As a musician, I’ve always been fascinated by the craftsmanship that goes into making an instrument. When it comes to mandolins, one of the most popular brands is Michael Kelly. But where are Michael Kelly mandolins actually made? In this article, I’ll be uncovering the craftsmanship behind these popular instruments and exploring the artistry that goes into their production.
History of Michael Kelly Mandolins
Michael Kelly Mandolins was founded in the year 2000 by Michael Kelly and his wife Janelle. The company began as a small workshop in the basement of their home in Fort Collins, Colorado and has since grown to become one of the leading manufacturers of mandolins in the world.
Michael Kelly Mandolins are known for their innovative designs and high-quality craftsmanship. The company has developed a wide range of mandolins, from traditional models to modern designs. The mandolins are made in the USA, using only the finest materials, including solid woods, solid brass, and hand-carved tops.
The company has also developed a range of accessories for their mandolins, including pickups, bridges, strings, and cases. Michael Kelly Mandolins are used by some of the world’s finest musicians, including bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs and country superstar Vince Gill.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2000 | Michael Kelly and his wife Janelle founded Michael Kelly Mandolins |
| 2006 | Michael Kelly Mandolins moved to a larger workshop in Fort Collins, Colorado |
| 2008 | Michael Kelly Mandolins released their first signature model mandolin |
| 2013 | Michael Kelly Mandolins released their first electric mandolin |
| 2015 | Michael Kelly Mandolins released their first acoustic-electric mandolin |
| 2019 | Michael Kelly Mandolins released their first mandocello |
Michael Kelly Mandolins have been praised for their tone, playability, and craftsmanship. The company has become renowned for their commitment to quality and customer service, and their mandolins are used by some of the world’s top musicians.
Types of Michael Kelly Mandolins
- Dragonfly Mandolin
- Eclipse Mandolin
- Fusion Mandolin
- Vintage Mandolin
- Patriot Mandolin
- Tribute Mandolin
- Dragonfly and Dragonfly-GT Mandolin
- Patriot Elite Mandolin
Michael Kelly mandolins come in a variety of models. The Dragonfly mandolin is a classic A-style model with an oval soundhole. The Eclipse mandolin is a semi-hollow body design with F-style construction. The Fusion mandolin is a hybrid of A-style and F-style construction. The Vintage mandolin is a classic F-style mandolin. The Patriot mandolin is a hybrid A-style and F-style model with a single cutaway body. The Tribute mandolin is an A-style model with a single cutaway body. The Dragonfly and Dragonfly-GT mandolins are both A-style models with oval soundholes. The Patriot Elite mandolin is a classic A-style mandolin.
Construction and Materials
| Top | Back/Sides | Neck | Fingerboard | Bridge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Spruce | Solid Mahogany | Mahogany | Rosewood | Rosewood |
Michael Kelly mandolins are constructed with solid spruce tops and solid mahogany back/sides. The neck is made of mahogany and the fingerboard is rosewood. The bridge is also made of rosewood.
Quality and Craftsmanship
Michael Kelly mandolins are handmade, using select tone woods and the finest of components. The craftsmanship is of the highest quality, offering a unique sound and feel to each instrument. The mandolins are built with classic construction methods, including hand-carved tops and necks, and solid wood bridges. The fretboards and headstocks are also carefully crafted, with intricate inlays and custom hardware. The attention to detail in each instrument is evident, and the result is a high-quality instrument with a unique character. The company also offers a variety of custom and limited-edition mandolins, crafted to exacting standards and featuring unique tonal qualities. Michael Kelly mandolins are a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of the company’s luthiers and the quality of their instruments.
Where are Michael Kelly Mandolins Made?
Michael Kelly mandolins are made in China, in a factory located in the city of Xiamen. The factory is managed by a team of luthiers and technicians who specialize in stringed instrument production. The team has more than 20 years of experience in crafting some of the finest musical instruments in the industry. Every Michael Kelly mandolin is made with high-quality materials and components and is inspected many times throughout the manufacturing process to ensure that it meets the highest standards of quality and playability. The end result is an instrument that looks and sounds great, with a beautiful tone and excellent craftsmanship.
