Michael Kelly Legacy

[deadcowboy]

Ive Been borrowing my farther in laws " Johnson A" Mandolin
Having played this I have decided that I want to get a Mandolin

I've been looking at the Michael Kelly Legacy F-Model (521.00 Retail )
I'm pretty sure about this . I just wanted to get your opinon.
Can I get something Better for $521.00 or is this a pretty good
Mandolin for the money ?
Michael Kelly Legacy (http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3993.htm)

Thanks For Your Help

John

[meskalito]

Buy a Mid-Missouri. #At first, you'll think it looks boring. #Then, you'll realize that it is beautiful because it is not pretending to be something that it isn't. #More importantly, it will sound better than the MK. #I had a MK, the intonation was awful, the workmanship poor, and it had a thin, muddy sound. #Mid-Missouris have a wonderful warm, sweet tone. #I've played the other instruments in that price range, and none of them sounded as good.

Also, Folk of the Wood has the reputation of being crooks.

[steve in tampa]

If you are going to buy online check out the link on the main page to Elderly Instruments or some of the other retailers that advertise here..

I have an MK that I bought new, and I continue to enjoy it.

For 500-1000 you can shop it until find something that will get you to the point to where you want to spend some real bread.... or not.

[deadcowboy]

meskalito, Thanks for the suggestions, however looking at the Mid-Missouri I could never
get past the looks of that. Maybe shallow but lets face it #looks are important.
I'll take what you said and look some more. FOTW layaway plan looks like a good way to go for me. But again I'll take the warning. Thanks for your input.

Steve in Tampa
Your MK is the intonation good on it ?
reading about these nothing suggest poor workmanship, Carved Spruce top, Solid sides and back,Dovetail neck joint, Rosewwod fretboard.
Were in mandolin contruction is the difference ? I'm guessing Workman ship.
My first banjo purchase was a bad I paid alot for nothing.
I now have a GoldTone which I love. Iguess I'm looking for the GoldTone of mandolins.

Thanks again for your input.
Sorry about the long winded reply.

John

[steve in tampa]

Always best to get your hand on something first.

I suggested Elderly because of their solid service. Never had a bad experience with them, and they will set an instrument up before it ships.

Don't overlook the classifed section here. Lots of good instruments. Best value is going to be in a used instrument.

My MK is fine. It is very easy and comfortable to play. I enjoy playing it, so I play it alot. It is a great second instrument. The tone continues to improve.

There seem to be lot of folks that just talk pure #### about pac rim instruments, but that's their trip. They are not the Holy Grail, but a decent place to start.

The main thing is to get in the game. Worry about mandosnob appeal later.

[Steve Cantrell]

John-My Legacy Deluxe is an excellent instrument and sounds better now than I ever expected it to. I play it a couple of hours a day, so maybe its sound is owed to it opening up. I don't have any gripe whatsoever about the workmanship--it is what it is. It's a Pac-Rim mando, not a Gilchrist. The Grover tuners are decent, and keep it in tune fairly well. I've played a few MK's that didn't sound as good as mine, so I think it's true you're going to have variations no matter what manufacurer it is. It's a good step forwards, IMHO.

[357mag]

I also have a MK and am satisfied with it. Its as one would expect for the price. But it looks good and souns ok for my level of playing.
I have even a lower end pacrim mando that I switch off with that makes me appreciate the MK even more. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

BTW The Classifieds here on Mandolin Cafe are a wonderful source. I bought my MK off there, and when and if I upgrade, I will prolly shop it off the classifieds.

[mpeknox]

I don't think you'll go wrong with the MK...I had and played a Legacy FS Deluxe for a while and really enjoyed it.

[Knowlesy]

Have you considered an Eastman A style? http://www.giannaviolins.com/eastmanmandolins/MD505.html
They can be hard to get hold of but that probably tells you something also. IMO The Eastman is at a higher level of craftsmanship and will offer better sound and looks.

[Dan Adams]

I have a LegacyLE (electric) that I use for amplified gigs!! Its a great little insturment with on-board electronics. Now if the acoustice on the Lecacy's are similar..?? Go ahead!!!

Acoustic or Electric? Dan

[mandobando]

They are hit or miss. I have one that sounds nice. Set up is key and make sure you play before you buy. It's like buying fruit at the supermarket, you have to pick it up, look at it, shake it around, make sure it's the one you want.

[Greenmando]

There's one real cheap in the classifieds right now, reduced to $299 (http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=14503&query=retrieval)

No personal interest, I had a MK and had intonation problems with mine as well. My advice is to save a little more and buy a quality A style or a Mid MO.