Kelley A5 model

[Skip Kelley]

Here are a few pics of an A model recently completed. It has a red spruce top and red maple back and sides. The mandolin is finished in an hand brushed oil varnish. It plays so easy. I did an A/B comparison today with some high dollar mandolins and this one came out on top. Every note is clear and strong. The midrange is incredible. The bass is fat and woody and the treble strings will peel the paint off the walls. The volume of this mandolin is unbelievable. It is my loudest mandolin to date. Banjo's beware!:grin:

[Skip Kelley]

Here's a couple more...

[Dfyngravity]

That's tasty there Skip.

You can just go ahead and send that one my way and I'll make sure it is good to go. :mandosmiley:

[ANP]

Awesome work Skip! Sounds like a keeper.

[jasona]

I'd love to own that one Skip! Beautiful in every way.

[jaco]

Skip, I forgot to tell you the story about a female friend of mine who played number 12 recently at a festival here in Florida. After glowing on and on about it, she asked me to marry her! Ol' #12 could have got me in trouble with the wife!!

[homermando]

So it is louder than any of your "F" mandos. Did you achieve greater loudness on purpose and if you built it using the same approach in a "F" style would it be even louder? Would you say it is voiced more towards bluegrass? I believe Josh Pinkham was playing one of your mandos at the Mandofest I attended and he played all kinds of stuff. Needless to say, it sounded awesome!

[Trey Young]

that looks great Skip, is this one going to be for sale? Is that F-4 still hanging around? I really dig your style :cool:

[Steve Cantrell]

Skip, this mandolin and that F4 from a couple of months ago are going to get me on your list very fast.

[Skip Kelley]

Guys, thanks for the kind words!
Mike, that is a funny story! Please don't let a mandolin get you in trouble. Especially with women!:grin:

John, I didn't do anything any different. The top I used had been sitting for years. I got it from a fiddle maker. It is a very lively piece. It had an incredible ring even uncarved. The mandolin is a Bluegrass mandolin for sure. It has a bark that will scare away the biggest dog!

Trey, Steve, I still have that F4 style.:)

[Trey Young]

Please don't let a mandolin get you in trouble. Especially with women!



Trey, Steve, I still have that F4 style.

Skip the two statements above are contradictory to me, that F4 still being around has me thinking of a scientific test of the theory "it's easier to get forgiveness than permission":whistling:. If you want the first statement to be heeded, than you may haft to stop building such nice mandos!:grin:

[Skip Kelley]

Trey, brother you are so right! I don't know how many times I have been in trouble because of my mandolin/music!
That is my motto to "It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission"

[Mark Walker]

Skip - that looks great! Glad to hear it's got volume and tone to go with it!

You're always so forthcoming with praise for other luthiers; I'm sure they recognize the great work you yourself do as well! Keep it up! :)

[Skip Kelley]

Mark, Thanks for the kind words! I appreciate it alot! It will hard to let this one ever go.

[JEStanek]

Godd looking mandolin, Skip. I sure do enjoy seeing a well crafted A style.

Jamie

[Skip Kelley]

Thanks Jamie! I kind of like them too!

[Joe Mendel]

Skip, That is beautiful, I love the color.

[Skip Kelley]

Thanks, Joe! I appreciate that alot!

[cooper4205]

I like the Loar-style body, too. Don't see those much.

[DerTiefster]

Sounds like a keeper.

I either can't read or you didn't post sound clip links. Either is possible. Are there any sound clips for those of us who can't hear through the viewscreen?

[Austin Clark]

Hi Skip,
That looks really pretty, I am sure it's owner will be most happy! Keep it up.

[Skip Kelley]

Michael, I will try to get a sound clip up soon! I have taken on a remodeling job in our downstairs as a Valentines gift to my wife. I have been a little busy.:grin:

Austin, Thanks for the compliments!

[Lane Pryce]

Hey Skip ----- Your new A is mouth watering. Sure would love to drop by and check it out. That kelley tone is dialed in to "perfection." Love the finish too. Will it stay local or is it getting ready to travel? Lane

[barry k]

Real nice work there Skip, as always. I prefer the look and sound of an "A" model over the "F".
Are you using an amber or standard yellow as your base, I like the color.

[Skip Kelley]

Lane, Thanks! This little pup is ready for adoption! I haven't really offered it for sale yet. Give me a call and come by and try it out! It would be great to see you!

Barry, I start with a vintage amber and go from there. I kind of darkened the center where you can't even see the amber anymore. Thanks for the compliments!

[ShaneJ]

Skip, you always get the best colors in your stain/finish. That's one smokin' hot mando.

[kyken]

nice looking A Skip. I find them usually every bit as good as an F.

[Skip Kelley]

Shane, Thanks for the compliment on the colors!

Ken, Thanks! This little A model has alot under the hood!

[Keith Newell]

That is a really sweet looking instrument Skip. I like the colors a lot.
Keith

[Skip Kelley]

Keith, Thanks alot for the compliment! I like the way the colors turned out too!