Michael kelly mandolin

[Mandodan12]

HI guys,
I am thinking about getting a Michael kelly legacy deluxe mando, i have an a-style right now and want to upgrade. #Does anyone have one of their mandolins?? how good is the quality? #is it a good deal for the price?
On musicians friend you can get the legacy deluxe w/ a fish man pickup for about $800, my mandolin teacher said that i would be hard pressed to find a high quality f-style mando for under about 1.5-2k. #If you have played or own a Michael Kelly, your input would be great, thanks!
-Dan

[DryBones]

for $800 you should look at the JBovier or Eastman line. ( I had to be the first to say it http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif )

[Any Day Now]

I just got an Eastman for 850$ id recommend it over the MK. They are generally better made and sound better.

Unless your really itching for the electronics on the MK FS-E that thing is a deal.

[Tim2723]

I play the MK Legacy FS-E with pickup. It's a good mandolin if you want the built in pickup. I think a lot depends on the music you're playing. If you want the crisp highs for bluegrass, the Eastmans seem more popular for that. If you're after a rounder, woody tone such as for Celtic, then the MKs are nice. They are both good mandolins in that price range. The pick up was the deciding factor for me. The MKs took a beating for quality control issues, but mine is beautifully made with a dark but balanced sound.

[moku9]

What's that rumbling sound.....oh, it must be the herd of eastman fans rudely running here to invade another mk thread....as usual
/end lesson in basic manners

Love my mk df2, can't be beat it for the money. Got mine from elderly and have had it 3 years.

On a side note, a glenn student model would blow any import right out of the water and are offered in the sub 1k range(A style) last I heard.....

If you're going to play through a pickup, I would say it doesn't matter who made the instrument or how much you pay (ie they will all sound like they're plugged in). I know a pro musician who plays 200 dollar fender A's plugged in and I assume he just throws them away when they eventually need work.

[Mandolusional]

My MK Dragonfly III sounds great, but I also had setup and Mandovoodoo work done by Stephen Perry at Gianna Violins. #Since it made a big difference in playability and sound, I suppose that makes my opinion geared toward the potential quality you could get from an MK, not necessarily what you get right out of the box or without a good, pro setup. #"Fit and finish" are satisfactory, looks nice enough; I've seen better and I've seen worse. #The tone is pretty deep and has developed a good "thump" to it. #I'm quite happy with mine, especially for an instrument in this price range.

For what it's worth, I upgraded from a Johnson A model, and the difference is night and day, I could never go back.

[Any Day Now]

What's that rumbling sound.....oh, it must be the herd of eastman fans rudely running here to invade another mk thread....as usual

Yes because mandolins should never be compared to mandolins made by other companies at comparable prices, thats just crazy! They certainly should not consider changing their mind once a company has been selected...solid logic

[Mandodan12]

thanks for the input...wow i didn't realize how active this website was!!
I got 6 replies in about 3 hours!

[Greenmando]

If you use the search function at the top you can find hundreds of threads on MK, or topics such as "Best mando for under $500", $800, etc,,,

As most threads go, buy the mando that sings to you. But being informed so a mando has possible resale later is a plus. I owned a MK and was not impressed, but I sold it and doubled my money so I have mixed feelings.
At the "under a grand thought" a used mando is usually a better deal. Let the original buyer take the loss. I bought a un-played used Gibson A9 for $800 and she is a keeper, many used Gibson F9's are selling for $1700 and up. The only drawback to a used mando is the lack of a factory warranty. But a MK only has a two year limited warranty to the original buyer anyway.

my A9 and 2 cents.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/ferretkona/Mandolins/Gibson004.jpg

[Mark Sullivan]

I have a MK & istalled the pickup myself. The list with the case was around $875? - I got it used on ebay. Sounds much better than my cheap Eastman. So I guess you have to compare instruments in the same price range. My playing is not good enough to compare sounds between compareable instruments.

[Chris "Bucket" Thomas]

I had a MK (before my Flatiron). It was a great mando for the money. It was attractive with no flaws & sounded good (for what it is).