Prices of Michael Kelly Mandolins
- MKFM-FK-Cherry – $399.99
- MKFM-EGT-Amber – $449.99
- MKFMF-EGT-Ebony – $499.99
- MKFM-EGT-Honeyburst – $499.99
- MKFM-EGT-Vintage Sunburst – $499.99
- MKFM-EGT-Vintage Burst – $499.99
- MKFM-EGT-Natural – $499.99
- MKFM-EGT-Blueburst – $499.99
- MKFM-EGT-Vintage Burst – $599.99
- MKFM-EGT-Natural – $599.99
- MKFM-EGT-Blueburst – $599.99
- MKFM-EGT-Vintage Burst – $699.99
- MKFM-EGT-Natural – $699.99
Unique Features
- Handcrafted from select tone woods
- Available in various size, shape and style options
- Offers a variety of aesthetic treatments
- Specially designed neck joint for superior playability
- Unique bracing system for enhanced sound projection
- Expertly crafted truss rod to ensure optimal neck adjustment
- High quality bridge and tuning machines for superior intonation
- Constructed with carefully placed sound ports for superior sound projection
- Deluxe hardshell case included with purchase
Pros and Cons
- Pros
- High quality sound
- Durable construction
- Wide range of styles
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Affordable price
- Cons
- Limited availability
- Not suited for beginners
- May require professional setup
Frequently Asked Questions
Who manufactures Michael Kelly Mandolins?
Michael Kelly Mandolins are manufactured by Sino-American Musical Instrument Co. Ltd. (SAMIC), based in Beijing, China. SAMIC is a leading manufacturer of acoustic and electric instruments, including guitars, mandolins, banjos, ukuleles, and violin family instruments. All of their instruments are designed in the U.S. and made in their state-of-the-art facility in Beijing.
How are Michael Kelly Mandolins Constructed?
Michael Kelly mandolins are constructed using a combination of traditional and modern techniques and materials. Each instrument is crafted by skilled luthiers using select woods, including solid spruce and solid maple. The fingerboards are made of rosewood and are fitted with precision frets. The bodies are then hand-fitted with an ebony bridge and adjustable tailpiece. Finally, the mandolins are finished with a high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish.
What makes Michael Kelly Mandolins unique?
Michael Kelly Mandolins are known for their superior craftsmanship and high-quality sound. Each mandolin is handcrafted with a combination of both modern and traditional techniques, ensuring that each instrument is unique. The combination of both acoustic and electric technology gives the mandolins a unique and versatile sound, making them perfect for a variety of genres, from bluegrass to rock. The use of advanced materials such as carbon fiber and titanium also ensure that each instrument is lightweight yet durable.
What types of Michael Kelly Mandolins are available?
Michael Kelly mandolins are available in several styles, including acoustic, electric, and hybrid models. Acoustic models feature solid spruce tops, figured maple backs and sides, and chrome hardware. Electric models feature a single-cutaway design, dual humbuckers, and a mahogany neck. Hybrid models combine features of the acoustic and electric models, such as a solid spruce top, maple back and sides, and a single-cutaway design. All Michael Kelly mandolins come with a deluxe padded gig bag.
What are the benefits of playing a Michael Kelly Mandolin?
Michael Kelly mandolins offer the perfect combination of playability, sonority and affordability. The distinctive tone of Michael Kelly mandolins is due to their hand-carved and graduated solid spruce tops and solid maple bodies. This combination of tonewoods creates a balanced sound that is perfect for traditional and contemporary bluegrass music. They also feature a fast and comfortable neck, as well as easy-to-play frets and a smooth, low action that allows for effortless playing. Plus, their sturdy construction ensures long-lasting playability.
Conclusion
Michael Kelly mandolins are crafted with an eye for detail and outstanding workmanship. The company has earned a reputation for providing qualitiy instruments that sound and play great. With their commitment to quality control, Michael Kelly mandolins are a great choice for any mandolinist looking for a reliable instrument.
