Impressions of Michael Kelly or Morgan Monroe

[FredB]

First of all, I am not sure if this is the right forum for this topic. But I couldn't figure out for sure. So please forgive me if I got it wrong. Also, I did a search and couldn't find any info. I #probably got that wrong somehow also.

Anyway, I have an A4 Parsons that I bought ~year or so ago through ########## and love it to death. Use it every Sunday for worship band. More recently I have been thinking about an F5 style for bit of a different sound.

I tried a Kentucky KM630 for about a week and did not like it at all. The action was too high even though it was adjusted all the way down. So it was a struggle to play and had a muddy, unclear sound. No life.

I was thinking about Michael Kelly and Morgan Monroe in general and the Kelly Legacy FS-E and the Monroe MMS-7 in particular...my price range. Any impressions, comments, experiences? I do not have any way of getting my hands on these to try them out like I did with the Kentucky.

Any help would be appreciated,
Fred

[bjc]

Fred,

I have a MK Legacy O that is very nice. I went back and forth between it and my Freshwater for a while...the Freshwater played better, but the MK has a louder acoustic sound. Now I have an Eastman and all the other mandos are collecting dust.
Anyway, to your question: I've played a lot of MK's and some are definatley better than others, but all were decent. The Morgan Monroes I've played (3 of 'em) all were good as well. Just be sure you get an approval period with them and look at the classifieds here...you'll do well.
Hope this helps a little.

[Stillpicking]

I own 2 MKs and a MM all 3 will need to be setup but once you get that done right you will have a nice "F" mandolin for under a grand. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Adam Tracksler]

The rover rm75 is a great budget F choice. It was a great mando, i wish I kept it sometimes, but the boss only alows one of each instrument in the house....

[357mag]

My experience with MKs has been very positive. I still own two. A Classic and a Firefly. But yeah. A set up will probably be in order unless you buy a used one ready to go.

[flairbzzt]

An Eastman 515 will cost you around $840 new. Look around for a used one and you'll do even better. I think it's the best deal out there for the quality.

[FredB]

Thanks for all the comments and help. The one I was looking at is on eBay. Seems reasonable. I still have a day to decide. Here's it is:


<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/MICHAEL-KELLY-FS-E-ELECTRIC-MANDOLIN-NEW-WITH-CASE_W0QQitemZ7358731631QQcategoryZ10179QQss
PageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem" target="_blank">Michael Kelly on eBay</a>

FredB