I briefly considered an Eastman, played a bunch but decided that it was not an upgrade in sound or overall quality. I considered it a slightly better mando in the same price bracket but not worth trading the MK for an Eastman. But, cosmetically-Eastman has a more traditional look.

So, dollar for dollar buy an Eastman. But, if the price were less on a MK I might go with that. Also, knowing what I know now---I would get an Flatiron A for $800.

[Mike Bunting]

One of my students hhas an MK and another has an Eastman, they both sound better as the students progress. I'd say that they are both good mandos of their level.
Peace

[newfs]

I have a MK Dragonfly that I bought thru Musicians Friend. I had my music teacher play it when I first got it and he said it was a keeper and I have had it almost a year and very happy, especially for the money. You have to play what you like. This will be my last. I looked at used in Upstate NY and the selection was pitiful and did not want to go to NYC. If you like it buy it.

[Brady Smith]

What's that rumbling sound.....oh, it must be the herd of eastman fans rudely running here to invade another mk thread....as usual
Double the above quote!

I have both an Eastman and MK. The MK is better. I'm sure you can find a good MK that will play well for your needs.

[wss]

There have been some quality issues and from what I've read MK can be difficult to deal with on warranty claims. I have no experience with that, mind you, but if I were you I would check out the return policy offered by musicians friend before buying.

I'm on a shoestring budget so all I could afford was an MK Legacy EVO. I paid $400 and got it at Merlefest from the MK tent. I'm a beginner and I'm very pleased with it so far.

Scott

[Folkmusician.com]

Hello Dan,

I will take a shot at answering any questions you might have. I have three of the Legacy Deluxe-E right now and have seen my share of Michael Kelly mandolins (I have setup hundreds). These are great mid-grade mandolins. My experience has been very good. I do not experience the problems I have read about. I can only guess that this is in response to the older MK instruments, or people are buying factory seconds off eBay or something. I just don't know. The Michael Kelly line has had most all of the quality issues dealt with. They have improved the workmanship and recently built a new climate controlled warehouse.

I believe the vast majority of complaints about these are a result of online dealers not setting them up properly. I notice a trend, people that are happy with their MK mando (or any import), have usually done one of four things:
Bought it locally.
Bought it from one of the reputable online shops that inspect/setup the instruments that they sell.
Set it up themselves.
Pay to have it setup locally.

People that are unhappy typically:
Buy on eBay.
Buy from a drop shipper, large warehouse or any dealer not inspecting/setting up the instruments.
Do not setup the instrument themselves.
Do not pay for a setup locally.

I am sure this is not true in every case, but it does look like a reoccurring theme.

As far as warranty goes, dealing with any of the imports can be a hassle. I have not had a problem with Michael Kelly. I do try to deal with warranty claims on behalf of our customers and this may make a difference. It has always been no questions asked. I tell them the problem, and they take care of it. Then again, I am not bothering them with minor setup issues and things like that.

As for tone goes, this is obviously a very personal thing. Many times I have seen players choose instruments that I personally did not think were the best of the mandolins they tried. Then the next guy will want the one that the previous player didn't like. It does not seem to be related to skill level either. For every player that says the MK does not sound all that great, you find one that loves the tone.

Hope this helps. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Mandodan12]

Thank you very much, as a matter of fact folk musician is probobly going to be the place i buy my MK mando from, i appriciate the input.

[allenhopkins]

I looked at used in Upstate NY and the selection was pitiful and did not want to go to NYC. If you like it buy it.
I can only assume you didn't visit either Bernunzio (http://bernunzio.com/) or Stutzman (http://stutzmansguitarcenter.com/) here in Rochester. You would have found a broad selection of used instruments -- perhaps one you would have liked.

[Greg H.]

i have an a-style right now and want to upgrade.

If you're upgrading from an MK A model to an MK F model I don't know that you're really upgrading for anything more than an expensive strap hanger (and this coming from someone with two F model mandolins). In my opinion the sound is better on the Eastmans or the new Kentuckys so that as an upgrade would make somewhat more sense (but that's just my opinion). What would make even more sense would be to hold on to what you've got and try and save up a bit more money and go for a used Gibson/Rigal/Collings/Breedlove A model which might be had around $1,000 (for that matter you could get a new Breedlove Quartz in that range).

