael Kelly Patriot Decree Electric Guitar

The Michael Kelly Patriot Decree combines stunning craftsmanship with versatile tonal options. The figured maple top and mahogany construction produce rich, resonant tones that cut through any mix. Even before playing, the visual appeal of the caramel burst finish and elegant pau-rose maple scalloped forearm rest sets this guitar apart. Most owners praise the pickup design, which offers the warmth of a vintage PAF when split and the clarity of single-coil mode when engaged, making it a versatile addition to any collection.

Michael Kelly 1955 Custom Collection Ebony Electric Guitar

This Michael Kelly 1955 Custom packs impressive versatility with its dual Rockfield pickups that can deliver everything from smooth, fuzzy tones to richly saturated distortion. The swamp ash body and striped ebony top combine for a lightweight yet responsive playing experience, while the rosewood fretboard and compound-radius neck ensure quick, precise articulation. The attention to detail, like the premium Pau Ferro fretboard and quality hardware, really shines through when you're nailing those tricky runs.

Michael Kelly Patriot Instinct Electric Guitar

When you're ready to make your mark on the stage, this guitar has you covered. From soulful blues to shredding rock, the built-in tone-shifting magic lets you switch between humbucker and single-coil sounds with a simple knob twist. The attention to detail really shines in person—the Quilt Maple top looks amazing in that signature blue fade, and the mahogany neck feels incredible under your fingers.

Michael Kelly 54OP Electric Guitar

The Michael Kelly 54OP stands out in the brand's collection with its bold Open Pore finish on a Sungkai body, which preserves the natural tonewood character while providing excellent protection. The neck combines a comfortable Hard Maple construction with a 10-inch radius Ebony fretboard, while the Dual Action truss rod ensures precise setup. The Rockfield SWC humbucking pickup delivers powerful tone versatility, from chimey cleans to cutting highs when coil-split via the tone knob.

Michael Kelly Custom Collection 50 Electric Guitar

The Michael Kelly Collection CC50 isn't just another telecaster clone – it's a meticulously crafted guitar that brings traditional Tele tone and design into the modern era. With a stunning burl maple top and gold-plated hardware, every detail has been designed to make an impact. The Custom Mod four-position pickup selector adds versatility without compromising on the classic Tele twang, giving you the same vintage sound with twice the tonal options. Players who know their gear appreciate this guitar's combination of style, playability, and value – many even prefer it to higher-priced Fenders.

Michael Kelly Burl 60 Ultra Electric Guitar

This Michael Kelly guitar combines a striking burl maple top with a responsive Korina body to create a versatile electric instrument capable of bold tones with articulate highs. The modern C maple neck and compound radius pau ferro fretboard provide playing comfort while the customized pickups deliver a range of distinctive sound options. The gold hardware and available striking color options complete the guitar's eye-catching appearance.

Michael Kelly 59 Thinline Electric Guitar

From the moment you lay eyes on it, the Michael Kelly 59 Thinline's spalted maple top steals the show. With its modern C-profile neck and rock maple construction, it feels incredibly comfortable whether you're nailing those blistering solos or laying down some sweet rhythm parts. The two Rockfield P90 pickups really let you customize your sound, from creamy cleans to cutting hotrods. While some may want to upgrade the tuners and do a setup, the vast majority of buyers absolutely love this guitar's playability and tone.

Michael Kelly 1963 Electric Guitar Blue Jean Wash

This 1963-style electric guitar delivers vintage rock sounds with its classic single-coil and humbucker pickup configuration. The alder body with flame maple top and comfortable double cutaway design makes it a pleasure to play live. Whether you're dialing in crisp cleans or cranked rock tones, it nails the look and feel of classic '60s and '70s guitars at an affordable price point.

Michael Kelly 1963 Electric Guitar

This version of Michael Kelly's 1963 electric guitar brings the classic Strat style into the modern era with a maple-topped alder body and HSS pickup configuration. The bolt-on maple neck and ebony fretboard combine a classic "C" profile with a 10-inch radius for comfortable playability, while the included die-cast tuners keep your tuning stable during those long practice sessions.

Michael Kelly Mod Shop 67 Duncan Electric Guitar

The Michael Kelly Mod Shop 67 Duncan electric guitar combines a striking quilt maple top with a resonant swamp ash body, topped off with roasted maple neck and fingerboard for a comfortable playing experience. Under the hood, Seymour Duncan 59/Classic Stack Plus pickups deliver classic vintage tones with versatile noiseless options, while the Epic Eleven mod expands your tonal palette with innovative single-coil and humbucker configurations. The result is a stunning instrument that blends great looks with exceptional playability and sound.

Michael Kelly 20th Anniversary Patriot

This limited-edition Michael Kelly guitar combines stunning visual appeal with exceptional playability and versatile tone. The quilted maple top and mahogany body create a visually striking centerpiece, while the premium Seymour Duncan pickups deliver a wide range of authentic sounds. Each aspect of construction, from the precise binding to the comfortable long-set neck, demonstrates the attention to detail that has earned Michael Kelly a dedicated following among guitar enthusiasts.

Michael Kelly Custom Collection 60 Electric Guitar

The korina body and flame maple binding create a striking visual centerpiece, while the Michael Kelly's custom electronics deliver the versatility you'd expect from a modern shred machine. Whether you're into vintage-inspired tones or love the punchy midrange that comes from a bolt-on neck, this guitar hits all the right spots for players who demand both style and substance.

