View Full Version : "Legacy 0" michael kelly mandolin
Has anyone played a "Legacy 0" michael kelly mandolin?
I am looking to upgrade my first mandolin and this one stuck me for some reason. I like the soundclip I heard from 'folk of the woods" and it seems reasonably priced.
input is greatly appreciated!
thanks so much
zoe
ShaneJ
Jan-30-2006, 8:20pm
I've not played the Legacy O. I had an Evolution a couple years ago that was a decent mando.
Also, you may want to do a search for "Folk of the Wood" on the forums here and read up.
I have a MK Legacy-O. #I've had it about 3 months and am very satisfied with it. #I had to have the bridge replaced due to a bad adjustment wheel. #MK replaced it with no problems at all. I have found that they have a very good customer service department.
The mandolin has plenty of volume and a decent tone. #For the money, I think it is a good mandolin. #The fit and finish on mine is excellent.
Do yourself a favor, shop around. #I purchased mine off of Ebay for $549 which included shipping and a hardshell case.
thanks-
my dream is rally to own a rigel jethro- maybe i'll just keep saving and wait
zoe
Keith Erickson
Jan-30-2006, 9:55pm
Zoe,
If I may add something....
Regardless of what you purchase, it's always a good idea to try it out before the purchase.
I have an MK ( not a Legacy O ) and think it plays just splendid. However there have been some folks here that have had some MK duds.
Just my two cents...
thanks-
my dream is rally to own a rigel jethro- maybe i'll just keep saving and wait
zoe
If you are wanting a 2-point style mandolin, take a look at the Eastman F-style 2-pointers. #You can buy an Eastman 2-point for a whole lot less than a Rigel.
I've never played a Rigel, but I do own a Eastman MD805D 2 point and they are very nice.
Keith Erickson
Jan-31-2006, 9:14am
If you are wanting a 2-point style mandolin, take a look at the Eastman F-style 2-pointers. #You can buy an Eastman 2-point for a whole lot less than a Rigel.
I've never played a Rigel, but I do own a Eastman MD805D 2 point and they are very nice.
I've been lóóking & lurking around the Eastman site and have not been able to see the two pointer.
Where can I find a pic?
Thank you,
JEStanek
Jan-31-2006, 9:22am
Kieth look here Giannaviolins.com). (http://www.giannaviolins.com/eastmanmandolins/TwoPoint.html)
Jamie
red7flag
Jan-31-2006, 9:34am
I have played both an Eastman 2 pointer 800 lvl not sure of the actual code and a Rigel Jethro. For the money the Eastman is a great deal, but not in the category as far as sound or price as the Rigel. I don't think they compare. Neither will disappoint with the proper expectations. Just don't expect the Eastman to sound like a Rigel. The Rigel is a righfully 6k instrument.
Tony
As a Legacy O owner I'd advise you to play a couple. I played one at a local music store and it did NOTHING for me...they sold that got another one in and that one sounded nice, had good repsonse, good feel (the store sets them up)...I bought it.
Thanks everyone for your replies!
I have decided against the MK- too risky
I agree playing the instrument first is crucial- problem is in Canada- where I live there is less of a chance to try out variety (our local store has kentucky, epiphone, goldtone etc. . bah)
I am going to check out the two point eastman- and rightly so not expect it to sound like a jethro- but certainly it will probably give me a richer tone than my low end kentucky which I am currently playing
p.s. this may be a silly question - but what is it about the Rigel Jethro that makes its sound so appealing? the wood? the style? the craftsmanship?- hmm
thanks again so much!
ZOE
If you will look back through the past posts, there is one that was started on Jan 6 about the 2-point Eastmans. #I think it is titled "Eastman 800s". #There are a couple of pictures, one is an oval hole, the other an F-Style. #That will kind of give you an idea of what they look like and well as some feedback from owners.
Here is the link:
http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin....t=30977 (http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=13;t=30977)
thanks- everyone on this forum is unbelieveable helpful- must be some mandolin madness or something! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif
otterly2k
Feb-01-2006, 12:38pm
Zoe-- if I may ask... what are you upgrading from? And what kind of music do you like to play? this might inform your choice...
karen-
i am upgrading from a lower end Kentucky (please don't laugh)
i am really into bluegrass lately - but also have a love for klezmer
so far- my favourite sounding mandolin has been a rigel jethro- but that will definately break my bank-
hmmm . . .
otterly2k
Feb-01-2006, 1:02pm
Zoe... I'm not laughing. We all have to start where we start. There's no shame in that.
If there are specific aspects of the Kentucky that you feel are holding you back, you might want to look specifically at an instrument that would address those issues. Or see if some tweaking would improve that Kentucky while you save up some more $$. Often, an entry level mando can be improved greatly by upgrading just the bridge and tailpiece and having some setup work done.
I'm not sure that the Legacy O would be as much of an upgrade as you're seeking (especially if you have the Rigel sound in mind). Some of them are great, but they are (as others have said) inconsistent and it would be important for you to play one in person before committing to it.
Another thing to consider is that if you are really headed down the bluegrass path, you might be happier ultimately with an f-hole instrument. They seem to be the standard in bluegrass world for their tone and projection.
There are a LOT of options between that Kentucky and the Rigel you aspire to...If you read around on this board you'll find some pretty consistent tips as follows:
you get more mando for your money if you go with A shaped mandos (teardrop) rather than F shaped (with the scroll)
you can get more mando for your money if you go with a used instrument in good shape rather than a new one
set some $ aside to have a qualified person adjust your set up... it can make a world of difference.
Hope this helps,
KE
KE
i agree- i have definately decided against the MK legacy
now I have read great things about the Eastman in general and specifically raves about the MD515 F-style (however some of the raving has been by the shop that is selling it- ha)
realistically- i will either be looking at a rigel A+ deluxe or an eastman f-style
love all the feedback
zoe
Cletus
Feb-12-2006, 11:15am
No reason to laugh about a Kentucky. #I have a KM-380 that was set up by a local luthier. #After his work, the instrument sounds wonderful. #At one time I was considering selling it to upgrade, but now would not do it since it could easily become a great traveling or second instrument.
JGWoods
Feb-12-2006, 11:25am
thanks-
my dream is rally to own a rigel jethro- maybe i'll just keep saving and wait
zoe
Well I'm not it Canada, but I would be happy to have you pick a while on my Jethro. It is the very one pictured and played on the Rigel webpage and it is indeed a wonderful mandolin.
I do go way down east on occasions - to Cape Breton, Inverness area. Where are you located?
Good things come to those who wait(save$$)
It's a worthy instrument to aspire to, I hope you get the pleasure of owning one someday.