[Mandodan12]

i have an a-style right now and want to upgrade.

If you're upgrading from an MK A model to an MK F model I don't know that you're really upgrading for anything more than an expensive strap hanger (and this coming from someone with two F model mandolins). In my opinion the sound is better on the Eastmans or the new Kentuckys so that as an upgrade would make somewhat more sense (but that's just my opinion). What would make even more sense would be to hold on to what you've got and try and save up a bit more money and go for a used Gibson/Rigal/Collings/Breedlove A model which might be had around $1,000 (for that matter you could get a new Breedlove Quartz in that range).
I have a used gibson a-style, it is from the 1930s. At merlefest I picked up a micheal kelly f-style (i don't know exactly what model, but probobly the legacy deluxe) and was blown away. That is why i started this topic. I basically have concluded that i need to TRY a few eastman and kentucky mandolins, and compare. what about JBovier? i have heard that company mentioned and checked out thier website...anyone have one of those? how high quality are they? thanks!

[gospelman]

I have been very happy with my MK Legacy Deluxe! #A friend I work with (who is one of the greatest mandolin players I have ever heard, Arnie Solomon) said that it has a great sound and chop and is an excellent mandolin for under $1000. #By the way, it is for sale on the cafe classifieds (a little self-promotion there). #It ultimately is up to you and what you want to put into a mandolin. #I have heard very few members here say that they have purchased any brand of mandolin and didn't like it very much. #At least not until they have gotten rid of it and moved up in quality a couple of times. Otherwise, they shouldn't have bought it in the first place. #To each his own. #I refuse to bash anyone! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[otterly2k]

I basically have concluded that i need to TRY a few eastman and kentucky mandolins, and compare.

I'm glad you came to this conclusion. It's a smart decision.

All of these mandolins can vary a lot from one instrument to another, even within the same make and model. Your best bet is to go someplace where you can try several and pick the one you like best. No matter how many Eastman/MK/Kentucky fans chime in on a cafe thread.

I agree also with the recommendation above that if you must buy an instrument without trying it first, resist the temptation to go with one of the online warehouses. Yes, they may have a lower price, but they are not equipped to provide good setup work or other personal service touches you may need. There are many honorable retailers here on the cafe who know their stuff and take pride in offering excellent service.

[F5G WIZ]

From my exp. they are hit and miss at best. Some are good some are not. Make sure and play them before you buy one. Do not order one that you have not played. Make sure an buy from a reputable store that you know will honor the warranty if need be. Good luck.

[Tim2723]

The problem is very basic. #When we're talking about wooden musical instruments there is an inherant varaiblity to deal with. #If you're buying an electronic device you have a much better chance of consistency from unit to unit. #There may be a quality control failure from time to time, but the product is pretty much a carbon copy of the one that came off the line before it. #You just can't say that about wood. #Not ever.

It's a sad reality that the majority of people are not going to be able to go into some gaint music store and try thirty copies of any given mandolin. #My local shop has one, exactly one, mandolin on the wall.

When we buy an expensive instrument we're not just paying for a name or fancy inlays, we paying (or at least hope to be paying) for the skill it took to sort through piles of lumber to pick just the right piece of wood. #We then have the hope that the wood is handled with consumate skill and artistry, and that thousands of things all go right. #But even the best of the best are not entirely consistent. #I have a friend who spent $8,400 on a mandolin. #Two weeks later it cracked and had to go back. #Mandolins are made from naturally occuring materials and that can be an issue at any time.

The best advice I've ever heard is to buy from a reputable dealer who handles mandolins as major part of his business. #Don't buy from a warehouse or from Ebay unless you know what you're doing. #Make sure there is a good return policy and that the seller is able to do a competent set up. #I'll bet most of the folks who are unhappy with any given instrument are more likely to be dealing with a bad set up, no set up at all, or some kind of flawed factory second that probably shouldn't have been sold in the first place.