Michael Kelly 1953 Electric Guitar, Caramel Burst

Combining vintage aesthetics with modern playability, the Michael Kelly 1953 delivers a rich tone that blends traditional telecaster characteristics with innovative pickup configurations. The flame maple topped alder body houses two single-coil pickups that can be combined in series to create a distinctive humbucking sound, offering players four distinct tonal options instead of the standard three. Carefully crafted with a bolt-onneck and premium binding details, this guitar manages to sound both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary.

Michael Kelly Patriot Decree Electric Guitar

The solid mahogany body and neck marry perfectly with the hand-selected Sungkai top to create a guitar that invites deep listening. When you strap on the Patriot Decree, the single coil and humbucking configurations of the PAF-Plus pickups let you roam freely between clean country tones and heavy rock grinds. The Open Pore finish adds a tactile dimension, though it's the raw sound that demands your attention - that's what Michael Kelly prioritized here.

Michael Kelly Mod Shop Patriot Instinct Duncan Electric Guitar

The Michael Kelly Mod Shop Patriot Instinct combines premium craftsmanship with versatile tone shaping. Its P-Rails pickups offer multiple coil configurations via the Triple Shot system, delivering 24 distinct tonal options. Players appreciate its precise intonation, smooth neck profile, and visually striking design elements like the quilted top and bound body.

Michael Kelly Patriot Decree Standard Electric Guitar

This American-made archtop guitar combines Michael Kelly's award-winning craftsmanship with classic PAF humbucker pickups, delivering rich, warm tones that rival much more expensive instruments. The mahogany construction and roasted maple fretboard create a comfortable, responsive playing experience. With elegant gloss white and classic black finishes that haven't missed a beat since 2010, it's a guitar that looks as good as it sounds.

Michael Kelly 62 Electric Guitar

This sleek black guitar combines vintage charm with modern playability, thanks to its roasted flame maple neck and 22 medium jumbo frets. The dual Rockfield PAF pickups really shine, offering everything from creamy rhythm tones to screaming leads with the flick of a switch. For those who like their guitars to be a little wild, the floating tremolo bridge lets you dive bombs while keeping your tuning spot-on.

Buyer's Guide

Michael Kelly Guitars offers a range of instruments that blend affordability with quality craftsmanship. Understanding the key aspects of their products helps in making an informed choice.

Body Construction and Materials

The construction quality varies across Michael Kelly's lineup. Entry-level models often feature laminate woods, while mid-range guitars incorporate solid mahogany or alder bodies with rosewood fingerboards. Premium models may use select solid woods like maple or spruce, offering improved tone and durability.

Tone and Construction Details

Entry-level guitars deliver clear fundamentals with decent projection, while mid-range models showcase improved sustain and resonance. Higher-end instruments feature humbucking pickups and premium components that enhance overall tone clarity and dynamics.

Playability and Comfort Features

Neck profiles range from modern C-shaped to vintage D-shape, with precise measurements available for customized setups. Scale lengths vary between shorter (24.75") and longer (25.5") configurations, impacting playability and technique. Headspace adjustments ensure proper string clearance over the fretboard, affecting tuning stability and playability.

Value and Warranty

Michael Kelly's warranties typically cover manufacturing defects for one year, with some models including 1-2 years of premium coverage. The company's pricing structure makes their instruments accessible without compromising on essential features and build quality.

FAQ

General Questions

Michael Kelly Guitars offers a range of instruments including electric, acoustic, and bass guitars. Their products combine affordability with quality craftsmanship.

The company was founded in 1989 and is based in Los Angeles, California, USA. They specialize in producing entry-level to mid-range guitars.

Product-specific Questions

Michael Kelly's popular models include the MG Series electric guitars and the MK Series acoustic guitars. Each model offers different features and price points to suit various playing styles and budgets.

The guitars are made from quality materials such as alder, maple, and rosewood. While less expensive than some premium brands, they still incorporate features like humbucker pickups and solid mahogany necks.

Quality and Durability

Michael Kelly Guitars have proven reliable for beginner to intermediate players. While not as durable as top-tier instruments, they can last for years with proper care.

Most models offer a 30-day warranty and a one-year manufacturer's warranty. The company provides good customer support for maintenance and repair inquiries.

Suitability for Different Playing Styles

The electric guitars are well-suited for rock, blues, and jazz players, with options for single-coil and humbucker sounds. The acoustic models perform admirably in both studio and live settings.

While less versatile than some high-end guitars, their focused design keeps maintenance simple and component failures rare, making them practical for various musical applications.

Value Compared to Other Brands

Michael Kelly Guitars often offer better value than similar entry-level instruments from other brands. Their mid-range offerings compete favorably with premium instruments priced 50-100% higher.

While not a substitute for high-end craftsmanship, their instruments deliver professional-grade performance at a fraction of the cost, making them a practical choice for serious players.

Maintenance Requirements

Regular maintenance includes changing strings, checking action, and cleaning the fretboard. Most models require minimal setup and maintenance compared to more expensive instruments.

Basic tools like a string winder, hex key, and guitar polish are sufficient for routine maintenance. With proper care, these guitars maintain their playability and sound quality for many years.

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